June 6, Ahmadinejad Speech

Ahmadinejad Holds News Conference With Foreign Correspondents

(Ahmadinezhad) In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. We beseech Almighty God to hasten the lofty advent of His regent (the Hidden Imam of the Shiites). O God, grant us good health and assistance. And may God grant us the honor of being His best helper to testify before Him.

Today is 15 Khordad (5 June), the anniversary of a great event in history of our nation and mankind. The great event of 15 Khordad was in fact the beginning of Imam Khomeyni's movement to open the window of light to mankind and to set up a system which is based on spirituality and monotheism in Iran.
As you know, throughout history whenever a nation or its leaders separated God and ethical values from their political and economic affairs, the result was discrimination, aggression, hatred, poverty, ignorance, and backwardness.
The root of many disputes between different tribes and powers in history is the fact that people have distanced themselves from the true meaning of serving and following God. In recent centuries in particular, in a coordinated move, God and its reality as a power that affects every single move in the world was brought down to a mere useless supervisor. And with this move, what shouldn't have happened to mankind happened.
When God and moral values are set aside in humanity's relations, then all good things disappear from the human environment and ugliness and evil fills humanity's life. When belief in all-knowing God -- the great, omnipotent, wise, creative Observer -- is set aside in humanity's life, anyone who is more cunning and devious, the biggest liar, the most violent and the most immoral appears more clever and more successful.
You can see that, in a large part of the world's social and political conduct today, honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty, justice and decency, which are the foundations of a felicitous life, have been totally forgotten and are even occasionally ridiculed.
Two currents that are apparently contradictory -- but have a single identity and essence -- by the names of liberalism and Marxism both came to set aside moral values and belief in God in human society. The outcome is the situation that we witness today. Extensive and futile wars and killings. More than 100 million people were killed in one century in a war (single, as heard) which was only undertaken to attain superiority, acquire more land and achieve domination.
Countless refugees, unlimited oppression, terror, threats, insecurity, heavy arms race, which pose a threat to the entire international community, are all the result of this material approach. Without belief in wise and prudent God and without belief in the Day of Judgement, when people are revived and their deeds are examined in the divine scales, when bad deeds prescribe punishment whereas good deeds prescribe afterlife award...(pauses) Without belief in this, human life would be worse than a jungle.
At a time when the international community had almost lost hope in correcting the situation and changing this devastating approach, and the shadow of faithlessness, immorality, and atheism had paralyzed the international community, imam came, raised the flag of the prophets and urged humanity to trust God and commit itself to divine values.
Imam had lofty features. Imam's first feature was his absolute faith in God Almighty. He was a monotheist in the real sense of the word. He was a genuine monotheist. He considered no one but God effective in the world. He believed all powers in the world are under the control of Almighty God. Therefore, he was not afraid of worldly powers in the slightest.
He used to say that if all the world powers stand on one side and want to counter our religion and our beliefs, I will oppose them single-handed. And we saw that he did so.
Another of the imam's characteristics was that everything he did was for God. He absolutely did not seek superiority, to show off, to acquire wealth, to arouse envy or to impose himself. Everything was for the sake of God, for the performance of divine duties. And this was the key to the imam's success.
Another of the imam's characteristics was that, if he invited human society to do a good deed, he would have fully performed that deed himself before. If he said, Don't lie!, he would never lie. If he said, be pure!, he never deviated from the path of purity himself.
If he invited humanity to be honest, trustworthy, brave and selfless, he was a vanguard in these arenas himself. The imam was a divine gift to today's humanity. He came; he shattered the heavy dominance of depraved materialism and opened a window to light and guidance to today's humanity.
The imam belongs to all of humanity and the imam's message is a world message. The imam was not just addressing the Iranian nation or the Islamic community; he was addressing all of humanity. The imam felt compassion and sorrow for all nations. He used to say: Anywhere in the world, where there is poverty, injustice, we worry about it. He said again and again: We share the sorrow of all the oppressed of the world, regardless of race, geography, religion or beliefs.
He believed in human honor. To him human honor was a very lofty value. Respect for people, their life, their reputation and their boundaries was very valuable to him. What is certain is that imam came and presented a practical model of a (genuine) follower of a divine prophet to today's humanity.
