Aa
In New York, defiant Ahmadinejad says Israel will be "eliminated"
(Reuters) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday disregarded a U.N. warning to avoid incendiary rhetoric and declared ahead of the annual General Assembly session that Israel has no roots in the Middle East and would be "eliminated."
In remarks to reporters in New York, he also said he does not take seriously the threat that Israel could launch a military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, denied sending arms into Syria, and called economic conditions in his sanctions-hit country "not as bad as they are portrayed."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted Israel could strike Iran's nuclear sites and has criticized U.S. President Barack Obama's position that sanctions and diplomacy should be given more time to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran denies that it is seeking nuclear arms and says its atomic work is peaceful, aimed at generating electricity.
"Fundamentally we do not take seriously the threats of the Zionists. ... We have all the defensive means at our disposal and we are ready to defend ourselves," Ahmadinejad said.
He is in New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly. His speech is scheduled for Wednesday.
On Sunday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Ahmadinejad and warned him of the dangers of incendiary rhetoric in the Middle East. Ahmadinejad did not heed the warning.
Ahmadinejad alluded to his previous rejection of Israel's right to exist. "Iran has been around for the last seven, 10 thousand years. They (the Israelis) have been occupying those territories for the last 60 to 70 years, with the support and force of the Westerners. They have no roots there in history," he said, speaking to reporters through an interpreter.
The modern state of Israel was founded in 1948.
"We do believe that they have found themselves at a dead end and they are seeking new adventures in order to escape this dead end. Iran will not be damaged with foreign bombs," Ahmadinejad said, referring to Israel.
"We don't even count them as any part of any equation for Iran. During a historical phase, they represent minimal disturbances that come into the picture and are then eliminated," Ahmadinejad added.
In 2005, Ahmadinejad called Israel a "tumor" and echoed the words of the former Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, by saying that Israel should be wiped off the map.
Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a brigadier general in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was quoted on Sunday as saying that Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure the Jewish state was preparing to attack it.
Ahmadinejad said the nuclear issue was one ultimately between the United States and Iran, and must be resolved with negotiations.
He added, "The nuclear issue is not a problem. But the approach of the United States on Iran is important. We are ready for dialogue, for a fundamental resolution of the problems, but under conditions that are based on fairness and mutual respect."
"We are not expecting a 33-year-old problem between the United States and Iran to be resolved in a speedy fashion. But there is no other way besides dialogue," Ahmadinejad said.
U.S. President Barack Obama will underscore his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and address Muslim unrest related to an anti-Islamic video in his speech to General Assembly on Tuesday, the White House said.
'BULLYING COUNTRIES'
Ahmadinejad also addressed a high-level meeting on the rule of law at the United Nations on Monday, saying states should not yield to international law as imposed "by bullying countries."
In the past, Ahmadinejad has used his U.N. speeches to defend Iran's nuclear program and to attack Israel, the United States and Europe. He has questioned the Holocaust and cast doubt on whether 19 hijackers were really responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.
Western envoys typically walk out of Ahmadinejad's speeches in protest.
Ahmadinejad said on Monday that Iran - under U.N., U.S. and European Union sanctions over its nuclear program - is used to economic restrictions and is not severely affected by them.
"The conditions in Iran are not as bad as they are portrayed by some," Ahmadinejad said, adding that his country can survive without oil revenues.
Ahmadinejad added that Iran's economy is in much better shape that that of the EU, which he said was "on the verge of disintegration and collapse."
Iran has held several rounds of talks this year on the nuclear issue with six world powers: the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - as well as Germany. The six powers are represented by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said last Wednesday that he and Ashton had agreed to defer more nuclear talks until the latter had consulted the six powers on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week.
There will be high-level side meetings on Iran's nuclear program and the Syrian conflict during the General Assembly, but U.N. diplomats do not expect either issue to be resolved soon.
'WE SEEK PEACE IN SYRIA'
The United Nations and Western officials have accused Iran of supplying weapons to Syria's pro-government forces, while Syria's government has accused Qatar and Saudi Arabia of arming rebels determined to topple President Bashar al-Assad.
Ahmadinejad rejected the charge that Iran was sending arms to Syria. "The so-called news that you alluded to has been denied vehemently, officially," Ahmadinejad said in a response to a question. "We seek peace in Syria. We like and love both sides. ... We see both sides as equally our brothers."
"In Syria, the intervention and meddling from outside have made conditions that much tougher," Ahmadinejad said. "We must help to quell the violence and help ... (facilitate) a national dialogue."
A U.N. Security Council panel of independent experts that monitors sanctions against Iran has uncovered several examples of Iran transferring arms to Syria. The United States and Britain say they are providing non-lethal assistance to Syria's rebels such as communications equipment, but not arms.
