It is clear from reading the speech why the controlled US media have not seen
fit to carry the entire speech.
Note: This text comes from an unofficial website and I have not been able to
determine who translated it. It seems to be a fair translation, though. Juan
Cole doesn't have a translation of it on his blog, although he has some good
commentary about the Iranian president's visit (http://www.juancole.com/)
Hajja Romi
Full text of President Ahmadinejad's speech at General Assembly IRNA -
Islamic Republic News Agency
United Nations, New York, Sept 17 2005, IRNA
Iran-UN-President
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Saturday offered proposal on nuclear
program.
The following is full text of President Ahmadinejad before the Sixtieth
Session of the United Nations General Assembly:
"In the Name of the God of Mercy, Compassion, Peace, Freedom and Justice
"Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
"Today we have gathered here to exchange views about the world, its future and
our common responsibilities towards it. It is evident that the future of the
world is intertwined with its current state and the prevailing trends ,which
exhibit signs of hope and despair.
"On the one hand certain hopes and opportunities exist, and this august
Assembly is convened on such hopes. Today human thought reflects outstanding
commonalities which provide appropriate grounds to build upon. With the passing
of the era of agnostic philosophies, today humanity is once again joined in
celebrating 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 to many of today's problems.
The Truth will shine the light of faith and ethics on the life of human
beings and prevent them from aggression, coercion and injustice and will guide
them towards care and compassion for fellow beings.
"Another hope is the common global appreciation of the sources of knowledge.
Although reason, experience and science are among valuable sources of
knowledge, the darkness of the Middle Ages deprived major portions of the
Western world of appreciating. This reactionary tendency deprived many of
access to various scientific findings and knowledge and led to the exclusion of
other sources of knowledge namely God and knowledge based on revelation from
the life of human beings in the West; Divine knowledge that was carried and
disseminated by such prophets as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad
(peace be upon them).
"Today, agnostic thinking is on the decline and presently humanity is equally
enamored with religion knowledge and spirituality. This is an auspicious
beginning. Divine prophets teach us about proper regard for the exalted state
of human beings on earth.
"The human being is blessed with dignity, most importantly manifested in
being the viceroy of the Almighty on earth. The Almighty placed humans on earth
to develop it, institutionalize justice, overcome their egoistic tendencies and
praise no lord but the Almighty.
"Faith and good deeds can bring deliverance and the good life even in this
world. Attaining this depends on human will, that is the will of each and every
one of us. We must heed the call of our common primordial nature and achieve
the realization of this good life.
"On the other hand, the prevalence of military domination, increasing
poverty, the growing gap between rich and poor countries, violence as a means
to solve crises, spread of terrorism, specially state terrorism, existence and
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the pervasive lack of honesty in
interstate relations, and disregard for the equal rights of peoples and nations
in international relations constitute some of the challenges and threats.
"Although these challenges are very real, we believe we are not predestined
to experience them. Our common will not only can change this course but in fact
can lead us to a life filled with hope and prosperity. Divine revelation
teaches us that "The Almighty changes the fate of no people unless they
themselves show a will for change" (Holy Quran, 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 and
tranquility, can only be realized on the two pillars of justice and
spirituality. The more human society departs from justice and spirituality, the
greater insecurity it will 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 common
root of lack of spirituality coupled with injustice. Justice is about equal
rights, the correct distribution of resources in the territories of different
states, the equality of all before the law and respect for international
agreements.
"Justice recognizes the right of every one to tranquility, peace and a
dignified life. Justice rejects intimidation and double standards. As the
eminent daughter of the Prophet of Islam has said, "justice brings tranquility
and harmony to our hearts."
"Today, the world is longing for the establishment of such justice. If humanity
heeds the call of its primordial nature with firm resolve, justice will emerge.
This is what the Almighty has promised and all people of good will from all
religions are waiting for. If the prevailing discourse of global relations
becomes one of justice and spirituality, then durable peace will be guaranteed.