Imam was the architect of great changes in the modern world. Today you see that in various parts of the world nations are joining the path of imam in groups. Today, the desires of nations are the same as what Imam Khomeyni talked about in this country. Imam was a divine gift to modern mankind who transcended time, generation, and geography.
Nobody claims that imam belongs to the Iranian nation. Imam belongs to all, to you, to Latin America, North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. He belongs to any place of the world where there is a human and anywhere there is interest in spiritual growth, perfection, and human values. I am now at your service to take your questions.
(Moderator) I would like to thank President (Dr) Ahmadinezhad; and ask those whom we call to present their questions to be brief. This is because the questions need to be simultaneously translated and broadcast live in several languages.
The program should also be concluded at 1200 (0830 GMT) for the prayer time; that is to say we have about one hour of time only.
With your permission, Mr President; the first person will be Mr Mohammad Yusef from Giru TV, Pakistan.
(Correspondent Yusef, speaking in English) Good morning, Mr President. My question is: What is the current status of the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline; and is US opposition a major hurdle for its execution? Thank you.
(Ahmadinezhad) Fortunately, the discussions are proceeding well and good agreements have been reached. The principles have been agreed upon; and we hope that we can finalize this agreement this year.
The government which you named is of the type of governments to which I referred at my opening statements. They intend to interfere in every world affair. They consider themselves the owners of the world and want to interfere in every place. But they will have no influence in this issue.
(Moderator) Mr Ahleddin Salahov from Tajikistan state radio.
(Correspondent Salahov) I would like to say hello to you, the participants and colleagues. I would also like to convey the Tajik people's greetings to you and the dear Iranian people. My question concerns the strengthening of relations between Iran and Tajikistan in the area of exploring and exploiting Tajikistan's gas and oil. Experts believe that Tajikistan has got massive oil and gas resources under its mountains, which cover 93 percent of the country.
My question is whether Iran is interested in cooperating with this country in exploring and exploiting its underground mines. Furthermore, is Iran willing to cooperate in the construction of residential units in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, and other areas of this country? Thank you
(Ahmadinezhad) The Iranian and Tajik nations enjoy deep historical and cultural ties. Common language, religion, history, interests, rites and rituals have linked the two nations.
During the visit of my good friend Honorable Tajik President Mr Emomali Rahmon to Tehran and my visit to Tajikistan and Dushanbe I stressed that there is no limit for the expansion of our ties with Tajikistan. During these two visits, good understandings were reached in various fields, including in the areas of transport, joint investment, energy, construction and infrastructure. We hope that the understandings will be implemented and the grounds will be paved for further cooperation day after day.
(Moderator) Ms Zeynab Safar (name as heard) from Lebanon's al-Manar TV.
(Zeynab Safar, in Arabic) Greetings. What is your viewpoint toward nuclear energy? What would you like to say to the countries which are afraid of Iran's nuclear activities?
(Ahmadinezhad) As I said before, great powers want to monopolize everything. They are following a path which we have experienced before in order to dominate nations. They are trying to create differences, pessimism and enmity among nations so that they can separate and dominate them. If the region's nations stand by one another without a doubt, the nation's enemies and the world's looters will not be able to dominate nations. This issue is along the same lines.
As you can see, their arsenals are full of nuclear weapons. They threaten nations, mobilize their forces, set up military bases, and sign unilateral and imposed agreements. Then they tell a lie in order to spread fear and separate nations from one another.
As far as the nuclear issue is concerned, our activities are not only based on the law, but also they are within the framework of the (IAEA) agency's regulations. These activities are in the service of our welfare, development, and prosperity. We believe that our progress in that regard belongs to all of our friends, neighbors, and freedom-seeking nations.
Iran has always been at the service of global peace and security. Of course, such claims are mostly made by those powers. In meetings I have so far had with neighbors, friends and other countries, no one has expressed concern over (Iran's) nuclear progress. On the contrary, when I meet (the officials of) regional countries, they express happiness. They say Iran's nuclear progress serves our interests and we feel powerful as a result of the Islamic Republic's power.
As you know, major powers put pressure, propagate and impose their will and spread some words. These words no longer work. The movement of Iran has passed the point where they might have used these words to stop it. Our friends have accepted that Iran's progress will be in their interests.
(Moderator) Next person is Ms Nasrin Nasir al-Din (name as heard) from OTV television. And after her, Mr Tariq Tarshishi and Mr Ali Savaha.
