Address by H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Before the
65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
New York - 23 September 2010
622 Third Ave, New York, NY 10017
"In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful."
"All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe, and peace and blessing be upon our Master
and Prophet, Muhammad, and his pure Household, and his noble Companions and on all
divine messengers."
"Oh, God, hasten the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi and grant him good health and victory and
make us his followers and those who attest to his rightfulness."
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am grateful to the Almighty God who granted me the opportunity to appear
before this world assembly once again. I wish to begin by commemorating those who
lost their lives in the horrible flood in Pakistan and express my heartfelt sympathy
with the families who lost their loved ones as well as with the people and the
government of Pakistan. I urge everyone to assist their fellow men and women as a
humane duty.
Let me thank H.E. Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, the President of the he sixty-
fourth session of the United Nations General Assembly, for all his efforts during his
tenure. I also would like to congratulate H.E. Mr. Joseph Deiss, the President of the
sixty-fifth session ofthe United Nations General Assembly and wish him all success.
In the past years, I spoke to you about some of the hopes and concerns,
including family crises, security, human dignity, world economy, climate change as
well as the aspiration forjustice and lasting peace.
After about one hundred years of domination, the system of Capitalism and the
existing world order has proved to be unable to provide appropriate solution to the
problems of societies, thus coming to an end. I shall try to examine the two main
causes ofthis failure and picture some features of the ideal future order.
A) Attitudes and Beliefs
As you are well aware, the divine prophets had the mission to call everyone to
monotheism, love and justice and show mankind the path to prosperity. They invite
men to contemplation and knowledge in order to better appreciate the truth and to
avoid atheism and egoism. The very nature of the message of all prophets is one and
the same. Every messenger endorsed the messenger before him and gave glad tidings
about the prophet to come, and presented a more complete version of the religion in
accordance with the capacity of the man at the time. This continued up to the last
messenger of God who presented the perfect and all inclusive religion.
In opposition to that, the egotist and the greedy stood up against this clear call,
revolting against the message.
Nimrod countered Hazrat Abraham, Pharaoh countered Hazrat Moses and the
greedy countered Hazrat Jesus Christ and Hazrat Mohammad (Peace be upon them
all). In the recent centuries, the human ethics and values have been rejected as a cause
for backwardness. They were even portrayed as opposing wisdom and science
because of the earlier infliction on man by the proclaimers of religion in the dark ages
ofthe West
Man's disconnection from Heaven detached him from his true self.
Man with his potentials for understanding the secrets of the universe, his instinct
for seeking truth, his aspirations for justice and perfection, his quest for beauty and
purity and his capacity to represent God on earth was reduced to a creature limited to
the materialistic world with a mission to maximize individualistic pleasures. Human
instinct, then, replaced true human nature.
Human beings and nations were considered rivals and the happiness of an
individual or a nation was defined in collision with, and elimination or suppression of
others. Constructive evolutionary cooperation was replaced with a destructive struggle
for survival.
The lust for capital and domination replaced monotheism which is the gate to love
and unity.
This widespread clash of the egoist with the divine values gave way to slavery and
colonialism. A large portion of the world came under the domination of a few western
States. Tens of millions of people were taken to slavery and tens of millions of
families were shattered as a result. All the resources, the rights and the cultures of the
colonized nations were plundered. Lands were occupied and the indigenous people
were humiliated and mass- murdered.
Yet, nations rose up, colonialism was alienated and the independence of the nations
was recognized. Thus, the hope for respect, prosperity and security was revived
amongst nations. In the beginning of the past century nice talks about freedom,
human rights and democracy created hopes for healing the deep wounds of the past.
Today, however, not only those dreams are not realized, but memories, even at times
worse than before, have been recorded.
As a result of the two World Wars, the occupation of Palestine, the Korean and the
Vietnam's Wars, the Iraqi war against Iran, the occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq as
well as many wars in Africa, hundreds of millions of people were killed, wounded or
displaced.
Terrorism, illicit drugs, poverty and the social gaps increased. The dictatorial and
coup d'etat governments in Latin America committed unprecedented crimes with the
support ofthe West.
Instead of disarmament, the proliferation and stockpiling of nuclear, biological and
chemical weapons expanded, putting the world under a bigger threat. As a result, the
very same old goals of colonialists and the slave masters were, this time round,
pursued with a new facade.
