YouSaid · the spoken record

Hassan Rouhani

lines on the record: 144
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 8
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“From this global rostrum, and as the representative of the people of Iran, who are world-famous for their hospitality, I invite all who seek peace, security and progress through partnership and cooperation among nations to visit Iran and join us in building this future of hope. If we truly believe in our collective decision of four years ago in the General Assembly to work for a world against violence and violent extremism, we can turn the discourse of imposition, unilateralism, intimidation and war into the logic of dialogue, synergy and peace, so that moderation can become the dominant voice across the globe.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is the policy of my Government to continue to steadily enhance the entrepreneurial environment, protect intellectual property rights, consistently improve corporate governance and engage in a robust campaign against money-laundering in order to enhance a legal climate conducive to business and economic investments in various fields, particularly knowledge-based enterprises. The Iranian nation is resolutely determined to build a free and advanced Iran and participate in developing a secure and stable region based on ethics and respect for international law. In that endeavour, we welcome the participation and cooperation of all investors, intellectuals and innovators from all over the world.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our achievements in enhancing economic infrastructures through a nation-wide gas pipeline, a national electricity grid and rail and road transport have made it possible for various industries to produce their goods at a lower cost, with easy access to national and regional markets. With our current friendly legal environment, many foreign investors have come to Iran, leading to an ever-increasing number of investments, joint ventures and financing agreements in multiple fields.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our strategic choice for achieving such sustainable and balanced growth is an extensive network of global partnerships. We firmly believe that development and security can grow only if they grow together, and that common interests can bind us regionally and globally to guarantee both regional and global security. Iran, with the world’s largest gas and oil reserves, is prepared to engage in long-term cooperation to advance global energy security. We are eager to expand international transit corridors through joint ventures in sea, rail and road infrastructure projects.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The United States Government should explain to its own people why, after spending billions of dollars of the assets of the people of America and our region, it has brought the region only war, misery, poverty and the rise of terrorism and extremism rather than contributing to peace and stability. In the past four years, Iran has demonstrated that its economy has unparalleled potential for expansion and growth. Economic sanctions not only have not hindered it, they have solidified the popular resolve to enhance domestic production. Iran’s achievement of the highest global growth rate last year proved that its economy has the potential to become the world’s most vibrant emerging economy within the next 20 years, with a trillion-dollar growth potential.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We will never allow our people to become victims of such catastrophic delusions again. Instability and extremist violence have only been exacerbated in our region through the military interventions of extra-regional actors — the same Powers that try to sell ever more of their deadly weapons to other States by accusing Iran of fomenting instability. I want to emphasize that foreign intervention and the imposition of alien wishes on the people of the region can only widen and deepen the crises in our region. The crises in Syria, Yemen and Bahrain do not have military solutions and can be resolved only through an end to the hostilities and acceptance of the will and desires of their peoples.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The ignorant, absurd and hateful rhetoric filled with ridiculously baseless allegations that we heard yesterday in this Hall was not only unfit to be heard at the United Nations — which was established to promote peace and respect between nations — but in fact contradicted the demands of the nations of this global Organization that it bring Governments together in the battle against war and terror. I wish to emphasize that the defence capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including its missiles, are solely defensive deterrents for maintaining regional peace and stability and suppressing the adventurist tendencies of irrational aspirants. We cannot forget that civilians in many of our cities became the target of long-range missile attacks by Saddam Hussein during his eight-year war of aggression against us.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Four years ago in the Assembly, the Islamic Republic of Iran sponsored the initiative of resolution 68/127, “A world against violence and violent extremism”. We consider dialogue and negotiations based on a positive-sum paradigm to be the only path to resolving global and regional crises. We have made a conscious decision to strengthen relations with our neighbours and others in the region, as well as to enhance our cooperation with all friendly countries. We cannot navigate the complex and dangerous challenges in this turbulent transitional global phase without expanding interaction and exchanges and institutionalizing dialogue between nations and States.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Imagine that along with civil wars, takfiri terror, humanitarian nightmares and complex sociopolitical crises in West Asia there was a manufactured nuclear crisis. How would we all fare? I declare here to the Assembly that while the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first country to violate the agreement, it will respond decisively and resolutely to any violation of it by any party. It would be a great pity if it were to be destroyed by rogue newcomers to the world of politics, and the world would have lost a great opportunity. But such unfortunate behaviour will never halt Iran in its course of progress and advancement. By violating its international commitments, the new United States Administration only destroys its own credibility and undermines international confidence in negotiating with it or accepting its promises.