(Nasrin Nasir al-Din) In an interview with Le Figaro, Mr Larijani has talked about a solution to Lebanon's case, including the likelihood of Hezbollah becoming a political party. What does that mean?
(Ahmadinezhad) What the Lebanese people and Hezbollah do is their decision; they make their own decisions. We do not intervene in Lebanese affairs. I believe it (what you said) was a misinterpretation of what Mr Larijani had said.
(Moderator) Mr Tariq Tarshishi from Lebanon's Al-Akhbar newspaper.
(Tariq Tarshishi) Good morning Mr president. There was an Iranian-Saudi initiative to solve the Lebanese crisis. After all these developments and the failure of attempts to solve the Lebanese crisis, will this initiative be renewed?
My other question is that some think that the region's situation will result in Iran and the US reaching an agreement which may be to the disadvantage of some of the former's allies such as Syria and Hezbollah. What is your response in this regard?
(Ahmadinezhad) As far as Lebanon is concerned, we have always stressed on that country's solidarity and national governance. We have always defended the Lebanese nation's endeavors to protect its independence and dignity. In line with this, we will also give a warm handshake to our friends who have been pursuing the same objective. Some attempts were started but were not followed up. Without a doubt the incidents which are taking place in Lebanon today are damaging for the Lebanese and regional nations.
During my remarks at the late Imam Khomeyni's mausoleum I advised all the regional countries to be vigilant and be careful of the enemies' evil deeds. Without a doubt, those who help the spread of differences and conflicts in Lebanon in any way are the enemies of the region's countries. All of us have to help the Lebanese nation make its own decisions. Those who think that they can impose their will on the Lebanese people by making evil plans, must know that they are making a mistake and these plans will harm themselves.
Lebanon is a part and parcel of the region and the Islamic ummah, and nobody should allow himself or herself to play with the fate of the Lebanese nation. This will certainly not be in the interest of the players. But concerning your second question, such an issue cannot even be imagined. Iran is the friend and brother of the nations in the region; and it has repeatedly shown the same in practice.
Iran supports the dignity, grandeur, security and interests of the nations in the region; and will not exchange this for the entire world. You should bear in mind that the security and integrity of Iraq is in the interest of all countries in the region. Under the excuse of insecurity in Iraq, some powers from thousands of kilometres away have mounted military expeditions to the region and are now interfering in our regional affairs.
The security in Iraq will deny the occupiers and aggressors of this excuse and opportunity. In all its actions, Iran has put interests, security and dignity of the nations in the region at the top of its agenda.
(Moderator) Mr Ali Sawahah from Syria's Athuwrah newspaper, followed by Mr Musavi from Beirut's Al-Alam and the correspondent from the Lebanese National News Agency.
(Correspondent in Arabic, followed by translation into Persian) It is clear that at the moment the voice of war is louder than the voice of peace. In what direction are the Iranian, Hezbollah, Syria and the Palestinian resistance moving?
(Ahmadinezhad) There are definitely a number of people in the world who think that they can solve every issue by threats, bombs, and wars. However, the time of such people and governments is over. Thinking, rationalism, and fair interactions are becoming a norm in the political atmosphere of the region and the world. There is the possibility that such governments, who can see that their time for looting and dominating other nations is over, try to threaten or harass (other nations). However, none of their moves will help rescue them or change the situation of the region in their favor.
The resistance, steadfastness, and justice-seeking spirit gets stronger among the nations of the region day by day, just as the influence of the enemy becomes weaker and its image becomes more dreadful.
We think that the future and future months and years will be the years of the experiencing of repeated victories for the nations of the region and the front of resistance.
(Moderator) Mr (?Rashidudin), India's Politics newspaper. Then, Mr (name indistinct).
(Correspondent, in English followed by Persian translation) Greetings. The United States of America accuses Iran of supporting terrorist activities in Iraq. And, on the other hand, it is trying to obtain Iran's support for creating peace in Iraq. I want to see what your view is about America's dual standards. And India is one of Iran's old friends and India's ties with Iran go back hundreds of years. But on Iran's nuclear issue, we see that, initially, India supported America. Do you think this will have an effect on the two countries' ties or not?