B) The Global Management and Ruling Structures
The League of Nations and, then, the United Nations were established with the
promise to bring about peace, security and the realization of human rights, which in
fact meant a global management.
One can analyze the current governance of the world by examining three events:
First, the event of the II September 2001 which has affected the whole world for
almost a decade.
All of a sudden, the news of the attack on the twin towers was broadcast using
numerous footages of the incident.
Almost all governments and known figures strongly condemned this incident.
But then a propaganda machine came into full force; it was implied that the whole
world was exposed to a huge danger, namely terrorism, and that the only way to save
the world would be to deploy forces into Afghanistan.
Eventually Afghanistan, and shortly thereafter Iraq were occupied.
Please take note:
It was said that some three thousand people were killed on the 11 th September for
which we are all very saddened. Yet, up until now, in Afghanistan and Iraq hundreds
of thousands of people have been killed, millions wounded and displaced and the
conflict is still going on and expanding.
In identifying those responsible for the attack, there were three viewpoints.
1- That a very powerful and complex terrorist group, able to successfully cross
all layers of the American intelligence and security, carried out the attack.
This is the main viewpoint advocated by American statesmen.
2- That some segments within the U.S. government orchestrated the attack to
reverse the declining American economy and its grips on the Middle East in order
also to save the Zionist regime.
The majority of the American people as well as other nations and politicians agree
with this view.
3- It was carried out by a terrorist group but the American government supported
and took advantage of the situation. Apparently, this viewpoint has fewer proponents.
The main evidence linking the incident was a few passports found in the huge
volume of rubble and a video of an individual whose place of domicile was unknown
but it was announced that he had been involved in oil deals with some American
officials. It was also covered up and said that due to the explosion and fire no trace of
the suicide attackers was found.
There remain, however, a few questions to be answered:
1- Would it not have been sensible that first a thorough investigation should have
been conducted by independent groups to conclusively identify the elements involved
in the attack and then map out a rational plan to take measures against them?
2- Assuming the viewpoint of the American government, is it rational to launch a
classic war through widespread deployment of troops that led to the death of hundreds
of thousands ofpeople to counter a terrorist group?
3- Was it not possible to act the way Iran countered the Riggi terrorist group who
killed and wounded 400 innocent people in Iran. In the Iranian operation no innocent
person was hurt.
It is proposed that the United Nations set up an independent fact-finding group for
the event of the II September so that in the future expressing views about it is not
forbidden.
. I wish to announce here that next year the Islamic Republic of Iran will host a
conference to study terrorism and the means to confront it. I invite officials, scholars,
thinkers, researchers and research institutes of all countries to attend this conference.
Second, is the occupation of the Palestinian territories
The oppressed people of Palestine have lived under the rule of an occupying
regime for 60 years, been deprived of freedom, security and the right to self-
determination, while the occupiers are given recognition. On a daily basis, the houses
are being destroyed over the heads of innocent women and children. People are
deprived of water, food and medicine in their own homeland. The Zionists have
imposed five all-out wars on the neighboring countries and on the Palestinian people.
The Zionists committed the most horrible crimes against the defenseless people in
the wars against Lebanon and Gaza.
The Zionist regime attacked a humanitarian flotilla in a blatant defiance of all
international norms and kills the civilians.
This regime which enjoys the absolute support of some western countries regularly
threatens the countries in the region and continues publicly announced assassination
of Palestinian figures and others, while Palestinian defenders and those opposing this
regime are pressured, labeled as terrorists and anti Semites. All values, even the
freedom of expression, in Europe and in the United States are being sacrificed at the
altar of Zionism.
Solutions are doomed to fail because the right of the Palestinian people is not taken
into account.
Would we have witnessed such horrendous crimes if instead of recognizing the
occupation, the sovereign right ofthe Palestinian people had been recognized?
Our unambiguous proposition is the return ofthe Palestinian refugees to their home
land and the reference to the vote of the people of Palestine to exercise their
sovereignty and decide on the type of governance.
Third, is the nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is clean and cheap and a heavenly gift which is amongst the most
suitable alternatives to cut the pollutions emanating from fossil fuels.
The Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) allows all member States to use nuclear
energy without limits and the International Atomic Energy Agency is mandated to
provide member States with technical and legal support.
The nuclear bomb is the worst inhumane weapon and which must totally be
eliminated. The NPT prohibits its development and stockpiling and calls for nuclear
disarmament.
Nonetheless, note what some of the permanent members of the Security Council
and nuclear bomb holders have done:
They have equated nuclear energy with the nuclear bomb, and have distanced this
energy from the reach of most of nations by establishing monopolies and pressuring
the IAEA. While at the same time, they have continued to maintain, expand and
upgrade their own nuclear arsenals.
This has entailed the following:
Not only the nuclear disarmament has not been realized but also nuclear bombs
have been proliferated in some regions, including by the occupying and intimidating
Zionist regime.
I would like here to propose that the year 20 II be proclaimed the year of nuclear
disarmament and "Nuclear Energy for all, Nuclear Weapons for None".
In all these cases the United Nations has been unable to take any effective course
of action. Unfortunately, in the decade proclaimed as the "International Decade for the
Culture of Peace" hundreds of thousands were killed and injured as a result of war,
aggression and occupation, and hostilities and antagonism increased.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Very recently the world witnessed the ugly and inhumane act of burning the Holy
Quran.
The Holy Quran is the Divine Book and the eternal miracle ofthe Prophet oflslam.
It calls for worshipping the One God, justice, compassion toward people,
development and progress, reflection and thinking, defending the oppressed and
resisting against the oppressors; and it names with respect the previous Messengers of
God, like Noah, Abraham, Isaaq, Joseph, Moses and Jesus Christ (Peace be Upon
them all) and endorses them.. They burned Quran to bum all these truths and good
udgments. However, the truth could not be burned. Quran is eternal because God and
truth are everlasting. This act and any other act which widens the gap and distances
between nations is evil. We should wisely avoid playing into the hands of Satan. On
behalf of the Iranian nation I pay respect to all Divine Books and their followers. This
is the Quran and this is the Bible. I pay respect to both ofthem.
Esteemed Friends,
For years the inefficiency of the capitalism and the existing world management and
structures has been exposed and the majority of States and nations have been on a
quest for fundamental changes and for the prevalence ofjustice in global relations.
The cause of the United Nation's ineptitude is in its unjust structure. Major power
is monopolized in the Security Council due to the veto privilege, and the main pillar
ofthe Organization, namely the General Assembly, is marginalized.
In the past several decades, at least one of the permanent members of the Security
Council has always been a party to the disputes.
The veto advantage grants impunity to aggression and occupation; How could,
therefore, one expect competence while both the judge and the prosecutor are a party
to the dispute?
Had Iran enjoyed veto privilege, would the Security Council and the IAEA
Director General have taken the same position in the nuclear issue?
Dear Friends,
The United Nations is the key center for coordinating the common global
management. Its structure needs to be reformed in a manner that all independent
States and nations be able to participate in the global governance actively and
constructively.
The veto privilege should be revoked and the General Assembly should be the
highest body and the Secretary-General should be the most independent official and
all his positions and activities should be taken with the approval of the General
Assembly and should be directed towards promoting justice and eliminating
discrimination.
The Secretary-General should not come under pressure from powers and/or the
country hosting the Organization for his stating the truth and administration ofjustice.
It is suggested that the General Assembly should, within one year and in the
framework of an extraordinary session, finalize the reformation of the Organization's
structure
The Islamic Republic of Iran has clear suggestions in this regard and stands ready
to participate actively and constructively in the process.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I announce clearly that the occupation of other countries under the pretext of
freedom and democracy is an unforgivable crime.
The world needs the logic of compassion and justice and inclusive participation
instead oflogic offorce, domination, unilateralism, war and intimidation.
The world needs to be governed by virtuous people like the Divine Prophets.
The two vast geographical spheres, namely Africa and Latin America, have gone
through historic developments during the past decades. The new approaches in these
two continents, which are based on increasing level of integration and unity as well as
on localizing the growth and development models, have born considerable fruits to the
'peoples of those regions. The awareness and wisdom of the leaders of these two
continents has overcome the regional problems and crises without the domineering
interference of non-regional powers.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has expanded its relations with the Latin America
and Africa in all aspects in recent years.
