Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we have gathered here to exchange views about the world, its futureand our common responsibilities towards it. It is evident that the future of theworld is intertwined with its current state and the prevailing trends, which exhibitsigns of hope and despair.
On the one hand certain hopes and opportunities exist, and this augustAssembly is convened on such hopes. Today human thought reflects outstandingcommonalities which provide appropriate grounds to build upon. With the passingof the era of agnostic philosophies, today humanity is once again joined incelebrating monotheism and belief in the Creator as the originator of existence.
This is the common thread which binds us all. Faith will prove to be the solution tomany of today's problems. The Truth will shine the light of faith and ethics on thelife of human beings and prevent them from aggression, coercion and injustice andwill guide them towards care and compassion for fellow beings.
Another hope is the common global appreciation of the sources ofknowledge. Although reason, experience and science are among valuable sourcesof knowledge, the darkness of the Middle Ages deprived major portions of theWestern world from appreciating. This reactionary tendency deprived many from622 Third Ave, New York, NY 10017 Tel: (212) 687-2020 Fax: (212) 867-7086 email: iranpunintaccess to various scientific findings and knowledge and led to the exclusion ofother sources of knowledge namely God and knowledge based on revelation fromthe life of human beings in the West; Divine knowledge that was carried anddisseminated by such prophets as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad(peace be upon them). Today, agnostic thinking is on the decline and presentlyhumanity is equally enamored with religion, science, knowledge and spirituality.This is an auspicious beginning.
Divine prophets teach us about proper regard for the exalted state of humanbeings on earth. The human being is blessed with dignity, most importantlymanifested in being the viceroy of the Almighty on earth. The Almighty placedhumans on earth to develop it, institutionalize justice, overcome their egoistictendencies and praise no lord but the Almighty. Faith and good deeds can bringdeliverance and the good life even in this world. Attaining this depend on humanwill, that is the will of each and every one of us. We must heed the call of ourcommon primordial nature and achieve the realization of this good life.
On the other hand, the prevalence of military domination, increasingpoverty, the growing gap between rich and poor countries, violence as a means tosolve crises, spread of terrorism, specially state terrorism, existence andproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the pervasive lack of honesty ininterstate relations, and disregard for the equal rights of peoples and nations ininternational relations, constitute some of the challenges and threats.
Although these challenges are very real, we believe we are not predestinedto experience them. Our common will not only can change this course but in factcan lead us to a life filled with hope and prosperity. Divine revelation teaches usthat "The Almighty changes the fate of no people unless they themselves show awill for change" (Holy Qur'an, 13:11).
How can we influence the future of the world?
When and how will peace, tranquility and well-being for all come about?These are the fundamental questions before us.We believe that a sustainable order –nurturing and flourishing peace andtranquility –can only be realized on the two pillars of justice and spirituality. Themore human society departs from justice and spirituality, the greater insecurity itwill face, so much so that a relatively small crisis – such as a natural disaster –leads to various abnormalities and inhuman behavior.
Unfortunately, the world is rife with discrimination and poverty.Discrimination produces hatred, war and terrorism. They all share the commonroot of lack of spirituality coupled with injustice.
Justice and equal rights
Justice is about equal rights, the correct distribution of resources in theterritories of different states, the equality of all before the law and respect forinternational agreements. Justice recognizes the right of every one to tranquility,peace and a dignified life. Justice rejects intimidation and double standards. Asthe eminent daughter of the Prophet of Islam has said, "justice brings tranquilityand harmony to our hearts."
Today, the world is longing for the establishment of such justice. Ifhumanity heeds the call of its primordial nature with firm resolve, justice willemerge. This is what the Almighty has promised and all people of good will fromall religions are waiting for. If the prevailing discourse of global relations becomesone of justice and spirituality, then durable peace will be guaranteed. Conversely,if international relations is defined without justice and spirituality and void ofmoral considerations, then the mechanisms for promoting confidence and peacewill remain insufficient and ineffective.
If some, relying on their superior military and economic might, attempt toexpand their rights and privileges, they will be performing a great disservice to thecause of peace and in fact will fuel the arms race and spread insecurity, fear anddeception. If global trends continue to serve the interests of small influentialgroups, even the interests of the citizens of powerful countries will be jeopardized— as was seen in the recent crises and the even natural disaster such as the recenttragic hurricane.