"Conversely, if international relations are defined without justice and
spirituality and void of moral considerations, then the mechanisms for
promoting confidence and peace will remain insufficient and ineffective.
"If some, relying on their superior military and economic might, attempt to
expand their rights and privileges, they will be performing a great disservice
to the cause of peace and in fact will fuel the arms race and spread
insecurity, fear and deception. If global trends continue to serve the
interests of small influential groups, 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 recent tragic hurricane.
"Today, my nation calls on other nations and governments to "move forward to
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 pure
primordial nature of a people who rose up to regain their dignity esteem and
human rights. The Islamic Revolution toppled a regime, which had been put in
place through a coup, and supported by those who claim to be advocates of
democracy and human rights, thwarted the aspirations of the nation for
development and progress for 25 years through intimidation and torture of the
populace and submission and subservience to outsiders.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is the manifestation of true democracy in the
region. The discourse of the Iranian nation is focused on respect for the
rights of human beings and a quest for tranquillity, peace, justice and
development for all through monotheism.
"For 8 years, Saddam's regime imposed a massive war of aggression and
occupation on my people. It employed the most heinous weapons of mass
destruction, including chemical weapons against Iranians and Iraqis alike. Who,
in fact, armed Saddam with these weapons? What was the reaction of those who
now claim to fight against WMDs regarding the use of chemical weapons back
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
and when it was sustaining the highest number of casualties, never allowed
itself to use such weapons.
"Thousands of nuclear warheads that are stockpiled in various locations
coupled with programs to further develop these inhuman weapons have created a
new atmosphere of repression and the rule of the machines of war, threatening
the international community and even the citizens of the countries that possess
them.
"Ironically, those who have actually used nuclear weapons, continue to
produce, stockpile and extensively test such weapons, have used depleted
uranium bombs and bullets against tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of
Iraqis, Kuwaitis, and even their own soldiers and those of their allies,
afflicting them with incurable diseases, blatantly violate their obligations
under the NPT, have refrained from signing the CTBT and have armed the Zionist
occupation regime with WMDs, are not only refusing to remedy their past deeds,
but in clear breech of the NPT, are trying to prevent other countries from
acquiring the technology to produce peaceful nuclear energy.
"All these problems emanate from the fact that justice and spirituality are
missing in the way powerful governments conduct their affairs with other
nations.
"After September 11, a particular radical group was accused of terrorist
activities -- although it was never explained how such huge intelligence
gathering and security organizations failed to prevent such an extensive and
well planned operation.
"Why powers that, not so long ago, were supporting the activities of such
groups in Afghanistan and thus portraying themselves as supporters of human
rights 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 hegemonic powers
have lost control?
"If the answer is yes, would it not be better for those powers to adopt an
honest and transparent approach to the international community, provide precise
information 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 the roots of terrorism.
"We must endeavor to achieve sustainable tranquility and peace based on
justice and spirituality.
"Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
"Terrorism and WMDs are two major threats before the international community.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, as one of the main victims of terrorism and
chemical weapons, fully appreciates the difficulties that lie ahead in the road
to combat these menaces.
"Today, the most serious challenge is that the culprits are arrogating to
themselves the role of the prosecutor. Even more dangerous is that certain
parties relying on their power and wealth try to impose a climate of
intimidation and injustice over the world make bullying, while through their
huge media resources portray themselves as defenders of freedom, democracy and
human rights.
"People around the world are fully aware of what is happening in the occupied
Palestine. Women and children are being murdered and adolescents taken
prisoner. Houses are being demolished and farms burnt down. Yet, when the
people of Palestine resist these conditions, they are accused of terrorism. At
the same time, the occupier, which does not abide by any principles and terror
is part of its pronounced and routine policy enjoys the support of the
previously mentioned governments. Let me be blunter. State terrorism is being
supported by those who claim to fight terrorism.
