Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
AHMADINEJAD: Why should we agree to that? There is no such provision in the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty].
It is the right of all member states of the NPT to have the technology for fuel reprocessing.
The problem is some believe that they sit above the law. They produce bombs and use them too. That is where the problem lies.
We are interested in having talks with everyone … but the U.S. administration–that is, a section of the U.S. administration–does not create the right circumstances. They believe that they own the entire world, so they speak from that position, looking down at us. Some politicians in the United States think that the nuclear issue is a way to put pressure on Iran, but they are wrong. [A country] that has actually produced and used nuclear bombs cannot claim that they now want to stop proliferation.
We need to look at the scene in the Middle East–60 years of war, 60 years of displacement, 60 years of conflict, not even a day of peace. We need to address and resolve the root problem.
Our suggestion is very clear … Let the Palestinian people decide their fate in a free and fair referendum, and the result, whatever it is, should be accepted … The people with no roots there are now ruling the land.
What I have said has made my position clear. If we look at a map of the Middle East from 70 years ago …
Is this a test? Do you respect the right to self-determination for the Palestinian nation? Yes or no?
Israel currently occupies Palestine. Where did they come from? They should return.
It’s not the numbers that are important … We know this was a historical event that happened. But why is it that people who question it are persecuted and attacked?
We’ve supported the Iraqi government from the start. We will support the political process in Iraq.
Do you think there is a problem with Iran being a powerful country? A powerful Iran will benefit the region, because Iran is a country with a deep culture and has always been a peaceful country.
Why do you call them terrorists? If someone occupied the United States and the American people rose to defend their home, would you call the American people terrorists?
The Palestinian people have the right to live. Gaza is being bombarded. Homes are being destroyed.
I sent a very detailed and caring letter [to President Bush]. I truly mean it when I say that I hope Mr. Bush will change his behavior and attitude. It doesn’t make us happy that sentiments against him rise on a daily basis around the world.
We’re just defending our honor.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani
TALABANI: The media focuses only on the negative side of Iraq. We have problems with security, but we have big achievements and victories. People are enjoying a new kind of democracy: they are enjoying freedom of expression, of organization, and of having their own television and radio. We have liberated the economy from the control of the state. Now the private sector is active everywhere. We have 18 provinces, and at least 12 of these are quiet and calm. All over Iraq, schools are open.
This is not civil war. This is terrorist activity concentrated on Iraq by Al Qaeda and other extremists.
Of course we are worried. But this is one side …
Before the last election for Parliament, Sunnis refused to sit down with Shiites. I was mediating. Afterwards, they were convinced to participate in Parliament. They agreed to have a national unity government, and Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds have agreed to form a council for national security. Now Sunnis and Shiites are governing together. Though differences remain, this is a way of reconciliation.
President Bush assured us that he will support the Maliki government. We assured him that all Iraqi political parties support Maliki. He has done many important things for Iraq. He has ordered all of the militias to stop their activities.
They are not operating as before.
I think within two years we will be able to train our Army and have the capacity to face terrorism. When we ask our allies to leave Iraq it will depend on being able to keep Iraq’s sovereignty and independence free of danger from the outside. The presence of American forces–even a symbolic one–will frighten those who are trying to interfere in our affairs.
Our prime minister just came back from Iran. He got good promises from Iran on security–promises that they will never permit any kind of interference in the internal affairs of Iraq.
Let us see.
Yes, but they are not coming in. We convinced the PKK [a radical Kurdish separatist group based in Iraq] to stop fighting, and within days it will officially announce a ceasefire. This will help Iraq open a new chapter in relations with Turkey. We are urging the Turkish Kurds to be moderate, to wage their struggle through democratic means.
I support this idea. I believe democracy is the panacea for all problems in the Middle East.
Iraq is not in chaos. There are many provinces that are calm–where people live in prosperity. We are grateful to your people, to your Army, to your president. You liberated us from a dictatorship.
What I want from the American media is to send people to Iraq to see different parts of the country, not just Fallujah and Baghdad. Some places are in trouble, including Baghdad, but we are improving this.
Yes. I think we will be in need of American forces for a long time to prevent foreign interference. Ten thousand soldiers and two air bases would be enough. This will be in the interest of the Iraqi people and of peace in the Middle East.