(Ahmadinezhad) We don't see a duality in the conduct of the occupiers of Iraq; we see multiplicity (chandganegi). It's because they've lost their way. They don't know what they're doing. They think that they can solve the problem by accusing others. Their first claim is the most laughable joke of recent years. People who have sent hundreds of troops from 12,000 km away, who have occupied Iraq, are imposing themselves there, are killing, and disregarding Iraq's national sovereignty, they accuse Iraq's neighbors -- which naturally have historical relations, their peoples are friends and relatives and have family ties -- they accuse them of interfering in Iraq's affairs.
We advised them from the very start not to support Saddam (as he acts) against regional nations. They themselves armed Saddam against our nation. They themselves urged Saddam (to take action) against Kuwait. Then they claimed Saddam was an aggressor and war-monger.
Under the pretext of bringing Saddam down, they invaded Iraq. We told them now that Saddam had been toppled leave Iraq. The Iraqi nation does not tolerate invasion. The Iraqi and regional nations are against foreigners and resist them. They ignored our words. They stayed on and tried to use Iraq's oil, its political power and geographical position to advance their own designs. But we saw that the Iraqi nation resisted.
They set up a terrorist network in Iraq. They designed a corridor from neighboring countries within a distance of over 1,000 km both to train and dispatch terrorists to Iraq. We see what losses bomb explosions are inflicting on the Iraqi people. We advised them to leave Iraq as soon as possible and let the Iraqi nation, who has a civilization of over 7,000 years, govern itself. Again they ignored our words.
Now they are asking for help. We are ready to help for the sake of the Iraqi people and their security, and we will spare no effort (to that end).
Regarding the Indian government, as you said, the Iranian and Indian nations have friendly and historical ties. Our ties are very, very deep ties. After the incident that you mentioned, the Indian prime minister contacted me and said: This is something that has happened and we don't want this incident to have a negative effect on the two counties' ties.
We, for our part, accepted this and said: Very well, an incident has occurred. It has joined history. Let us be careful from now on to ensure that interference by others does not harm the two nations' deep and lasting ties. And, fortunately, this is the course we're following. Our ties are good ties and we hope that these ties will expand to the benefit of the peace and security of the nations of the region.
(Moderator) Mr (?Atif Musavi), (?Al-Alam), Beirut.
(Correspondent in Arabic followed by translation into Persian) Mr President, do you think that the Muslim sedition, from Iraq to Lebanon, has been controlled? Will new steps be taken for the normalization of ties with Arab countries, which are considered to be (pro-)American and moderate, especially after the talks between Iran and America -- in the sense of whether the reactions have been positive or negative. Another question concerns the situation in Lebanon. How true are the things that are being said about Iran's initiative, between Saudi Arabia and Syria, as a preliminary step for the resolution of Lebanon's domestic problem? Thank you.
(Ahmadinezhad) You asked two or three questions. We think that the usurpers who entered and infiltrated our region in the past 100 years, meaning since the beginning of the 20th century and have tried to influence the policies of regional countries to their own benefit, have reached the end of their path. Today, their 100-year interference and looting is coming to an end. They will definitely do their utmost to preserve this domination. Fortunately, the region's countries have awakened and the circumstances have become very difficult and fragile for usurpers. Every day they take a step back and the region's countries take a step forward.
As I said before, they may try to take destructive measures or start a psychological war against the region's nations. However, they won't achieve anything. God willing, the near future belongs to the regional nations and the world's occupiers, looters and bullies will have no place.
As I said before, the framework of our talks with the occupiers of Iraq is the security in that country. This is to the advantage of all the region's countries. Every day, most of the regional countries have to deal, talk and hold meetings with these occupiers. We haven't been sensitive in that regard.
Iran will certainly proceed in its determined path and will defend the rights of the nations in the region. Our policies are completely clear. We do not consider any illegitimate rights or interests for big powers in the region. We do not believe that they have the right to unilaterally interfere (in countries' internal affairs) and plunder nations' wealth.
These are Iran's definite policies; and Iran will powerfully and decisively continue these policies to the end. Iran's other policy is to promote fraternal relations with the nations in the region. You can see that I have travelled to almost all the countries in the region; and my visits have been to carry the message of friendship, brotherhood, and peace. This is how we look at the region.
(Moderator) Thank you. Ms Mona Sokkari, the correspondent of the national news agency of Lebanon.