"How can one talk about human rights and at the same time blatantly deny many
the inalienable right to have access to science and technology with
applications in medicine, industry and energy and through force and
intimidation hinder their progress and development? "Can nations be deprived of
scientific and technological progress through the threat of use of force and
based on mere allegations of possibility of military diversion? We believe that
all countries and nations are entitled to technological and scientific
advancement in all fields, particularly the peaceful technology to produce
nuclear fuel. Such access cannot be restricted to a few, depriving most nations
and by establishing economic monopolies, use them as an instrument to expand
their domination.
"We have gathered here to defend human rights in accordance with Charter of
UN and prevent certain powers from claiming that "some countries have more
rights "or that" some countries do not have the right to enjoy their legitimate
rights".
"We must not, at the beginning of the 21st century, revert to the logic of
the dark ages and once again try to deny societies access to scientific and
technological advances.
"Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
"The UN must be the symbol of democracy and the equal rights of nations. If we
talk about the equal rights of nations in political forums, we must talk of the
same concept in this forum as well.
"Similarly, if we talk about the right of sovereignty, then all nations must
be allowed to exercise their rights on an equal footing 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 and spirituality.
"Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is a symbol of true democracy. All officials
including the Leader, President, members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly,
city and village councils are elected through the vote of the citizens. The
Islamic Republic of Iran has held 27 national elections in 27 years. This
showcases a vibrant and dynamic society in which people widely participate in
the political life.
"Because of its key importance and influence in the important and strategic
Middle East region, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to contribute
actively to the promotion of peace and stability in the region.
"Saddam, Taliban regimes were both the products of foreign powers.
The people of Afghanistan and Iraq know very well who supported these two
regimes.
"Today, to establish peace and security in the region, foreign occupation
forces must leave and completely hand over the political and economic
sovereignty of these two countries to their peoples. "The Islamic Republic of
Iran will continue to provide full and comprehensive support to the people of
Iraq and Afghanistan and their elected governments, and will actively help them
in the establishment of order and security. My country will continue and expand
its sincere cooperation and interaction with them.
"In Palestine, a durable peace will be possible through justice, an end to
discrimination and the occupation of Palestinian land, the return of all
Palestinian refugees, 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 honest
cooperation and interaction in order to enjoy a dignified, tranquil and
peaceful life based on justice and spirituality. Let us enter into a collective
covenant to realize this legitimate aspiration of our nations.
"Here, I would like to briefly talk about the approach and initiative of the
Islamic Republic of Iran on the nuclear issue.
Nuclear weapons and their proliferation, and attempts to impose an apartheid
regime on access to peaceful nuclear energy, are two major threats, challenging
international tranquility and peace.
"Keeping in mind that in past years no serious efforts complimented by
practical mechanisms -- have been made to move towards full disarmament and
more specifically implement the decisions and outcomes of the NPT Review
Conferences of 1995 and 2000, I suggest that the General Assembly, as the most
inclusive UN organ, mandate an ad-hoc committee to compile and submit a
comprehensive report on possible practical mechanisms and strategies for
complete disarmament.
"This Committee should also be asked to investigate as to how contrary to the
NPT -- material, technology and equipment for nuclear weapons were transferred
to the Zionist regime, and to propose practical measures for the establishment
of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East.
"Some powerful states practice a discriminatory approach against access of
NPT members to material, equipment, and peaceful nuclear technology, and by
doing so, intend to impose a nuclear apartheid.
"We are concerned that once certain powerful states completely control
nuclear energy resources and technology, they will deny access to and thus
deepen the divide between powerful countries and the rest of the international
community. When that happens, we will be divided into light and dark countries.
"Regrettably, in the past 30 years, no effective measure has been implemented
to facilitate the exercise of the legally recognized right of NPT state-parties
to have access to and use peaceful nuclear energy in accordance with article
IV. Therefore, the General Assembly should ask the IAEA in accordance with
article 2 of its Statute to report on violations by specific countries that
have hindered the implementation of the above article and also produce
practical strategies for its renewed implementation.