Today, my nation calls on other nations and governments to "move forwardto a durable tranquility and peace based on justice and spirituality."
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Islamic Republic of Iran is born out of a movement, based on the pureprimordial nature of a people who rose up to regain their dignity, esteem andhuman rights. The Islamic Revolution toppled a regime which had been put inplace through a coup, and supported by those who claim to be advocates ofdemocracy and human rights thwarted the aspirations of the nation fordevelopment and progress for 25 years through intimidation and torture of thepopulace and.submission and subservience to outsiders.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is the manifestation of true democracy in theregion. The discourse of the Iranian nation is focused on respect for the rights ofhuman beings and a quest for tranquility, peace, justice and development for allthrough monotheism.
For 8 years, Saddam's regime imposed a massive war of aggression andoccupation on my people. It employed the most heinous weapons of massdestruction — including chemical weapons — against Iranians and Iraqis alike.Who, in fact, armed Saddam with these weapons? What was the reaction of thosewho now claim to fight against WMDs regarding the use of chemical weaponsback then? The world is witness to the fact that the Islamic Republic of Iran,because of its humanitarian principles, even during the most testing of times andwhen it was sustaining the highest number of casualties, never allowed itself to usesuch weapons.
Thousands of nuclear warheads that are stockpiled in various locationscoupled with programs to further develop these inhuman weapons have created anew atmosphere of repression and the rule of the machines of war, threatening theinternational community and even the citizens of the countries that possess them.Ironically, those who have actually used nuclear weapons, continue toproduce, stockpile and extensively test such weapons, have used depleted uraniumbombs and bullets against tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of Iraqis,Kuwaitis, and even their own soldiers and those of their allies, afflicting them withincurable diseases, blatantly violate their obligations under the NPT, haverefrained from signing the CTBT and have armed the Zionist occupation regimewith WMDs, are not only refusing to remedy their past deeds, but in clear breechof the NPT, are trying to prevent other countries from acquiring the technology toproduce peaceful nuclear energy.
All these problems emanate from the fact that justice and spirituality aremissing in the way powerful governments conduct their affairs with other nations.After September 11, a particular radical group was accused of terroristactivities -- although it was never explained how such huge intelligence gatheringand security organizations failed to prevent such an extensive and well plannedoperation.
Why powers that, not so long ago, were supporting the activities of suchgroups in Afghanistan — and thus portraying themselves as supporters of humanrights and the Afghan people — have over night turned into their most fierce critic?
Are we to believe that their benefactors, i.e. the very same hegemonicpowers have lost control?
If the answer is yes, would it not be better for those powers to adopt anhonest and transparent approach to the international community, provide preciseinformation about the main elements and their arms and financial support system,and accept responsibility for their inhuman actions against nations and countries,and thereby assist peoples and nations to correctly, wisely and sincerely fight theroots of terrorism.
We must endeavor to achieve stainable tranquility and peace based onjustice and spirituality.
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Terrorism and WMDs are two major threats before the internationalcommunity. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the main victims of terrorismand chemical weapons, fully appreciates the difficulties that lie ahead in the road tocombat these menaces. Today, the most serious challenge is that the culprits arearrogating to themselves the role of the prosecutor. Even more dangerous is thatcertain parties relying on their power and wealth try to impose a climate ofintimidation and injustice over the world make bullying, while — through their hugemedia resources — portray themselves as defenders of freedom, democracy andhuman rights.
Palestine issue
People around the world are fully aware of what is happening in theoccupied Palestine. Women and children are being murdered and adolescents takenprisoner. Houses are being demolished and farms burnt down. Yet, when thepeople of Palestine resist these conditions, they are accused of terrorism. At thesame time, the occupier, which does not abide by any principles and terror is partof its pronounced and routine policy enjoys the support of the previouslymentioned governments. Let me be blunter. State terrorism is being supported bythose who claim to fight terrorism.
How can one talk about human rights and at the same time blatantly denymany the inalienable right to have access to science and technology withapplications in medicine, industry and energy and through force and intimidationhinder their progress and development?