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We determined the extent of our nuclear programme ourselves. We never sought to achieve deterrence through nuclear weapons. We have immunized ourselves through our people’s knowledge and, more importantly, their resilience. That is our talent and our approach. Some say that they wanted to deprive Iran of nuclear weapons, but we have always vociferously rejected such weapons. We have never been distressed about forgoing an option that we never actually sought. It is reprehensible that a rogue Zionist regime that threatens regional and global security with its nuclear arsenal and is not committed to any international instrument or safeguard has the audacity to preach to peaceful nations. Imagine how the Middle East would look if the JCPOA had not been concluded.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The deal is the outcome of two years of intensive multilateral negotiations, overwhelmingly applauded by the international community and endorsed by the Security Council through resolution 2231 (2015). As such, it belongs to the entire international community, not just one or two countries. The JCPOA can become a new model for global interaction based on mutual constructive engagement among us all. We have opened our doors to engagement and cooperation and concluded scores of development agreements with advanced countries in both the East and the West. Unfortunately, there are some who have deprived themselves of that unique opportunity, in a way that amounts to imposing sanctions on themselves, and now they feel betrayed. We were not deceived, and neither did we cheat or deceive anyone else.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We have enough confidence in the depth of our culture, the truth of our faith and the tenacity and longevity of our revolution that we will never seek to export any of them in the way that neocolonialists do through the heavy boots of soldiers. To promote our culture, civilization, religion and revolution, we enter hearts and engage minds. We recite our poetry and engage in discourse on our philosophy. Our ambassadors are our poets, mystics and philosophers. We have reached these shores of the Atlantic through Rumi and spread our influence all over Asia with Saadi. We have already captured the world through Hafez, so we are not in need of new conquests. The call for moderation is from a nation that has been committed to it. We do not preach moderation; we practice it, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a case in point.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We are the same people who rescued the Jews from Babylonian servitude, opened our arms to welcome Armenian Christians in our midst and created the Iranian cultural continent with a unique mix of diverse religions and ethnicities. I represent the same Iran that has historically assisted the oppressed. Centuries ago, we supported the rights of the Jewish people and today we are insisting on the restoration of the rights of the Palestinian people. Iran is still the same country, supporting justice and seeking tranquillity. Today we are on the front lines fighting terror and religious extremism in the Middle East, not for sectarian or ethnic reasons but for ethical, humanitarian and strategic ones. Iran does not seek to restore its ancient empire, impose its official religion on others or export its revolution through the force of arms.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We believe in dialogue and negotiation conducted on an equal footing and based on mutual respect. In today’s globalized world, peace, security, stability and the progress of all nations are intertwined. We cannot see a rogue and racist regime trample on the most basic rights of Palestinians while the usurpers of their land enjoy security. No one can aspire to long-term stability, prosperity and development while Muslims in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Myanmar and so many other places live in misery, war and poverty. Throughout its history, Iran has been a bastion of tolerance for many religions and ethnicities.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“That peace is a just and inclusive peace, not one that means peace for one nation and war and turmoil for others. Moderation is freedom and democracy, conducted in an inclusive and comprehensive manner that does not purport to promote freedom in one place while supporting dictators elsewhere. Moderation is the synergy of ideas, not a dance of swords. And lastly, the path of moderation nurtures beauty. Exports of deadly weapons are not beautiful. Peace is beautiful. In Iran, we strive to build peace and promote the human rights of peoples and nations. We never condone tyranny and we always defend those whose voices are not heard. But while we never threaten anyone, neither do we tolerate threats from anyone. Our discourse is based on dignity and respect, and we are unmoved by threats and intimidation.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In its first term, while pursuing nuclear negotiations internationally, at home my Government focused on discussing and articulating our citizens’ rights, resulting in the promulgation of a Citizens’ Rights Charter and its adoption for implementation, thereby meeting the demands of a people who, in their desire to restore their rights and human dignity, first rose up against a dictatorial regime 111 years ago, in their constitutional revolution, and again 39 years ago, in the Islamic revolution. I declare here in this Hall that moderation is the preferred and chosen path of the great Iranian people. Moderation seeks neither isolation nor hegemony. It implies neither indifference nor intransigence. The path of moderation is the path of peace.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Our latest election was not merely a vote for a President. It represents a huge political investment on the part of our resilient people, who truly constitute our most reliable asset. Human and civil rights, along with a quest for justice and Islamic values, have been at the heart of the principal demands of the Iranian people for their more than 150 years of struggle, particularly during the Islamic revolution of 1979.