YouSaid · the spoken record

Kamal Kharrazi

lines on the record: 98
first: 1997-09-24
most recent: 2003-09-24
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“Thus, we have nothing to hide, and in principle have no problem with the Additional Protocol. We are eager to ensure that this step will be utilized solely to enhance confidence and remove all doubts about the peaceful nature of our nuclear programme. In facing global challenges, no possibility other than mutual cooperation through the United Nations will be conducive to lasting and effective solutions. The democratic process advocated at all levels within the international community needs also to be reflected within the United Nations system. The General Assembly should play a more active role in global affairs. A more representative and democratic Security Council would mean a more efficient United Nations the kind of organization we should all want and work for.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“All NPT Review and Extension conferences have called for the suspension and freezing of Israel's tactical weapons and nuclear programmes, which are the real threats to international peace and security. They are both considered to be in contravention with the letter and spirit of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran's nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes, specifically for the planned production of 7,000 megawatts of electricity by 2020 for Iran's economic development. Iran will vigorously pursue its peaceful nuclear programme and will not give in to unreasonable, discriminatory and selective demands that go beyond the requirements of non-proliferation under existing International Atomic Energy Agency instruments. At the same time, Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme, nor does it intend to embark on one.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We believe the only option is to work actively towards a global and regional ban on these weapons, and we have thus spared no effort in this regard. However, the efforts to ban, or strengthen the ban, on weapons of mass destruction should not provide any excuse for denying States the right to develop technology for peaceful purposes. Unfortunately, the political pressure against the Islamic Republic of Iran to relinquish its inalienable right to develop peaceful nuclear technology is mounting, while some nuclear weapon States continue to test and develop advanced tactical nuclear weapons programmes. Furthermore, in defiance of international calls to adhere to the NPT, Israel is continuing, with impunity, its clandestine development of sophisticated nuclear weapons and their delivery systems.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Our commitment to international regimes on weapons of mass destruction lies not merely in our contractual obligations but, more importantly, in our religious convictions and historical experience. No country has suffered as acutely as mine from the tragic scars left from being victims of such weapons, particularly against the backdrop of a complacent international environment. We are convinced that the pursuit of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction will not only fail to provide deterrence or enhance security and influence, but will only increase vulnerability. Thus, I can state categorically that for all these reasons, weapons of mass destruction have no place in the defensive strategy of my country.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The Chemical Weapons Convention, Biological Weapons Convention and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) are the results of our collective wisdom in our efforts to eliminate the threat of chemical and biological weapons and the spread of nuclear weapons. We believe that more needs to be done. We should do more to make these basic international instruments universal. We should also do more to strengthen verification of their implementation. Finally, we should all work collectively, as mandated by the International Court of Justice, to move towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. By adhering to all of these three instruments as an original party, my country has shown its determination to work towards the complete eradication of weapons of mass destruction from the Earth.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In the heat of the military intervention in Afghanistan and in the wake of the Taliban collapse, thousands of individuals were denied entry into Iran; more than 2,300 individuals with false or no travel documents were deported and hundreds of suspects were arrested, interrogated and handed over to their countries of nationality or residence; and lists of such persons were brought to the attention of the relevant United Nations officials and bodies. Iran continues to cooperate in serious and long-term efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive, non-discriminatory and non-selective manner efforts that do not pick and choose between good and bad, or useful, terrorists. Weapons of mass destruction are among the most potent threats to peace and security at the regional and global levels.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“Fighting terrorism requires a multifaceted approach that goes well beyond a simple focus on law and order and also addresses its underlying causes. A unilateral and one-dimensional approach, based merely on the use of force, may neutralize some threats and bring some psychological comfort to those who seek revenge in response to 29 terrorist acts, but few would regard that as a serious methods of uprooting international terrorism. Any attempt to link terrorism to a specific religion or culture is prejudicial, politically motivated and thus unacceptable. No religion authorizes its adherents to kill innocent people, whatever the objective of such acts might be. The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Iran has done more than its fair share to effectively combat terrorism.