(Correspondent Sokkari in Arabic, followed by Persian translation) Mr President, I have a question concerning the true position of Iran in Lebanon and Iraq. You were the ally -- and were supporting the forces that were the allies -- of American occupiers. You are (at the same time) supporting those who are against American policies. Why do you observe such double standards? Is the Great Satan (REFERENCE to the US) wearing a different robe in Lebanon and the angel's robe in Iraq?
(Ahmadinezhad) I do not understand. When have we supported the occupiers' policies?
(Sokkari) You have supported and made alliance with those Iraqi groups who are the American occupiers' allies.
(Ahmadinezhad) Who are the American occupiers' allies?
(Sokkari) You know well.
(Ahmadinezhad) So, you don't know?
(Sokkari) Yes, I know, and you know too.
(Ahmadinezhad) I suggest that you should study independent newspapers along with American ones.
(Sokkari) But this question still applies Mr President.
(Ahmadinezhad) Even the Americans have not made such a claim.
(Correspondent Sokkari laughs)
(Ahmadinezhad) Our policies are quite clear. We are against occupation and domination over the nations of the region. We are against foreign interference in the affairs of the regional nations. Unity, independence, progress and dignity of any regional nation is progress and dignity for the Islamic Republic. We want all of the countries of the region to be independent, respected and developed.
(Moderator) Mr As'ad Heydar from Al-Mostaqbal newspaper.
(Correspondent in Arabic, followed by Persian translation) Hello. My brothers asked me to introduce myself. I was the first person who welcomed Imam (Khomeyni) in France and interviewed him first. I was with him all the way to Tehran. During the war, I was with the guards in Shush and other regions. However, today I want to play my role as a journalist and ask two questions. A while ago, a terrorist group attacked (revolutionary) guards in Hamedan and kidnapped a few of them. The members of the group were arrested and executed. Now then, what is your position regarding those who killed Lebanese army members in Nahr al-Barid and Ayn al-Hilwah?
(Ahmadinezhad) I have expressed my views in responses to previous questions. We think any conflict, domestic dispute, or insecurity is to the detriment of the Lebanese nation. Lebanon needs unity, solidarity, and security in this situation when it is being threatened by the occupiers of Al-Quds (Israel).
We, therefore, completely condemn such clashes.
(Correspondent) We have realized that Mr Larijani did not deny the initiative that was published in Figaro. What is your position concerning this initiative?
(Ahmadinezhad) Our position is very clear. We believe that the decision that the Lebanese nation adopts for its future should be respected by all. Nobody has the right to decide for Lebanon but its people.
(Moderator) Thank you. Mr Mostafa Olum, from Al-Asr Magazine published in Kuwait.
(Correspondent Mostafa Olum in Arabic, followed by Persian translation) Mr President, I would like to thank you for your hospitality. Mr President what is the secret behind your confidence and stable position despite all the military threats against your country. There are resolutions adopted to impose financial and political sanctions against you. Mr President, do you think that America has come to a point that it does not want to change the Islamic Republic state? What are the methods that America uses in this respect?
(Ahmadinezhad) We did not say that America, or some American leaders do not want to harm us. We said that they are unable to harm us. They may be willing to do so, but they are incapable of doing so.
It has been 28 years that they have been willing to harm us. What has happened in the past 28 years?
Iran is more powerful and they are less powerful. And this path will continue. The key to it is what imam taught us and that is divine word.
God says: If you help God, God will help you and strengthen your steps. God says: God defends the believers. God says: Those who fight Jihad on our behalf, We will guide them. And God says: Those who are in the party of God are victorious. Those who resist for the sake of God are triumphant. This is a divine promise. It is not a promise by deceitful politicians. (The correspondents applaud in approval)
It is not a hollow promise by deceitful and lying politicians. These are divine words and we can see them. If you are a realistic analyst, you can clearly see this fact. When we analyze the situation in the region, we come to the conclusion that they (the Americans) are no longer capable of doing serious harm to regional nations.
They brought all their military and political capability to our region. Do they have a strategy to exit the Iraqi deadlock? Can they work out (plans) for a new conflict? For sure that is not the case. The situation in the region is to their detriment.
Do me a favor please. Conduct an opinion poll in Kuwait. All of you, please conduct opinion polls in regional countries. Will 10 out of 100 percent of respondents support their policies? Definitely, that will not be the case.