"What needs our particular attention is the fact that peaceful use of nuclear
energy without possession of nuclear fuel cycle is an empty proposition.
Nuclear power plants can indeed lead to total dependence of countries and
peoples if they need to rely for their fuel on coercive powers, who do not
refrain from any measure in furtherance of their interests. No popularly
elected and responsible government can consider such a situation in the
interest of its people. The history of dependence on oil in oil rich countries
under domination is an experiment that no independent country is willing to
repeat.
"Those hegemonic powers, who consider scientific and technological progress
of independent and free nations as a challenge to their monopoly on these
important instruments of power and who do not want to see such achievements in
other countries, have misrepresented Iran's healthy and fully safeguarded
technological endeavors in the nuclear field as pursuit of nuclear weapons.
This is nothing but a propaganda ploy. The Islamic Republic of Iran is
presenting in good faith its proposal for constructive interaction and a just
dialogue.
"However, if some try to impose their will on the Iranian people through
resort to a language of force and threat with Iran, we will reconsider our
entire approach to the nuclear issue.
"Allow me, as the elected President of the Iranian people, to outline the
other main elements of my country's initiative regarding the nuclear issue:
"1. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its previously and repeatedly
declared position that in accordance with our religious principles, pursuit of
nuclear weapons is prohibited.
"2. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that it is necessary to revitalize
the NPT and create the above-mentioned ad-hoc committee so that it can combat
nuclear weapons and abolish the apartheid in peaceful nuclear technology.
"3. Technically, the fuel cycle of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not
different from that of other countries which have peaceful nuclear technology.
"Therefore, as a further confidence building measure and in order to provide
the greatest degree of transparency, the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared
to engage in serious partnership with private and public sectors of other
countries in the implementation of uranium enrichment program in Iran. This
represents the most far reaching step, outside all requirements of the NPT,
being proposed by Iran 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 be the centerpiece of our nuclear policy.
"Initiation and continuation of negotiations with other countries will be
carried out in the context of Iran's interaction with the Agency.
"With this in mind, I have directed the relevant Iranian officials to compile
the legal and technical details of Iran's nuclear approach, based on the
following considerations:
"4.1. International precedence tells us that nuclear fuel- delivery contracts
are unreliable and no legally binding international document or instrument
exists to guarantee the delivery of nuclear fuel.
"On many occasions such bilateral contracts stopped altogether for political
reasons. Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in its pursuit of peaceful
nuclear technology, considers it within its legitimate rights to receive
objective guarantees for uranium enrichment in the nuclear fuel cycle.
"4.2. In its negotiations with the EU3 ,Iran has tried in earnest to prove
the solid and rightful foundations of its nuclear activity in the context of
the NPT, and to establish mutual trust. The selection of our negotiating
partners and the continuation of negotiations with the EU3 will be commensurate
with the requirements of our cooperation with the Agency regarding
non-diversion of the process of uranium enrichment to non-peaceful purposes in
the framework of the provisions of the NPT. In this context, several proposals
have been presented which can be considered in the context of negotiations. The
Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates the positive contribution of South Africa
and H.E. President Mbeki personally in the resolution of the nuclear issue and
cognizant of South Africa's active role in the IAEA Board of Governors would
welcome its active participation in the negotiations.
"4.3. The discriminatory approaches regarding the NPT that focuses on the
obligations of state-parties and disregards their rights under the Treaty
should be discontinued.
"As the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I assure you that my
country will use everything in its power to contribute to global tranquility
and peace based on the two maxims of spirituality and justice as well as the
equal rights of all peoples and nations.
My country will interact and cooperate constructively 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
the establishment 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 who is heir to all prophets and pious men. He will lead the world to
justice and absolute peace.
"O mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten the emergence of your last
repository, the promised one, that perfect and pure human being, the one that
will fill this world with justice and peace.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2005/iran-050918-irna02.htm
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