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Lajčák on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly. I would also like to congratulate Secretary-General Guterres on his appointment to his high office and to wish him every success in his crucial responsibilities. Four months ago, more than 41 million people — 73 per cent of the total of Iran’s eligible voters — came to the polls in our country’s twelfth presidential election and once again expressed confidence in my platform, which calls for moderation and respect for human rights, prosperity and economic revitalization at home, and for constructive engagement around the world. Their vote illustrated the maturity of the electorate in a society that has been experiencing free and democratic governance for only four decades.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“In conclusion, I would like to clearly state that it is my deep belief that, despite setbacks, moderation will prevail over extremism, peace will triumph over violence, enlightenment will overcome ignorance and, finally, justice will conquer injustice. What is important is that we channel our beliefs, hopes and efforts towards realizing peace and justice. If we do so, there is no doubt that the Almighty will assist all those who endeavour for peace, justice and moderation, and that God will help those who assist Him by defending his path, for the Lord is strong and mighty.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“All in all, we are seeing greater development in the economic, scientific and technological sectors of the country. Iran is one of the rare oil-producing countries that may be able to offset the shocking impact of the sharp slide in oil price in 2014. In order to attract investment, we are intent on strengthening economic stability and consistency through economic reforms and fiscal and financial discipline while preserving low rates of inflation. Economic growth is set to increase to around 5 per cent by the end of 2016. Based on all domestic and international predictions, Iran is currently enjoying one the highest growth rates among oil-producing countries.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“This experience demonstrates that Zionist pressure groups could go so far as to persuade the United States Congress to pass indefensible legislation that forces the highest American judicial institution to violate peremptory norms of international law. With God’s help, the Iranian people’s fortitude and the increased participation of Iran’s partners from various regions around the world, and only eight months after the lifting of the cruel nuclear-related sanctions against my country, the economy of Iran, as the safest and most profitable destination for investment in our region, is showing clear improvement. Iran’s economic growth rate surpassed 4 per cent in the spring of 2016, the inflation rate dropped to single digits, and Iran has come close to pre-sanction levels of oil production and exports.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The United States is fully aware that the JCPOA constitutes a recognized multilateral agreement and that any failure on the part of the United States in implementing it would constitute an wrongful act under international law, to which the international community would object. Any failure in the implementation of the JCPOA will further erode the credibility of the United States around the world. Breaches in compliance with the JCPOA by the United States in the past several months represents an error that should be rectified forthwith. Unfortunately, such illegal actions are not unprecedented. The latest example of this is the recent United States Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the legality of the seizure of billions of dollars in assets belonging to the Iranian people.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Beyond the nuclear file, however, the JCPOA holds important lessons the resolving complicated international problems. The deal is not only a political agreement; it also represents a creative approach and method for engaging in constructive interaction with a view to peacefully resolving crises and challenges. The lessons learned from the JCPOA will serve to improve international relations. We should never forget that these pressures, sanctions and illegal threats against the Iranian people, designed to fully dismantle Iran’s enrichment programme, were all defeated. Today, the Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency have formally accepted Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The experience acquired through dialogue between Iran and the P5+1 and the fruition of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are indicative of the success that we could achieve through moderation, constructive interaction and the promotion of dialogue. A long, complicated and unnecessary crisis was brought to an end by the adoption of a win-win approach. The deal confirmed the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme through the use of confidence-building mechanisms and entails the closure of the so-called possible military dimensions file and the reinstatement of Iran’s right to develop a peaceful nuclear programme. The deal also has put an end to unfounded concerns, leading to the removal of the brutal sanctions imposed against Iran.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“For centuries, the Muslim people, be they Shiites or Sunnis, have lived and continue to live together in harmony and mutual respect. Attempts to turn religious dissimilarities into tense confrontations are rooted in the vested interests of certain countries, which are trying to hide their quests for power behind religious slogans. Iran considers it imperative to preserve the territorial integrity of States, keep national borders intact, enhance people’s right to self-determination and uphold the principle of refraining from the threat or use of force. We also reiterate the need to use diplomacy in conflict resolution. Despite today’s difficulties, I have hope in tomorrow. I have no doubt that we can prevail through prudence and wisdom.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We believe that countries in our region can create a shared future on the basis of their common history and culture and by isolating terrorist groups. We should never again allow our region to run the risk of dismemberment, given the impact of what took place close to a century ago. Iran’s principled approach calls for constructive partnership with our neighbours, with a view to establishing an enduring order based on shared security and efforts aimed at enhancing the developments of countries in the region and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. In order to uproot violence in the region there is no choice but to focus on promoting democracy, citizenship rights and economic development. Iran opposes any kind of sectarianism and any attempt to promote religious divisions.