Ahmadinejad also addressed the issue of a California-made anti-Islam video, "The Innocence of Muslims," that has sparked anti-American protests around the Muslim world. He appeared to reject Washington's position that while it condemns the video's content, freedom of expression must be upheld.
"Freedoms must not interfere with the freedoms of others," Ahmadinejad said. "If someone insults, what would you do? ... Is insulting other people not a form of crime?"
Since the controversy over the video erupted this month, some Muslim leaders have reiterated calls for a U.N. measure outlawing insults to Islam and blasphemy in general.
Ahmadinejad also was asked about a move by an Iranian religious foundation, in response to the "The Innocence of Muslims," to increase its reward for the killing of British author Salman Rushdie.
"Where is he now?" Ahmadinejad asked of Rushdie. "Is he in the United States? If he is, you shouldn't broadcast that for his own safety."
Rushdie, an Indian-born British novelist who has nothing to do with the video, was condemned to death in 1989 by Khomeini, Iran's late leader, over his novel "The Satanic Verses," saying its depiction of the Prophet Mohammad was blasphemous.
Iran has a two-term limit for presidents. Ahmadinejad, widely seen as out of favor with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ends his second term next year. "But that does not mean I will be separating myself from politics," he said.
SOURCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/24/us-un-assembly-ahmadinejad-idUSBRE88N0HF20120924
In remarks to reporters in New York, he also said he does not take seriously the threat that Israel could launch a military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, denied sending arms into Syria, and called economic conditions in his sanctions-hit country "not as bad as they are portrayed."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted Israel could strike Iran's nuclear sites and has criticized U.S. President Barack Obama's position that sanctions and diplomacy should be given more time to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran denies that it is seeking nuclear arms and says its atomic work is peaceful, aimed at generating electricity.
"Fundamentally we do not take seriously the threats of the Zionists. ... We have all the defensive means at our disposal and we are ready to defend ourselves," Ahmadinejad said.
He is in New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly. His speech is scheduled for Wednesday.
On Sunday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Ahmadinejad and warned him of the dangers of incendiary rhetoric in the Middle East. Ahmadinejad did not heed the warning.
Ahmadinejad alluded to his previous rejection of Israel's right to exist. "Iran has been around for the last seven, 10 thousand years. They (the Israelis) have been occupying those territories for the last 60 to 70 years, with the support and force of the Westerners. They have no roots there in history," he said, speaking to reporters through an interpreter.
The modern state of Israel was founded in 1948.
"We do believe that they have found themselves at a dead end and they are seeking new adventures in order to escape this dead end. Iran will not be damaged with foreign bombs," Ahmadinejad said, referring to Israel.
"We don't even count them as any part of any equation for Iran. During a historical phase, they represent minimal disturbances that come into the picture and are then eliminated," Ahmadinejad added.
In 2005, Ahmadinejad called Israel a "tumor" and echoed the words of the former Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, by saying that Israel should be wiped off the map.
Amir Ali Hajizadeh, a brigadier general in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was quoted on Sunday as saying that Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure the Jewish state was preparing to attack it.
Ahmadinejad said the nuclear issue was one ultimately between the United States and Iran, and must be resolved with negotiations.
He added, "The nuclear issue is not a problem. But the approach of the United States on Iran is important. We are ready for dialogue, for a fundamental resolution of the problems, but under conditions that are based on fairness and mutual respect."
"We are not expecting a 33-year-old problem between the United States and Iran to be resolved in a speedy fashion. But there is no other way besides dialogue," Ahmadinejad said.
U.S. President Barack Obama will underscore his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and address Muslim unrest related to an anti-Islamic video in his speech to General Assembly on Tuesday, the White House said.
'BULLYING COUNTRIES'
Ahmadinejad also addressed a high-level meeting on the rule of law at the United Nations on Monday, saying states should not yield to international law as imposed "by bullying countries."
In the past, Ahmadinejad has used his U.N. speeches to defend Iran's nuclear program and to attack Israel, the United States and Europe. He has questioned the Holocaust and cast doubt on whether 19 hijackers were really responsible for the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.
Western envoys typically walk out of Ahmadinejad's speeches in protest.
Ahmadinejad said on Monday that Iran - under U.N., U.S. and European Union sanctions over its nuclear program - is used to economic restrictions and is not severely affected by them.
"The conditions in Iran are not as bad as they are portrayed by some," Ahmadinejad said, adding that his country can survive without oil revenues.
Ahmadinejad added that Iran's economy is in much better shape that that of the EU, which he said was "on the verge of disintegration and collapse."
Iran has held several rounds of talks this year on the nuclear issue with six world powers: the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - as well as Germany. The six powers are represented by EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said last Wednesday that he and Ashton had agreed to defer more nuclear talks until the latter had consulted the six powers on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week.
