    Written by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

    Thursday, 21 September 2006

    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 are 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.

    O, 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.

    Source: FARS