Iranian president accuses West of intimidation in U.N address
By David Ariosto
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said his nation was committed to peace and accused world powers of double standards in pursuing an arms race, as he took to the stage Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly.
His address on day two of the general debate was widely expected to prove contentious, given the Iranian leader's history of controversial statements, but he made no mention of Israel.
At times, his remarks seemed almost conciliatory.
Speaking from the assembly's iconic green marble podium, Ahmadinejad told delegates that Iran has a "global vision and welcomes any effort intended to provide and promote peace, stability and tranquility" in the world.
However, an "arms race and intimidation by nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction by the hegemonic powers have become prevalent," he said, and Iran finds itself under threat from world powers seeking to impose their views.
"Continued threat by the uncivilized Zionists to resort to military action against our great nation is a clear example of this bitter reality," he said. "A state of mistrust has cast its shadow on the international relations, while there is no trusted or just authority to help resolve world conflicts."
It was the Iranian president's eighth and final address to the assembly, with his final term in office coming to an end next year.
As Ahmadinejad spoke, the place set aside for the U.S. delegation was empty. The Canadian delegation also did not attend the speech, and Israel's representatives were absent in observance of Yom Kippur.
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We subscribe to the school of thought (as propagated by many commentators on this forum most prominent being @krm1007 ©™) that UN, NATO, Eurozone have all played their roles but have become redundant in current times. We need to think out of the box. A global democratic body embodies our political aspirations. We can't go back to the old paradigm that gave us several world wars. An elected world government should emerge based on democratic principles of one person one vote. There will be no veto powers. The center of seat will be based in developing countries
"Ahmadinajad the lame duck president".... not pro Iran but why is CNN engaging in unprofessional journalism and psychological warfare operations. and the tone of the interpreter UN/CNN is almost one of mockery. Trying to set an impression on the viewer that he/ she should undermine what is being said . Unprofessional, Unethical, Unfair and looks like state controlled. Dont form our opinions for us.
I put more credence in what Mahmoud Ahmedinejad says at the U.N. than anything any American, British or French politicians has to say. He is quite right in saying that these countries use intimidation at the U.N. as well as possible bribery. I get sick and tired of seeing so many ignoramuses here bashing Ahmedinejad and touting the Western politicians. By doing that, they'll only showing their stupidity!!!
Israel will not use force against Iran unless as a last resort in case there will be no other way to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Those claiming that Israel is eager to attack Iran should have no problem to explain the benefits Israel will possibly gain from attacking PEACEFUL Iran.
I thought the United Nations was a place where civilized nations came together as one and work hard in solving disputes instead it has been a place where they are allowing leaders of countries to come speak evil and destruction of other countries. They should ban and isolate world leaders who behave in an uncivilized manner towards other countries. Ahmadinejad is one example.
your mom is one of them.
shut up nore.
Why don't we just offer a million dollars for this bozo's head on a stick and save the US billions and the loss of innocent lives?
You mean like Osama? That only took 10 years. Then again, he was already dead long before "we" got him.
Ahmadinejad is softening the rhetoric either to A. Buy time, or B. look like a Martyr if Israel launches a strike. What he did not do is make concessions for IAEA inspectors to check his facilities, or even propose halting enrichment. Ahmadinejad claims that the West and It's allies are so evil, how come they allow him to come the N.Y. and speak? All he does is spew is usual vitriol anyway, but never budge an inch.