There will be high-level side meetings on Iran's nuclear program and the Syrian conflict during the General Assembly, but U.N. diplomats do not expect either issue to be resolved soon.
'WE SEEK PEACE IN SYRIA'
The United Nations and Western officials have accused Iran of supplying weapons to Syria's pro-government forces, while Syria's government has accused Qatar and Saudi Arabia of arming rebels determined to topple President Bashar al-Assad.
Ahmadinejad rejected the charge that Iran was sending arms to Syria. "The so-called news that you alluded to has been denied vehemently, officially," Ahmadinejad said in a response to a question. "We seek peace in Syria. We like and love both sides. ... We see both sides as equally our brothers."
"In Syria, the intervention and meddling from outside have made conditions that much tougher," Ahmadinejad said. "We must help to quell the violence and help ... (facilitate) a national dialogue."
A U.N. Security Council panel of independent experts that monitors sanctions against Iran has uncovered several examples of Iran transferring arms to Syria. The United States and Britain say they are providing non-lethal assistance to Syria's rebels such as communications equipment, but not arms.
Ahmadinejad also addressed the issue of a California-made anti-Islam video, "The Innocence of Muslims," that has sparked anti-American protests around the Muslim world. He appeared to reject Washington's position that while it condemns the video's content, freedom of expression must be upheld.
"Freedoms must not interfere with the freedoms of others," Ahmadinejad said. "If someone insults, what would you do? ... Is insulting other people not a form of crime?"
Since the controversy over the video erupted this month, some Muslim leaders have reiterated calls for a U.N. measure outlawing insults to Islam and blasphemy in general.
Ahmadinejad also was asked about a move by an Iranian religious foundation, in response to the "The Innocence of Muslims," to increase its reward for the killing of British author Salman Rushdie.
"Where is he now?" Ahmadinejad asked of Rushdie. "Is he in the United States? If he is, you shouldn't broadcast that for his own safety."
Rushdie, an Indian-born British novelist who has nothing to do with the video, was condemned to death in 1989 by Khomeini, Iran's late leader, over his novel "The Satanic Verses," saying its depiction of the Prophet Mohammad was blasphemous.
Iran has a two-term limit for presidents. Ahmadinejad, widely seen as out of favor with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ends his second term next year. "But that does not mean I will be separating myself from politics," he said.
SOURCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/24/us-un-assembly-ahmadinejad-idUSBRE88N0HF20120924
"And of course when Iran bombs Israel, the Palestinians will die with the Israelis and there will be nothing left for anyone to inherit."
oh my god so there IS a possibility......Now I'm scared!
oh my god so there IS a possibility......Now I'm scared!
I think you are right. There needs to be a solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I am not proud of the fact that Palestinian people have been displaced. It is very complicated but many factions in Israel have worked to make a solution possible. One of the problems is that the extremist Muslims will not under any circumstances agree to work with Israel on this. They often kill other Arabs who try to work on a solution, calling them collaborators.
They will never agree to the existence of a Jewish State. The ruling party of Iran holds this sentiment.
The saddest thing is that the other Arab countries have not shown any real concern for the Palestinians except to use their cause as a tool to engender hate and violence. And of course when Iran bombs Israel, the Palestinians will die with the Israelis and there will be nothing left for anyone to inherit.
Stalin and Hitler couldn't be stopped until untold damage and suffering was in effect for years. I don't think we have learned much from history. I just didn't expect it to happen again in this lifetime.
Focus on the love ladies, it is all there is, imho.
They will never agree to the existence of a Jewish State. The ruling party of Iran holds this sentiment.
The saddest thing is that the other Arab countries have not shown any real concern for the Palestinians except to use their cause as a tool to engender hate and violence. And of course when Iran bombs Israel, the Palestinians will die with the Israelis and there will be nothing left for anyone to inherit.
Stalin and Hitler couldn't be stopped until untold damage and suffering was in effect for years. I don't think we have learned much from history. I just didn't expect it to happen again in this lifetime.
Focus on the love ladies, it is all there is, imho.
"Problem is of course that it is very possible Russia and China would back Iran. Then your looking at the next world war."
Is this really a possibility???
Is this really a possibility???
I believe Iran feels this way out of a sense of solidarity with Palestine. This goes back a very very long way. Palestine believes the land belongs to them and Israel believes it is the promised land of the Jewish people. I think I have that right, but perhaps there is more to it.
I personally believe the situation with Iran needs to be handled by the US and the allies. It should be a coalition of US, France, England, Canada, etc. etc. and I do believe we have to back Israel. I am not crazy about some of the strong words used by Israel recently, and I do wish they could come to an agreement with Palestine, but I also believe that nothing Israel could do or say would get Iran to leave them alone. Perhaps there is nothing Israel could do or say to be safe in that region....it's tough to be surrounded by your sworn enemies.
