Wednesday, September
20, 2006
Text of Iranian
Leader’s UN Speech
Text of Iranian
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Address to the United Nations, Sept.
19, 2006
[Editor’s note:
for obvious reasons the US media has suppressed the transcript of
Ahmadinejad’s speech, the better to misrepresent it in a
highly distorted and prejudicial fashion. Not even the UN has made
it available. An alert HOFFMAN WIRE reader tipped us to an obscure
Turkish website that offered the English version which we reprint below.
As the Israeli/neocon drum beats for World War III, the American people
have the right to know what the leader of Iran actually said, unfiltered
by The Gatekeepers. After you read his words you’ll know why the NY
Times and the rest of the US/Zionist press suppressed, twisted and minimized
it].
*******
Madam President,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Heads of Delegation,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen I praise the Merciful, All-Knowing and
Almighty God for blessing me with another opportunity to address this Assembly
on behalf of the great nation of Iran and to bring a number of issues to
the attention of the international community. I also praise the Almighty
for the increasing vigilance of peoples across the globe, their courageous
presence in different international settings, and the brave expression of
their views and aspirations regarding global issues.
Today, humanity
passionately craves commitment to the Truth, devotion to God, quest for Justice
and respect for the dignity of human beings. Rejection of domination and
aggression, defense of the oppressed,and longing for peace constitute the
legitimate demand of the peoples of the world, particularly the new generations
and the spirited youth, who aspire a world free from decadence, aggression
and injustice, and replete with love and compassion.
The youth have a
right to seek justice and the Truth; and they have a right to build their
own future on the foundations of love, compassion and tranquility. And, I
praise the Almighty for this immense blessing. Madame President, Excellencies,
What afflicts humanity today is certainly not compatible with human dignity;
the Almighty has not created human beings so that they could transgress against
others and oppress them. By causing war and conflict, some are fast expanding
their domination, accumulating greater wealth and usurping all the resources,
while others endure the resulting poverty, suffering and misery.
Some seek to rule
the world relying on weapons and threats, while others live in perpetual
insecurity and danger. Some occupy the homeland of others, thousands of
kilometers away from their borders, interfere in their affairs and control
their oil and other resources and strategic routes, while others are bombarded
daily in their own homes; their children murdered in the streets and alleys
of their own country and their homes reduced to rubble. Such behavior is
not worthy of human beings and runs counter to the Truth, to justice and
to human dignity.
The fundamental
question is that under such conditions, where should the oppressed seek justice?
Who, or what organization defends the rights of the oppressed, and suppresses
acts of aggression and oppression? Where is the seat of global justice? A
brief glance at a few examples of the most pressing global issues can further
illustrate the problem.
A.
The unbridled expansion of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons
Some powers proudly announce their production of second and third generations
of nuclear weapons. What do they need these weapons for? Is the development
and stockpiling of these deadly weapons designed to promote peace and democracy?
Or, are these weapons,
in fact, instruments of coercion and threat against other peoples and
governments? How long should the people of the world live with the nightmare
of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons? What bounds the powers producing
and possessing these weapons? How can they be held accountable before the
international community? And, are the inhabitants of these countries content
with the waste of their wealth and resources for the production of such
destructive arsenals? Is it not possible to rely on justice, ethics and wisdom
instead of these instruments of death?
Aren’t wisdom
and justice more compatible with peace and tranquility than nuclear, chemical
and biological weapons? If wisdom, ethics and justice prevail, then oppression
and aggression will be uprooted, threats will wither away and no reason will
remain for conflict.
This is a solid
proposition because most global conflicts emanate from injustice, and from
the powerful, not being contented with their own rights, striving to devour
the rights of others. People across the globe embrace justice and are willing
to sacrifice for its sake. Would it not be easier for global powers to ensure
their longevity and win hearts and minds through the championing of real
promotion of justice, compassion and peace, than through continuing the
proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons and the threat of their use?
The experience of the threat and the use of nuclear weapons is before us.
Has it achieved anything for the perpetrators other than exacerbation of
tension, hatred and animosity among nations?