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“If the Saudi Government is serious about its vision for development and regional security, it must cease and desist from the use of divisive policies, stop spreading hate ideology and refrain from trampling upon the rights of neighbours. It must accept its responsibility for the protection of the lives and dignity of pilgrims and construct relations with the nations in the region on the basis of mutual respect and accountability. The future of our region rests on dealing with fundamental challenges, including security crises. Due to inefficiency and lack of Government legitimacy, we will not be able to combat criminal and terrorist networks without genuine democracy or a participatory approach at national and transnational levels.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Iraqis of every ethnic group are concerned about their territorial integrity and the future of their homeland. The defenceless people of Yemen are subjected to daily aerial bombardments. Following decades of occupation and atrocities, Afghanistan has yet to be released from the grip of suffering, violence and terror. The oppressed Palestinians continue to be afflicted by the apartheid policies and atrocities set by the usurping Zionist regime. Undoubtedly, if the region is to reverse the current dangerous trends and move towards development and stability, certain countries must stop bombing their neighbours and abandon their support for takfiri terrorist groups, while accepting responsibility and trying to compensate for past mistakes.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Terrorists have even gone as far as claiming to have established States in the Levant, Iraq and Libya. More unfortunately, they hide their nefarious intents behind religious literature, thereby turning a compassionate religion into an instrument of violence and terror by spreading extremist and takfiri propaganda, which is all too regrettable. The century that began with terror and violence in New York should not continue with hostile competition and expanding conflicts in the Middle East. Today the discourse of hatred and violence in the Middle East and North Africa is spreading with astonishing speed. The region is caught in a web of the most savage and destructive of policies. Millions of Syrians are stranded in deserts or on high seas, and hundreds of thousands of them die a violent death.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“We need to find out which approaches, policies and erroneous actions have paved the way for the spread of insecurity throughout the world and what the world will look like 15 years from now. Security has become a global problem at a time when major Powers are mainly focusing on advancing different methods of repression and military intervention under the pretext of creating a secure environment for their citizens. The genesis of borderless violent extremism and terrorism could be attributed to the security strategies developed by major Powers in the past 15 years. The main lesson to be learned from the analysis of this trend is that security in one region at the cost of insecurity in others is not only impossible, but it also leads to greater insecurity everywhere.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I congratulate Mr. Peter Thomson on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-first session, and I hope that the decisions and initiatives taken by the Assembly will play an effective role in resolving the problems that our world is currently facing. Fifteen years have passed since the painful terrorist attack in this city, a disaster whose human dimensions moved the entire world. On that day, no one imagined that this occurrence would lead to larger disasters or result in a devastating war in the Middle East and the spread of insecurity across the globe. This war has sown the seeds of borderless terrorism everywhere on Earth. Today, the most pressing question as to why we are facing such a situation should be on the agenda of every international forum.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Its behaviour, which only cultivates the seeds of division and extremism, must be brought to an end, and its actions must be made compatible with the realities of the region. Despite the many problems in our region today, we believe in a promising future. We do not doubt that the obstacles can be overcome by wisdom, prudence and the use of new and powerful capacities, as well as by relying on our civilizational roots and our serious resolve. Thanks to the light of divine revelation, we have faith in the bright future of humankind, in which people will live in peace, tranquillity and spirituality. We believe in the will of nations to choose the path of goodness and purity. We believe that ultimate victory will be won by those with good-natured piety.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We must not forget that the roots of today’s wars, destruction and terror can be found in yesterday’s occupations, invasions and military interventions. If the United States military invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq had not taken place and if the United States had not provided unwarranted support for the inhumane actions of the Zionist regime against the oppressed nation of Palestine, the terrorists today would not have any justification for their crimes. It is high time that the Government of the United States stop claiming to know the truth about our region and cease throwing baseless accusations about against its adversaries while pursuing dangerous policies on behalf of its regional allies.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Iraq, Syria and Yemen are all examples of crises that are being stoked through terror, extremism, violence, bloodshed, invasion and the indifference of the international community. They are also examples of how the flight from the horrors of war and bombardment triggers displacement and homelessness. The problems of those countries have persisted because the international community has failed them and because of the wrong-minded actions of newcomers to the region and naive transregional actors. As a result, the wave of destruction has gone beyond the Arab world and reached the doorstep of Europe and the United States, resulting in the loss of priceless elements of the world heritage, including precious relics of ancient civilizations. It has also resulted, more broadly, in the death of humanity itself.