Can nations be deprived of scientific and technological progress through thethreat of use of force and based on mere allegations of possibility of militarydiversion? We believe that all countries and nations are entitled to technologicaland scientific advancement in all fields, particularly the peaceful technology toproduce nuclear fuel. Such access can not be restricted to a few, depriving mostnations and by establishing economic monopolies, use them as an instrument toexpand their domination.
We have gathered here to defend human rights in accordance with Charter ofUN and prevent certain powers from claiming that "some countries have morerights" or that "some countries do not have the right to enjoy their legitimaterights."
We must not, at the beginning of the 21St century, revert to the logic of thedark ages and once again try to deny societies access to scientific and technologicaladvances.
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The UN must be the symbol of democracy and the equal rights of nations. Ifwe talk about the equal rights of nations in political forums, we must talk of thesame concept in this forum as well. Similarly, if we talk about the right ofsovereignty, then all nations must be allowed to exercise their rights on an equalfooting and in a democratic process.
The UN can be the standard bearer of democracy in the world, when it,itself, is a manifestation of democratic process.I reiterate that durable tranquility and peace can only be built on justice andspirituality.
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a symbol of true democracy. All officialsincluding the Leader, President, members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly,city and village councils are elected through the vote of the citizens. The IslamicRepublic of Iran has held 27 national elections in 27 years. This showcases avibrant and dynamic society in which people widely participate in the political life.Because of its key importance and influence in the important and strategicMiddle East region, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to contributeactively to the promotion of peace and stability in the region.Saddam Taliban regimes were both the products of foreign powers. Thepeople of Afghanistan and Iraq know very well who supported these two regimes.
Today, to establish peace and security in the region, foreign occupation forcesmust leave and completely hand over the political and economic sovereignty ofthese two countries to their peoples.
Iran will support people of Iraq
The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to provide full andcomprehensive support to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and their electedgovernments, and will actively help them in the establishment of order andsecurity. My country will continue and expand its sincere cooperation andinteraction with them.
In Palestine, a durable peace will be possible through justice, an end todiscrimination and the occupation of Palestinian land, the return of all Palestinianrefugees, and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Mr. President; Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, more than ever, nations need constructive, positive and honestcooperation and interaction in order to enjoy a dignified, tranquil and peaceful lifebased on justice and spirituality. Let us enter into a collective covenant to realizethis legitimate aspiration of our nations.
Here, I would like to briefly talk about the approach and initiative of theIslamic Republic of Iran on the nuclear issue.
Nuclear weapons and their proliferation, and attempts to impose an apartheidregime on access to peaceful nuclear energy, are two major threats, challenginginternational tranquility and peace.
Keeping in mind that in past years no serious efforts – complimented bypractical mechanisms -- have been made to move towards full disarmament andmore specifically implement the decisions and outcomes of the NPT ReviewConferences of 1995 and 2000, I suggest that the General Assembly, as the mostinclusive UN organ, mandate an ad-hoc committee to compile and submit acomprehensive report on possible practical mechanisms and strategies for completedisarmament.
This Committee should also be asked to investigate as to how – contrary tothe NPT -- material, technology and equipment for nuclear weapons weretransferred to the Zionist regime, and to propose practical measures for theestablishment -of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East.
Some powerful states practice a discriminatory approach against access ofNPT members to material, equipment, and peaceful nuclear technology, and bydoing so, intend to impose a nuclear apartheid. We are concerned that once certainpowerful states completely control nuclear energy resources and technology, theywill deny access to other states and thus deepen the divide between powerfulcountries and the rest of the international community. When that happens, we willbe divided into light and dark countries.
Regrettably, in the past 30 years, no effective measure has beenimplemented to facilitate the exercise of the legally recognized right of NPT statepartiesto have access to and use peaceful nuclear energy in accordance with articleIV. Therefore, the General Assembly should ask the IAEA – in accordance witharticle 2 of its Statute– to report on violations by specific countries that havehindered the implementation of the above article and also produce practicalstrategies for its renewed implementation.
What needs our particular attention is the fact that peaceful use of nuclearenergy without possession of nuclear fuel cycle is an empty proposition. Nuclearpower plants can indeed lead to total dependence of countries and peoples if theyneed to rely for their fuel on coercive powers, who do not refrain from anymeasure in furtherance of their interests. No popularly elected and responsiblegovernment can consider such a situation in the interest of its people. The historyof dependence on oil in oil rich countries under domination is an experiment thatno independent country is willing to repeat.