B.
Occupation of countries and exacerbation of hostilities Occupation
of countries, including Iraq, has continued for the last three years. Not
a day goes by without hundreds of people getting killed in cold blood. The
occupiers are incapable of establishing security in Iraq. Despite the
establishment of the lawful Government and National Assembly of Iraq, there
are covert and overt efforts to heighten insecurity, magnify and aggravate
differences within Iraqi society, and instigate civil strife.
There is no indication
that the occupiers have the necessary political will to eliminate the sources
of instability. Numerous terrorists were apprehended by the Government of
Iraq, only to be let loose under various pretexts by the occupiers. It seems
that intensification of hostilities and terrorism serves as a pretext for
the continued presence of foreign forces in Iraq.
Where can the people
of Iraq seek refuge, and from whom should the Government of Iraq seek justice?
Who can ensure Iraq’s security? Insecurity in Iraq affects the entire
region. Can the Security Council play a role in restoring peace and security
in Iraq, while the occupiers are themselves permanent members of the Council?
Can the Security Council adopt a fair decision in this regard? Consider the
situation in Palestine: The roots of the Palestinian problem go back to the
Second World War.
Under the pretext
of protecting some of the survivors of that War, the land of Palestine was
occupied through war, aggression and the displacement of millions of its
inhabitants; it was placed under the control of some of the War survivors,
bringing even larger population groups from elsewhere in the world, who had
not been even affected by the Second World War; and a government was established
in the territory of others with a population collected from across the world
at the expense of driving millions of the rightful inhabitants of the land
into a diaspora and homelessness.
This is a great
tragedy with hardly a precedent in history. Refugees continue to live in
temporary refugee camps, and many have died still hoping to one day return
to their land. Can any logic, law or legal reasoning justify this tragedy?
Can any member of the United Nations accept such a tragedy occurring in their
own homeland?
The pretexts for
the creation of the regime occupying Al-Qods Al-Sharif are so weak that its
proponents want to silence any voice trying to merely speak about them, as
they are concerned that shedding light on the facts would undermine the raison
d‘être of this regime, as it has.
The tragedy does
not end with the establishment of a regime in the territory of others.
Regrettably, from its inception, that regime has been a constant source of
threat and insecurity in the Middle East region, waging war and spilling
blood and impeding the progress of regional countries, and has also been
used by some powers as an instrument of division, coercion, and pressure
on the people of the region. Reference to these historical realities may
cause some disquiet among supporters of this regime. But these are sheer
facts and not myth.
History has unfolded
before our eyes. Worst yet, is the blanket and unwarranted support provided
to this regime. Just watch what is happening in the Palestinian land. People
are being bombarded in their own homes and their children murdered in their
own streets and alleys. But no authority, not even the Security Council,
can afford them any support or protection. Why?
At the same time,
a Government is formed democratically and through the free choice of the
electorate in a part of the Palestinian territory. But instead of receiving
the support of the so-called champions of democracy, its Ministers and Members
of Parliament are illegally abducted and incarcerated in full view of the
international community. Which council or international organization stands
up to protect this brutally besieged Government? And why can‘t the Security
Council take any steps?
Let me here address
Lebanon: For thirty-three long days, the Lebanese lived under the barrage
of fire and bombs and close to 1.5 million of them were displaced; meanwhile
some members of the Security Council practically chose a path that provided
ample opportunity for the aggressor to achieve its objectives militarily.
We witnessed that the Security Council of the United Nations was practically
incapacitated by certain powers to even call for a ceasefire.
The Security Council
sat idly by for so many days, witnessing the cruel scenes of atrocities against
the Lebanese while tragedies such as Qana were persistently repeated. Why?
In all these cases, the answer is self-evident. When the power behind the
hostilities is itself a permanent member of the Security Council, how then
can this Council fulfill its responsibilities?
C.
Lack of respect for the rights of members of the international community
Excellencies, I now wish to refer to some of the grievances of the Iranian
people and speak to the injustices against them. The Islamic Republic of
Iran is a member of the IAEA and is committed to the NPT. All our nuclear
activities are transparent, peaceful and under the watchful eyes of IAEA
inspectors. Why then are there objections to our legally recognized rights?