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“With a view to fighting ignorance, dictatorship, poverty, corruption, terrorism, violence and their social, political, cultural, economic and security impacts, I would like to invite the entire world, in particular the countries of my region, to form a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action campaign aimed at creating a united front against extremism and violence. Such a front must create a collective and global movement to tackle regional problems in a serious manner through dialogue, prevent the slaughter of innocent people and the bombardment of civilians, counter the promotion of violence and the killing of other human beings, provide for stability in cooperation with established central Governments to maintain stability, and once stability is established, build diplomacy and democratic governance in the Middle East region.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Subsequently, the representatives of the international community unanimously gave my appeal their seal of endorsement and, as a result, the General Assembly adopted resolution 68/127, on a world against violent extremism. The implementation of that resolution requires well-intentioned solutions and the application of experience gained in the realm of diplomacy. I am pleased that, by adding the support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to the invaluable support for the world against violent extremism resolution, we may now devise a plan to resolve the problems of a shattered Middle East caught in the claws of brutality and savagery.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“With all of its economic and cultural potential, Iran is well-positioned to become a hub for export-oriented investment. Iran is also eager to show that we can all choose a lasting peace based on development and shared interests, which will lead to sustainable security rather than a volatile peace based on threats. We hope to engage with our neighbours in a wide range of social and economic initiatives aimed at cooperation, which will enable the achievement of political understanding and even foster structural cooperation on security. In the international system today, mutual economic ties are considered to be the foremost factors in facilitating political cooperation and reducing security-related challenges. In 2013, from this very stage, I called for combating violence and extremism (A/68/PV.6, p. 13).”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“To build a peaceful future, we must learn our lessons from the bitter past. We know that the only way to bring about lasting peace is through development. Peace without development can only be a time out during which resentment and suspicion build. However, peace with development makes it possible for anger and resentment to dissipate and be replaced by hope and respect for others. We have repeatedly said that the only way to uproot terrorism in the Middle East is by targeting its underlying social, economic and cultural causes. Economic interactions can bring about lasting security and transform the region into a haven of peace and development. After the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran stands ready to show that the practical path to security and stability is through the development that comes with economic engagement.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We defend the rule of the majority that respects the rights of minorities. Today, while safeguarding its historic and cultural heritage, Iran is looking to the future — not only the distant future but also the near future, with a bright outlook for cooperation and coexistence. I say to all nations and Governments that we will not forget the past, but we do not wish to live in the past. We will not forget war and sanctions but we look to peace and development. Through the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we were not just seeking a nuclear deal. We wanted to suggest a new and constructive way of recreating the international order, an order based on mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of others and sustained cooperation and coexistence among the States Members of the United Nations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We would consider it unfortunate for national uprisings in our region to be hijacked by terrorists and for the destiny of nations to be determined by arms and terror rather than by the ballot box. We propose that the fight against terrorism be incorporated into a binding international instrument and that no country be allowed to use terrorism for the purposes of interfering in the affairs of other countries. We are prepared to assist in the eradication of terrorism, in paving the way for democracy and in ensuring that arms do not dictate the course of events in the region. As we assisted in the establishment of democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are prepared to help bring about democracy in Syria and Yemen. We support the consolidation of power through elections, rather than through arms.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We will take this opportunity to look to the future and stop focusing on the past and rebuild our relationships with the countries in the region, particularly our neighbours, on the basis of mutual respect and our common and collective interests. Unfortunately, the Middle East and North Africa have turned into one of the world’s most turbulent regions. With the continuation and intensification of current conditions, the turmoil could spread to other parts of the world. In today’s interconnected and borderless world, countries and regions are encountering great difficulty in protecting their borders and preventing the spread of insecurity and instability. The gravest and most important threat to the world today is the possibility of terrorist organizations becoming terrorist States.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The deal can and should herald a new era and lead to positive outcomes with regard to the establishment of sustainable peace and stability in the region. From our point of view, the agreed deal is not the final objective but a development that can and should be the basis for further arrangements to come. Considering the fact that the deal has created an objective basis for implementation and has set an appropriate model, it can serve as the grounds for foundational change in the region. Our policy is to continue to make peace-seeking efforts in the region, based on the same win-win principle, and to act in ways that would enable the region — and the world — to benefit from the new conditions.