Those hegemonic powers, who consider scientific and technologicalprogress of independent and free nations as a challenge to their monopoly on theseimportant instruments of power and who do not want to see such achievements inother countries, have misrepresented Iran's healthy and fully safeguardedtechnological endeavors in the nuclear field as pursuit of nuclear weapons. This isnothing but a propaganda ploy. The Islamic Republic of Iran is presenting in goodfaith its proposal for constructive interaction and a just dialogue. However, if sometry to impose their will on the Iranian people through resort to a language of forceand threat with Iran, we will reconsider our entire approach to the nuclear issue.
Nuclear issue
Allow me, as the elected President of the Iranian people, to outline theother main elements of my country's initiative regarding the nuclear issue:
1. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its previously and repeatedly declaredposition that in accordance with our religious principles, pursuit of nuclearweapons is prohibited.
2. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that it is necessary to revitalize the NPTand create the above-mentioned ad-hoc committee so that it can combat nuclearweapons and abolish the apartheid in peaceful nuclear technology.
3. Technically, the fuel cycle of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not different fromthat of other countries which have peaceful nuclear technology. Therefore, as afurther confidence building measure and in order to provide the greatest degreeof transparency, the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to engage in seriouspartnership with private and public sectors of other countries in theimplementation of uranium enrichment program in Iran. This represents themost far reaching step, outside all requirements of the NPT, being proposed byIran as a further confidence building measure.
4. In keeping with Iran's inalienable right to have access to a nuclear fuel cycle,continued interaction and technical and legal cooperation with the IAEA will bethe centerpiece of our nuclear policy. Initiation and continuation of negotiations with other countries will be carried out in the context of Iran's interaction withthe Agency. With this in mind, I have directed the relevant Iranian officials tocompile the legal and technical details, of Iran's nuclear approach, based on thefollowing considerations:
4.1. International precedence tells us that nuclear fuel- delivery contracts areunreliable and no legally binding international document or instrumentexists to guarantee the delivery of nuclear fuel. On many occasions suchbilateral contracts have either been suspended or stopped altogether forpolitical reasons. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in its pursuit ofpeaceful nuclear technology, considers it within its legitimate rights toreceive objective guarantees for uranium enrichment in the nuclear fuelcycle.
4.2. In its negotiations with the EU3, Iran has tried in earnest to prove thesolid and rightful foundations of its nuclear activity in the context of theNPT, and to establish mutual trust. The selection of our negotiating partnersand the continuation of negotiations with the EU3 will be commensuratewith the requirements of our cooperation with the Agency regarding nondiversionof the process of uranium enrichment to non-peaceful purposes inthe framework of the provisions of the NPT. In this context, severalproposals have been presented which can be considered in the context ofnegotiations. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the positivecontribution of South Africa and H.E. President Mbeki personally in theresolution of the nuclear issue and cognizant of South Africa's active role inthe IAEA Board of Governors would welcome its active participation in thenegotiations.
4.3. The discriminatory approaches regarding the NPT that focuses on theobligations of state-parties and disregards their rights under the Treatyshould be discontinued.
As the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I assure you that mycountry will use everything in its power to contribute to global tranquility andpeace based on the two maxims of spirituality and justice as well as the equalrights of all peoples and nations. My country will interact and cooperateconstructively with the international community to face the challenges before us.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
From the beginning of time, humanity has longed for the day when justice,peace, equality and compassion envelop the world. All of us can contribute to theestablishment of such a world. When that day comes, the ultimate promise of all Divine religions will be fulfilled with the emergence of a perfect human being whois heir to all prophets and pious men. He will lead the world to justice and absolutepeace.
0 mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten the emergence of your lastrepository, the promised one, that perfect and pure human being, the one that willfill this world with justice and peace. 0 Lord, include us among his companions,followers and those who serve his cause.
Address by H.E. Dr. Mahmood AhmadinejadPresident of the Islamic Republic of Iranbeforethe Sixtieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly New York — 17 September 2005