I would like to resolutely declare here that nations of the region strongly oppose the policies of these powers. Wherever nations are against (something) powers no matter how great they are will not be able to do anything. Particularly, when it comes to the Iranian nation where 70 million people are united and ready on the scene.
You see that the Iranian nation is pursuing its aspirations in all fields. You saw that in Imam's ceremony (Khomeyni's death anniversary on 4 June) people today are many times more enthusiastic, lively, and determined than in 1357 (1979 when the Islamic Revolution triumphed) in sticking to the ideals of the imam.
These powers have no choice but one, which involves making friends with nations and putting aside their arrogant policies.
Let me tell you something. Some think that these powers can resolve issues to their own advantage (secure solutions which serve their interests) since they have nuclear and chemical bombs. It is a wrong perception. Nuclear bombs could not save the Soviet Union from disintegration. Today, nuclear bombs cannot save the occupiers of Iraq. What is a nuclear bomb good for?
Thoughts cannot be replaced by nuclear bombs. Now it is a day of thoughts and logic, a day of rule of nations' will.
I invite these heads of state to come and see regional nations, without any redundant visits. Do they dare do this? If yes, how will regional countries meet them? In my opinion, they can try it for free. (applause)
(Moderator) Thanks a lot. (name indistinct) from radio Guinea.
(Correspondent in French) Thank you, Mr President. I am (name indistinct), from RTG, Radio-Television Guinea-Conakry. I have regularly presented news concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran and Guinea for more than 15 years. Now I am director-general of all the rural and local radios of the Republic of Guinea. So, my question concerns the level of cooperation between the Republic of Guinea and the Islamic Republic of Iran, bearing in mind that Iran does many things for Guinea. But one of the projects that very much occupies and interests the Guinean people is the exploitation of the bauxite of (?Diginay d'Abola). Today, people are asking why the project doesn't advance quickly. This is my question and grievance, if I may.
(Ahmadinezhad) Thanks. We have friendly relations with Guinea. We had projects both in the political and investment spheres which should have been implemented. There were some barriers for their implementation for some administrative reasons. The obstacles were mainly financial and monetary ones. Fortunately, the obstacles have been removed and you will witness that the implementation of the projects will be speeded up soon.
(Moderator) Ms Bareh Afhaghi, from Al-Bayraq and Ali Salemabadi from Oman's Al-Watan will be after Radio Nur's Mr Honi Fakhruddin.
(Correspondent) Hello. I'm from Radio Nur, affiliated to Lebanon's Hezbollah group. Mr President, Iran is in a very sensitive geographical, political, and economic location. It is located in a region where it continuously witnesses conflicts resulted from the Zionists' occupation of Palestine, where there are holy sites. In the West, there are people who accuse the Islamic Republic of playing a role in these conflicts. My first question is what is your response to those people?
(Ahmadinezhad) Well the response is very clear. They allow themselves to come from thousands of kilometers away and interfere in the affairs of the region. And they expect the nations of the region to sit back and watch. I don't think anyone will accept this. After all, if they think they can come here and swallow the entire region all at once, they are wrong.
Regarding the Iranian nation's interference in the affairs of other nations, I have to say no, there is no such thing. Our relations with the nations of the region are of a spiritual and brotherly nature. All of the nations of the region have always supported each other and will continue to do so.
(Correspondent) In political interpretations, it seems that Lebanon is not threatened by Israel and neither is Iran by America. However, we heard that you have warned the Zionist enemy against the consequences of attacking Lebanon. And as we can see, American troops are dispatched to the Persian Gulf. Mr President, what information do you have about the developments in the region? Has the region put the threats of Israel and America behind?
(Ahmadinezhad) At any rate, we warned the enemies of the region's nations against thinking about repeating the crimes of last year. Based on the information we have received from various places and themselves, we have reached the conclusion that they are making plans to make up for their defeat. It was necessary to remind them of the region's circumstances so that they would come to their senses and not carry out any new evil deeds.
As I said then and repeated today, they won't be able to renew their past domination over the region. Their influence and domination is becoming weaker day by day. They have no option but to officially recognize the rights of the region's countries and put aside their unilateral and imposed approach. We advise them to do this themselves. Such a thing will prepare the ground for further friendly contacts. However, if they don't listen to this persuasive advice, we are warning and informing them of an occurrence which is waiting to happen.We are seeing that the components of the regional countries' power are evolving fast. When nations change, the circumstances outside their country also change.
