Iran's
president - his own words
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has set out his vision for
the future in comments on foreign and domestic policy.
The following are quotes from Mr Ahmadinejad since he took office
in August 2005.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
A nation which has culture, logic and civilisation does not need
nuclear weapons. The countries which seek nuclear weapons are those
which want to solve all problems by the use of force. Our nation
does not need such weapons.
NUCLEAR RESEARCH
We are asked why we have started [nuclear] research. We answer that
there is no limitation to research. There are no limits imposed on
research in NPT [Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty] or in the
Additional Protocol. Nor have we made such a commitment. Research
is necessary for the life and dynamism of a nation.
THE UNITED NATIONS
The UN Security Council has been set up for the world security. Is
the UN Security Council a mere tool in their [Western powers] hands
to use at their will - threatening to send our case to the UN if we
refuse to comply with their demands? Our understanding is that the
UN Security Council belongs to all nations and is not a tool for a
few countries. Why do they use it for their own purpose?
CHALLENGES AND THREATS
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 - especially 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.
ISRAEL
As the Imam said, Israel must be wiped off the map.
THE HOLOCAUST
They have created a myth today that they call the massacre of Jews
and they consider it a principle above God, religions and the
prophets.
GOVERNMENT
Government belongs to all people. It has to address the problems of
every parts of the country. All parts of the country should move
forward simultaneously. Every Iranian is entitled to equal right,
especially in developing individual talent and development.
MORALITY
Human excellence, the excellence of human society comes about in
the light of justice and spirituality. Measures that are taken
outside religious morality, politics minus morality, economics
minus morality, culture minus morality only turns the world into a
hell for nations and humanity.
HUMAN RIGHTS
We neither oppress anyone nor are we prepared to submit to anyone's
oppression. We want justice, peace and security for all nations. We
are defenders of human dignity all across the world.
BELIEF
Belief in a saviour is universal. It is the pivot of our beliefs as
Muslims and Iranians. We believe that an offspring of the prophet,
may peace be upon him, will be the ultimate saviour. His name and
attributes are clear. He will come and will administer ultimate
justice.
IRANIAN POWER
The Iranian nation is a learned nation. It is a civilised nation.
It is a history-making nation... You know and we know: you need us
far more than we need you.