Which governments object to these rights? Governments that themselves benefit
from nuclear energy and the fuel cycle. Some of them have abused nuclear
technology for non-peaceful ends including the production of nuclear bombs,
and some even have a bleak record of using them against humanity. Which
organization or Council should address these injustices?
Is the Security
Council in a position to address them? Can it stop violations of the inalienable
rights of countries? Can it prevent certain powers from impeding scientific
progress of other countries? The abuse of the Security Council, as an instrument
of threat and coercion, is indeed a source of grave concern. Some permanent
members of the Security Council, even when they are themselves parties to
international disputes, conveniently threaten others with the Security Council
and declare, even before any decision by the Council, the condemnation of
their opponents by the Council.
The question is:
what can justify such exploitation of the Security Council, and doesn‘t
it erode the credibility and effectiveness of the Council? Can such behavior
contribute to the ability of the Council to maintain security? Excellencies,
A review of the preceding historical realities would lead to the conclusion
that regrettably, justice has become a victim of force and aggression.
Many global arrangements
have become unjust, discriminatory and irresponsible as a result of undue
pressure from some of the powerful; Threats with nuclear weapons and other
instruments of war by some powers have taken the place of respect for the
rights of nations and the maintenance and promotion of peace and tranquility;
For some powers, claims of promotion of human rights and democracy can only
last as long as they can be used as instruments of pressure and intimidation
against other nations. But when it comes to the interests of the claimants,
concepts such as democracy, the right of self-determination of nations, respect
for the rights and intelligence of peoples, international law and justice
have no place or value.
This is blatantly
manifested in the way the elected Government of the Palestinian people is
treated as well as in the support extended to the Zionist regime. It does
not matter if people are murdered in Palestine, turned into refugees, captured,
imprisoned or besieged; that must not violate human rights.
Nations are not
equal in exercising their rights recognized by international law. Enjoying
these rights is dependent on the whim of certain major powers.
Apparently the Security
Council can only be used to ensure the security and the rights of some big
powers. But when the oppressed are decimated under bombardment, the Security
Council must remain aloof and not even call for a ceasefire. Is this not
a tragedy of historic proportions for the Security Council, which is charged
with maintaining the security of countries?
The prevailing order
of contemporary global interactions is such that certain powers equate themselves
with the international community, and consider their decisions superseding
that of over 180 countries. They consider themselves the masters and rulers
of the entire world and other nations as only second class in the world order.
Excellencies, The question needs to be asked: if the Governments of the United
States or the United Kingdom who are permanent members of the Security Council,
commit aggression, occupation and violation of international law, which of
the organs of the UN can take them to account? Can a Council in which they
are privileged members address their violations? Has this ever happened?
In fact, we have
repeatedly seen the reverse. If they have differences with a nation or state,
they drag it to the Security Council and as claimants, arrogate to themselves
simultaneously the roles of prosecutor, judge and executioner. Is this a
just order? Can there be a more vivid case of discrimination and more clear
evidence of injustice?
Regrettably, the
persistence of some hegemonic powers in imposing their exclusionist policies
on international decision making mechanisms, including the Security Council,
has resulted in a growing mistrust in global public opinion, undermining
the credibility and effectiveness of this most universal system of collective
security. Excellencies, How long can such a situation last in the world?
It is evident that the behavior of some powers constitutes the greatest challenge
before the Security Council, the entire organization and its affiliated agencies.
The present structure and working methods of the Security Council, which
are legacies of the Second World War, are not responsive to the expectations
of the current generation and the contemporary needs of humanity.
Today, it is undeniable
that the Security Council, most critically and urgently, needs legitimacy
and effectiveness. It must be acknowledged that as long as the Council is
unable to act on behalf of the entire international community in a transparent,
just and democratic manner, it will neither be legitimate nor effective.