God has said: Allah will not change the condition of a nation unless it changes its condition. (preceding words in Arabic)
And we can see that nations are changing. If nations change, the hegemonic powers will have to leave the region, and by then it will be very difficult for them (hegemonic powers) to befriend other nations.
(Moderator) Ms. Bareh Afhaghi from Al-Bayraq newspaper.
(Correspondent) Mr President we respect your assessment of Arab nations' power. However, Arab and Muslim nations are threatened by sectarian ploys which are orchestrated by evil minds. Mr President, what is your advice to these nations and their leaders? What mechanism do you think can stop this ploy?
(Ahmadinezhad) As I said, the (big) powers create discord in the region in order to dominate it. When you go to their countries or continents, you realize that there are hundreds of sorts of divisions among them and that there is historical hatred and enmity among them. They are thirsty for each others' blood and have had numerous bloodshed and wars among them. However, today they are playing a unity show. And of course, they are united in looting the nations of the region. They launch campaigns to create discord among Islamic nations, despite the fact that unity factors among Muslims are much stronger that the unity elements among themselves.
These categorizations are their creation. A Muslim is a Muslim. We have one God. We have one Prophet. We have one Book. And we have the same interests. And we have the same qiblah (direction in which Muslims pray). What's our quarrel?
The Household of the Noble Prophet of Islam (REFERENCE to Shiite Imams), too, are respected by all Muslims. Everyone loves them and feel affection toward them. What's our problem? Of course, there may be people -- because of the temptations of Satan and enemies and because of their own selfishness and quest for power -- who want to create dissension. But I will say this to you: This policy of the enemies has also failed. And the reason for its failure is the awakening of the nations of the region. And the prerequisite for victory and the foiling of enemies' plots is the wakefulness of nations, the alertness of elders and politicians and opinion holders.
Our invitation to everyone is this: Let us be alert. Let us strengthen fraternity. Let us remember that tomorrow, on Judgment Day, each and every one of us has to stand before God and the dear Prophet of Islam and defend our words and deeds.
God forbid that we should do something that will evoke God's wrath and the wrath of the Prophet of God on that day.
(Moderator) Thank you. Mr Ali (?Salim-Ibadi), Al-Watan newspaper, Oman.
(Correspondent, in Arabic followed by Persian translation) Mr President, over the past month, you visited the Emirates and Oman, and it was described as an important visit regionally and internationally. Mr President, was the visit a message for opening new pages on strengthening ties between Iran and Persian Gulf countries, including ties in political arenas?
(Ahmadinezhad) We have always had good and friendly ties with neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf. The Persian Gulf is the gulf of fraternity, the gulf of peace, and the gulf of friendship.
And if there is some propaganda (to the contrary), this is because of foreigners' interference and presence. Otherwise, the nations of the region are brothers. And we, for our part, have to pursue the demands of the nations of the region.
My visit to the Emirates and Oman was a visit to brothers and friends and the visit's message was a message of strengthening friendship, a message of fraternity and the expansion of cooperation for security and calm in the region.
Naturally a trip at such a level will spawn new developments which will be in the interest of all regional nations.
(Moderator) Thank you. Ms Michael Disenstein (the moderator corrects himself) Mr, Ms Giscard Graham (name as heard) from public radio, America.
(Graham) Thank you very much. Can you update us on the status of the detained Americans and tell us more about the espionage charges against them and also the detained students from the Amir Kabir University? Where are they being held and what do you plan to do with these people?
(Ahmadinezhad) I think relevant officials have provided the public with necessary information. Thank God, in Iran the rule of law prevails and the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic is an independent branch and its activities are independent of the executive. The Judiciary will look into the case of anyone who stands accused or (anyone who) has committed a crime. And our judicial system is progressive and very systematic.
If those who have been arrested have a complaint or a claim to make, the legal channel to address that (their appeal) is quite clear and they can use that channel.
Of course, we do not want anyone to be arrested in any country or anywhere in the world. We would like everyone to walk within the confines of law and (wish) all prisons around the world were emptied.
(Moderator) Mr Michael Disenstein (name as heard) from The Associated Press, America.
(Disenstein) Hi Mr president, thank you. I am wondering if you think that there will be new United Nations sanctions on Iran; (words indistinct) so what would be Iran's reaction to these sanctions?