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Parallel to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, we also expect the nuclear-weapon States to take the necessary steps to fulfil their commitment to full nuclear disarmament, based on article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Furthermore, we expect them to play a positive role in the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East and not to allow the Zionist regime to remain an impediment to achieving that important objective. The recently concluded nuclear deal, which is a brilliant example of “victory over war”, has managed to disperse the clouds of hostility and far-reaching tensions in the Middle East — and even perhaps the spectre of another war.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“But those sanctions never in any way affected the policy that we adopted and the approach that we took towards negotiations. We proved in those negotiations that there is nothing on Iran’s agenda other than logic, reason, ethics, and — where necessary — legitimate and resolute self- defence against any kind of aggression. Consequently, the United States of America ultimately had no option but to choose negotiations and discussion over pressure and sanctions. Our seven countries and the European Union expended considerable time and diplomatic capital in those negotiations and should therefore exert their utmost efforts to protect and implement the agreement. We deem the compliance of all parties with their commitments to be the fundamental factor in the success of the implementation process of the negotiated agreement.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“But we believe that, as an old Iranian saying goes, the sooner the harm stops, the more benefit you will reap. Today is when that harm stopped. Resolution 2231 (2015), despite several significant shortcomings, is an important development. It is the basis for terminating sanctions and no longer adopting resolutions hostile to Iran. We consider the past conduct of the Security Council to be unfair and stress that Iran, owing to the important fatwa of its leader and its defence doctrine, has never harboured the intention of producing a nuclear weapon. Therefore, resolutions imposing sanctions against Iran were unjust and illegal. The sanctions imposed by the Security Council and the unilateral sanctions imposed by some countries were based on deluded and baseless allegations and created difficult conditions for our people.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“As in commerce and economic activity, so also in politics and international relations: the interests of both parties have to be taken into account, and multilateralism and win-win solutions should provide the basis of engagement. The United Nations was established to sustain global peace and security after two World Wars. Unfortunately, it has to be acknowledged that, in most cases, this important international institution has not been successful or effective. This time, however, the United Nations made the right decision, notwithstanding the fact that it earlier had adopted unfair resolutions against the Islamic Republic of Iran and imposed sanctions against the Iranian nation and Government, as a result of misunderstandings and, sometimes, the overt hostility of some countries.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I would like to take the opportunity to recognize the role of all the negotiators in achieving that agreement. We had opted for creating a new environment, while maintaining our principles, and we succeeded in that undertaking. Where necessary, we moved forward, and, where necessary, we showed the courage for flexibility. For each point, we relied extensively on international law and showcased the potential of an approach based on constructive dialogue. The key to a successful dialogue is remembering that any actor in the international system who pursues maximum demands and fails to allow space for the other side cannot hope to speak of peace, stability and development.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Two years ago, the people of Iran, voting in a competitive election, gave me a mandate to consolidate peace and constructive engagement with the world, while pursuing national rights, interests and security. That national will manifested itself through a careful and clear diplomatic effort, which resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, concluded between the Islamic Republic of Iran and six world Powers and the European Union. That Plan of Action became an international instrument when the Security Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015). From the standpoint of international law, the instrument sets a valuable precedent, as the two sides, rather than warring and then negotiating peace, engaged in a process of dialogue and mutual understanding before a conflict could break out.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The pain and emotional distress inflicted on millions of Muslims is too great to be repaired by material means alone. Public opinion demands that Saudi Arabian officials promptly fulfil their international obligations and grant immediate consular access, with a view to the expeditious identification and return of the cherished bodies and remains. Moreover, arrangements must be made for there to be an independent and exhaustive inquiry into the causes of that disaster, which should include proposals for ways of preventing future recurrences. I am speaking on behalf of a nation that, two years ago, voted for constructive engagement with the world, and I can now proudly announce that a new chapter has started in Iran’s relations with the world today.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I am speaking on behalf of a great nation, which is mourning the loss of thousands of Muslim pilgrims and hundreds of its own citizens. Old, young, men and women, who had come together in the grand and global spiritual gathering of the hajj, unfortunately fell victim to the incompetence and mismanagement of those in charge. Owing to that incompetence on the part of the latter, even the missing cannot be identified, and the expeditious return of the bodies of the deceased to their mourning families has been prevented. The magnitude of a calamity in which thousands of innocent people from the four corners of the world were killed or injured is such that it cannot be dealt with as though it were a natural disaster or a local issue.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)