Furthermore, the direct relation between the abuse of veto and the erosion
of the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council has now been clearly and
undeniably established. We cannot, and should not, expect the eradication,
or even containment, of injustice, imposition and oppression without reforming
the structure and working methods of the Council. Is it appropriate to expect
this generation to submit to the decisions and arrangements established over
half a century ago? Doesn’t this generation or future generations have
the right to decide themselves about the world in which they want to live?
Today, serious reform
in the structure and working methods of the Security Council is, more than
ever before, necessary. Justice and democracy dictate that the role of the
General Assembly, as the highest organ of the United Nations, must be respected.
The General Assembly can then, through appropriate mechanisms, take on the
task of reforming the Organization and particularly rescue the Security Council
from its current state. In the interim, the Non-Aligned Movement, the
Organization of the Islamic Conference and the African continent should each
have a representative as a permanent member of the Security Council, with
veto privilege. The resulting balance would hopefully prevent further trampling
of the rights of nations.
Madame President,
Excellencies, It is essential that spirituality and ethics find their rightful
place in international relations. Without ethics and spirituality, attained
in light of the teachings of Divine prophets, justice, freedom and human
rights cannot be guaranteed. Resolution of contemporary human crises lies
in observing ethics and spirituality and the governance of righteous people
of high competence and piety. Should respect for the rights of human beings
become the predominant objective, then injustice, ill-temperament, aggression
and war will fade away. Human beings are all God‘s creatures and are
all endowed with dignity and respect. No one has superiority over others.
No individual or states can arrogate to themselves special privileges, nor
can they disregard the rights of others and, through influence and pressure,
position themselves as the “international community”.
Citizens of Asia,
Africa, Europe and America are all equal. Over six billion inhabitants of
the earth are all equal and worthy of respect. Justice and protection of
human dignity are the two pillars in maintaining sustainable peace, security
and tranquility in the world. It is for this reason that we state: Sustainable
peace and tranquility in the world can only be attained through justice,
spirituality, ethics, compassion and respect for human dignity. All nations
and states are entitled to peace, progress and security. We are all members
of the international community and we are all entitled to insist on the creation
of a climate of compassion, love and justice. All members of the United Nations
are affected by both the bitter and the sweet events and developments in
today’s world. We can adopt firm and logical decisions, thereby improving
the prospects of a better life for current and future generations.
Together, we can
eradicate the roots of bitter maladies and afflictions, and instead, through
the promotion of universal and lasting values such as ethics, spirituality
and justice, allow our nations to taste the sweetness of a better future.
Peoples, driven by their divine nature, intrinsically seek Good, Virtue,
Perfection and Beauty. Relying on our peoples, we can take giant steps towards
reform and pave the road for human perfection. Whether we like it or not,
justice, peace and virtue will sooner or later prevail in the world with
the will of Almighty God. It is imperative, and also desirable, that we too
contribute to the promotion of justice and virtue.
The Almighty and
Merciful God, who is the Creator of the Universe, is also its Lord and Ruler.
Justice is His command. He commands His creatures to support one another
in Good, virtue and piety, and not in decadence and corruption. He commands
His creatures to enjoin one another to righteousness and virtue and not to
sin and transgression. All Divine prophets from the Prophet Adam (peace be
upon him) to the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), to the Prophet Jesus
Christ (peace be upon him), to the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him),
have all called humanity to monotheism, justice, brotherhood, love and
compassion.
Is it not possible
to build a better world based on monotheism, justice, love and respect for
the rights of human beings, and thereby transform animosities into friendship?
I emphatically declare that today‘s world, more than ever before, longs
for just and righteous people with love for all humanity; and above all longs
for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised
to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the
planet.
0h, Almighty God, all men and women are Your creatures and You have ordained their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirsts for justice, the perfect human being promised to all by You, and make us among his followers and among those who strive for his return and his cause. (End quote)
President Ahmadinejad: The transcript Brian Williams sits down with Iran's president for an exclusive interview
UN Speeches - text and video options George Bush's speech at the UN text video watch here (under recent programs) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the UN text video > go here ( first on list ) Hugo Chavez's speech at the UN text video: 9 minute excerpt here watch the whole 26 minutes here |
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