(Ahmadinezhad) We think that the Security Council should stop its unfair and illegal behavior. The Security Council should not defend the interests of some major powers. Rather the Security Council should act in line with the law and defend the rights of nations. Basically, the intervention of the Security Council in the nuclear case was illegal and we saw that it did nothing to settle the case.
It was not that it caused us any problem; rather it caused problems for those who were against us. When they took the case to the Security Council, they tied their political fate to their reputation. (sentence as heard) They realized that previous sanctions left no impact on the Iranian nation and its movement.
Previously we advised them against treading this path. We said any single step on this deviant path would further complicate your (major powers') own job and push you further away from a solution. Otherwise, you are not capable of harming the Iranian nation.
It will be same from now on as well. We recommend them (West) to stop being stubborn and childish. What we do is legal and they know it. They should know that Iran is a big country. Some people say that Iran is like a lion that is sitting in a corner calmly. I recommend them not to pull the lion's tail. (Audience clap)
(Moderator) Correspondent from Radio Europe 1.
(Correspondent in French followed by Persian translation) I would like to know your views regarding the continuation of ties between Iran and France after the election of Nicolas Sarkozy. Is there going to be a change in Tehran's tone toward Paris given President Sarkozy's rather pro-American stances, especially on the nuclear program file?
(Ahmadinezhad) I don't think that France's position has become any closer to that of America's. We have to see what the new president does in practice. Our nation has always had a positive sentiment toward France for two reasons. One of the reasons is that the nation does not have a colonial or hegemonic memory of France. (Interruption, call for prayers)
(Ahmadinezhad continues, after the interruption and call for prayers) ...Everybody would adhere to whatever decision is made by the Lebanese nation. Even the nation of Iraq. In the same way Kuwait belongs to the nation of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia belongs to country's nation. The same applies to Jordan and Syria and the Persian Gulf countries. The nations decide and act based on their decisions. We have to defend the national will in all countries. And we have to defend the interests of nations in the region and in their own geography. Yes, from one point of view we can say let us solve all problems together. We could tell all the aggressors and occupiers and arrogant powers to go away and that they have been in the region for long enough, for 100 years and you have done whatever you liked to do. Please go away and let the region's nations mind their own business. If they go, all the problems will be solved. And there is no need to a basket. (Something he referred to during the interruption and call for prayer) (Applause)
(Interpreter) Have you got any suggestion?
(Ahmadinezhad) Yes we have some suggestions and usually offer them to the two sides in Lebanon. As I said it is generally about preserving the unity, territorial integrity, independence, and dignity of Lebanon. These are the pillars of our suggestions.
(Pakistani correspondent in Persian) I am Seyyeda Nargess from Pakistan, I am the manager of a newspaper and wish to ask a question: How do you see the developments in Pakistan as the father of the Iranian nation?
(Ahmadinezhad) Pakistan is a great nation in our region. It is a nation rooted in this region; an honest and pure and Muslim nation. You know that Pakistan's (official) name is the Islamic Republic of Pakistan like Iran that is the Islamic Republic of Iran. I do not want to go back in time and remind you of the history of the establishment of Pakistan. But we as Pakistan's brother believe that Pakistan should be united, independent, progressive, and powerful. We believe that Pakistan's power and progress is in the interest of all nations and believe that all of Pakistan's neighbors should contribute to this. Pakistan's officials should be grateful to their nation and bravely defend the territorial integrity, dignity, and independence of the Pakistani nation. The enemies of the region's nations do not want any regional country to be independent and powerful. They want the nations to be weak, separated, and in conflict with each other so that they can impose their views on them. The Pakistani nation should be aware of this. Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan should be based on mutual respect and brotherly ties. This is not what the enemies want. They want conflict. They want grudge and hard feelings. In this way they can establish their presence in the region. But I am sure the region's nations including the nation of Pakistan will overcome the problems. I wish you success and victory.
(Description of Source: Tehran Islamic Republic of Iran News Network Television (IRINN) in Persian -- State-run 24-hour news channel in Persian, Arabic and English; presenting up to the minute domestic and international news. It offers exclusive interviews on a variety of topics, as well as information on universities, labor, and economic developments from the capital and the provinces.)

NewsEdge Document Number: 200706061477.1_bada227c22cc56f9
Original Source Language: Persian
Region: Middle East; Americas; Asia World News Connection®