And about the glorious Iran,
The Tehran Declaration was a hugely constructive step in confidence building
efforts which was made possible through the admirable good will by the governments
of Brazil and Turkey along with the sincere cooperation of the Iranian government.
Although the Declaration received inappropriate reaction by some and was
followed by an unlawful resolution, it is still valid.
We have observed the regulations of the IAEA more than our commitments, yet,
we have never submitted to illegally imposed pressures nor will we ever do so.
It has been said that they want to pressure Iran into a dialogue. Well, firstly, Iran
has always been ready for a dialogue based on respect andjustice. Secondly, methods
based on disrespecting nations have long become ineffective. Those who have used
intimidation and sanctions in response to the clear logic of the Iranian nation are in
real terms destroying the remaining credibility of the Security Council and the trust of
nations for this body, proving once and again how unjust is the function of the
Council.
When they threaten a great nation such as Iran which is known throughout history
for its scientists, poets, artists and philosophers and whose culture and civilization is
synonymous to purity, submission to God and seeking justice, how can they ever
expect that other nations grow confidence on them?
It goes without saying that domineering methods in managing the world has failed.
Not only has the era of slavery and colonialism and dominating the world passed, the
path to the reviving old Empires are blocked, too.
We have announced that we stand ready for a serious and free debate with the
American Statesmen to express our transparent views on issues of importance to the
world in this very venue.
It is proposed here that in order to have a constructive dialogue, an annual free
debate be organized within the General Assembly.
In conclusion,
Friends and Colleagues,
The Iranian nation and the majority of the world's nations and governments are
against the current discriminatory management of the world.
The inhumane nature of this management has put it at a dead-end and requires a
major overhaul.
Reforming the world's affairs and bringing about tranquility and prosperity
requires the participation of all, pure thoughts and the divine and humane
management.
We are all of the idea that:
Justice is the basic element for peace, durable security and the spread of love
among peoples and nations. It is in thejustice that mankind seeks the realization ofhis
aspirations, rights and dignity, since he is wary of oppression, humiliation and ill
treatment.
The true nature of mankind is manifested in the love for other fellow humans and
love for all the good in the world. Love is the best foundation for establishing relation
amongst people and amongst nations.
As Vahshi Bafqi, the great Iranian poet, says:
"From the fountain of youth, drink thousand sips
You'll still die if you don't have love's grip"
In making a world full of purity, safety and prosperity people are not rivals but
companions.
Those who see their happiness but in the sorrow of others and their welfare and
safety but in others' insecurity, those who see themselves superior to others, are out of
the path ofhumanity and are in evil's course.
Economy and materialistic means are only some tools to serve others, to create
friendship and strengthen human connections for spiritual perfection. They are not
tools for show-off or means of dominating others.
Men and women complements each other and family unit with pure, loving and
long-lasting relation of the spouses in its center is the guarantee for the continuity and
the bringing up generations, for true pleasures, for spreading love and for reforming of
the societies.
Woman is a reflection of God's beauty and is the source of love and caring. She is
the guardian ofpurity and exquisiteness of the society.
The tendency to toughen the souls and behaviors of women deprives them from
their very basic right of being a loving mother and a caring wife. It would result in a
more violent society with irreversible defects.
Freedom is a divine right that should serve peace and human perfection.
Pure thoughts and the will of the righteous are keys to the gates of a pure life full
ofhope, liveliness and beauty.
This is the promise of God that the earth will be inherited by the pure and the
righteous. And the people free from selfishness will take up the management of the
world. Then, there will be no trace of sorrow, discrimination, poverty, insecurity and
aggression. The time for true happiness and for the blossoming of the true nature of
humankind, the way God has intended, will arrive.
All those seeking for justice and all the free spirits have been waiting for this
moment and have promised such glorious time.
The complete human, the true servant of God and the true friend of the mankind
whose father was from the generation of the beloved Prophet of Islam and whose
mother was from the true believers of the Jesus Christ, shall wait along with Jesus the
son of Marry and the other righteous to appear on those brilliant times and assist the
humanity.
In welcoming them we should join ranks and seek justice.
Praise to Love and worship, praise to justice and freedom, praise to the true
humanity, the complete human, the true companion of the humankind and peace be
upon you and all the righteous and the pure.
Thank you.
