In an April 1 speech in the Khuzestan region in southern Iran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responded to U.S. President Barack Obama's videotaped message on the occasion of the Iranian New Year. Following are excerpts from Ahmadinejad's speech:
Ahmadinejad to the West: Mind Your Manners
"…In order to take control of the [world's] people, the arrogant ones, those who speak through violence, the [most] corrupt people in history, are targeting first and foremost the honor [of the world's peoples], since a man who loses his honor is ready to bear any suffering and is trampled and easily eliminated. It is impossible for the arrogant ones to overcome a society and a population who have tasted the taste of honor…
"Seven years ago, following the Iranian nation's steadfast stand on the nuclear issue, the enemies took up positions on both sides of Iran's borders, in the east and in the west, and announced that the reason for their military show of force was in order to contain the Iranian nation in the Middle East region. Several times they made as though they were about to attack [Iran], with military preparations and threats against the Iranian nation. However, by the grace of God and thanks to the Iranian nation's steadfastness, and thanks to the values of the martyrs, they were defeated…"
Ahmadinejad then addressed the world powers, saying: "We advise you to correct your behavior, since the world is changing… Stop the egotism, the aggression, and the lack of manners. Speak to the [world's] nations in a correct manner and politely…"
Iran "Is Known to the World as a Nation that Cannot Be Defeated"
"Thanks to the steadfastness of the Iranian nation, which stands behind the dear leader [Khamenei], this nation continues in its glorious path and is known to the world as a nation that cannot be defeated. Today, thanks to great achievements, the threat to Iran has been lifted, and no power in the world entertains the notion of taking action against the Iranian nation. Even if someone were to entertain this notion and want to undertake any act of aggression against the nation… he should know that the Iranian nation is ready, and any hand outstretched in order to attack will be cut off.
"The Iranian nation is one of civilization, culture, and values. It is peace-loving, and [its people are] people of reason and dialogue, justice and brotherhood. It desires that this atmosphere should exist throughout the world. They [the West] say that the world cannot be run through terror or militarism. We say the same thing; in fact, this is the deepest wish of the Iranian nation. However, the question here is: why are they making shows of force thousands of kilometers from their borders and attacking other nations? Stop your shows of force and aggression, and look to the world in peace and tranquility…" [1]
Endnote:
[1] IRNA, April 1, 2009. For the response of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to Obama's Iranian New Year's Message, see MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 2297, "Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's New Year's Speech and Reactions to President Obama's Message," March 25, 2009, http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/3207.htm.