I don't even pretend to know the solution, but I don't think the US should go it alone....it needs to be done with support and backing of NATO. Problem is of course that it is very possible Russia and China would back Iran. Then your looking at the next world war. Scary stuff...I'll admit to the odd sleepless night over this.
I personally believe the situation with Iran needs to be handled by the US and the allies. It should be a coalition of US, France, England, Canada, etc. etc. and I do believe we have to back Israel. I am not crazy about some of the strong words used by Israel recently, and I do wish they could come to an agreement with Palestine, but I also believe that nothing Israel could do or say would get Iran to leave them alone. Perhaps there is nothing Israel could do or say to be safe in that region....it's tough to be surrounded by your sworn enemies.
I don't even pretend to know the solution, but I don't think the US should go it alone....it needs to be done with support and backing of NATO. Problem is of course that it is very possible Russia and China would back Iran. Then your looking at the next world war. Scary stuff...I'll admit to the odd sleepless night over this.
I get that Iran thinks Israel is worthless and should be "eliminated" but, why?..Ahmadinejad sounds like a lunatic to me from reading this article, Why so much hatred for Israel?
OMG!! I never really paid attention to the unrest in the middle east. It's got my attention now. So what is America to do? What is our role? Forgive my ignorance but I'm not the best at foreign policy. I do know the unrest in the middle east has been ongoing for years...So can someone please explain it to me?!
I really don't know where you get the idea that Ahmandinfkhead wants to talk.
"We don't even count them as any part of any equation for Iran. During a historical phase, they (the Israelis) represent minimal disturbances that come into the picture and are then eliminated."
In 2005, Ahmadinejad called Israel a "tumor" and echoed the words of the former Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, by saying that Israel should be wiped off the map."
It has been the rhetoric of the Iranian Government for years.
I love the people and culture, this is about the fools in power. I also do not like Netanyahu but at this point even the left in Israel see what's coming.
Like I said before, unless the U.S. can stop Iran, I think this country should stay out of it.
I don't believe that Israel will attack first (unless it is a covert operation within) but if the Iranian government follows through with their threats, it is the end of that region, the entire region.
The Israel loves Iran/ Iran loves Israel fb site is like a prayer from the hearts and souls of the peoples, it gives me hope not for practical reasons but because I believe the soul of humanity is greater than hate. I have to believe it, what else can we do?
BTW, twinkies are not food! Stock up on cliff bars and water. :-)
"We don't even count them as any part of any equation for Iran. During a historical phase, they (the Israelis) represent minimal disturbances that come into the picture and are then eliminated."
In 2005, Ahmadinejad called Israel a "tumor" and echoed the words of the former Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, by saying that Israel should be wiped off the map."
It has been the rhetoric of the Iranian Government for years.
I love the people and culture, this is about the fools in power. I also do not like Netanyahu but at this point even the left in Israel see what's coming.
Like I said before, unless the U.S. can stop Iran, I think this country should stay out of it.
I don't believe that Israel will attack first (unless it is a covert operation within) but if the Iranian government follows through with their threats, it is the end of that region, the entire region.
The Israel loves Iran/ Iran loves Israel fb site is like a prayer from the hearts and souls of the peoples, it gives me hope not for practical reasons but because I believe the soul of humanity is greater than hate. I have to believe it, what else can we do?
BTW, twinkies are not food! Stock up on cliff bars and water. :-)
El, I almost think that both sides are looking forward to this. Maybe Israel just wants it to be over...it would be hard living under the threat of this nutjob. One way or the other, Iran is just going to have to be dealt with. Not sure where the solution is, but I do know that the first bomb or whatever that is launched? I hope it falls right on loonie man's head. Of course, who knows who is waiting in the wings to take his place. Doesn't seem possible, but maybe he is even worse. Iran is a problem...has been for a while.
It sure will be interesting to see how the WH handles this Israel vs. Iran issue.
We can't NOT back the Israelis in this, so does it look to anyone else like there's a war brewin' over there?
Looks to me like the Israelis are TRYING to pick a fight.
Sounds to me like Ahmadinejad wants to talk, "...We are ready for dialogue, for a fundamental resolution of the problems..."
I'm stocking up on Twinkies & Ensure, just to be on the safe side.
We can't NOT back the Israelis in this, so does it look to anyone else like there's a war brewin' over there?
Looks to me like the Israelis are TRYING to pick a fight.
Sounds to me like Ahmadinejad wants to talk, "...We are ready for dialogue, for a fundamental resolution of the problems..."
I'm stocking up on Twinkies & Ensure, just to be on the safe side.
You must join this user group in order to participate in this discussion.
You are reading content posted in the Current Events . . . Group
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