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“At the same time, we are concerned about problems such as the regrouping of remnants of the Taliban and Al Qaeda, the paucity of international assistance and the increase in opium poppy cultivation. Unless the international community is more forthcoming in assisting the Afghan people and Government, recent achievements in Afghanistan may be jeopardized. We have a great stake in the return of full normality and stability to Afghanistan. In this area, we have strongly supported the central role of the United Nations in helping the Afghans to rebuild their own country, and we believe that the United Nations should continue to play this role for the foreseeable future. Terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires a global response.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The international community has a major responsibility to take effective measures in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. The recent decision of the Israeli regime to expel President Arafat from his homeland has outraged the international community, in general, and the Muslim world, in particular. I am confident that the free and civilized world will continue to reject and condemn such a move by Israel. It is regrettable that the United States, last week, once again and for the thirty-sixth time, resorted to the veto to block the adoption of a draft resolution. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I wish to take this opportunity to express our satisfaction over the steady improvement of the situation in Afghanistan under the leadership of President Karzai and his Government.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran also sympathize with the people of Iraq over the loss of another man of peace, Ayatollah Mohammad Baqer al- Hakim, in a separate terrorist bombing in Iraq. The violence against and the killing of innocent Palestinian people by the Israeli Army have become a daily occurrence, and prospects for a viable peace are steadily diminishing. The Palestinian people live under brutal occupation and oppression with no hope for relief, let alone peace and prosperity. The policy of the Sharon Government of reoccupying Palestinian cities and using military force to further terrorize the Palestinian people has exacerbated the situation and added to the despair and frustration of ordinary people.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“In this context, the United Nations should be allowed to play a central role in laying the ground work, on an urgent basis, in assisting the Iraqi people to establish a democratic and representative Government and in supervising the transfer of authority to them. The international community, in general, and Iraq's neighbours, in particular, will undoubtedly lend their full support to the United Nations in this endeavour. I would like to express once again my condolences to the Secretary-General and the United Nations community as a whole for the loss of a brave servant of the nations, Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, and other United Nations personnel in the terrorist bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Iraq.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“We wish to promote unity and greater respect for stability and security among various ethnic and religious groups in Iraq, and encourage and support the swift setting in motion of a constitutional and institutional process, with a view to establishing a democratic and fully representative Government by and for the people of Iraq. We urge respect for the national unity, independence and territorial integrity of Iraq and the provision of relief emergency assistance to the people of Iraq. Pending the restoration of sovereignty and authority to the people of Iraq, the occupying Powers have the legal responsibility under applicable international law to provide for the welfare of the people under occupation, particularly their security.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“As a neighbouring State, Iran adopted a policy of self-restraint during the war in Iraq and has continued to adopt a constructive approach to the current situation in that country by calling on the occupying Powers to allow the immediate transfer of Iraqi sovereignty to the Iraqi people and to withdraw their troops. We welcome and support the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council and the Council of Ministers and call for granting a central and clear-cut role to the United Nations in the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty and the constitutional process.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“And, as far as the third is concerned, the collapse of a dictatorship is a highly welcome development in the region, but, as history has shown, social change, including the democratization of a society, can only be brought about from within, and cannot be imported in tandem with tank columns. In our view, callous indifference to the negative 28 consequences of the invasion of Iraq to the conduct of international relations and a lack of full understanding of the post-war situation in Iraq, particularly the social and the cultural complexities of Iraqi society, have created both an international predicament and a source of instability at our borders.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“These objectives and concerns remain as valid as ever and perhaps are even more relevant today. We believe it is time to take stock of recent developments and the utility and record of the United Nations, with a view to promoting the authority, efficiency and effectiveness of the United Nations, and recognizing its central role in addressing the challenges of our time. The United States waged an unsanctioned war against Iraq with three expressed objectives: to find weapons of mass destruction, to fight international terrorism and to bring democracy to the Iraqi people. The first is yet to be realized. The second has backfired.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“I would like to express my cordial congratulations to the President for presiding over this important session of the General Assembly. I wish also to express my congratulations to other members of the Bureau on their election. Less than 60 years ago, our founding fathers established the United Nations, with the aspiration to promote peace and security through cooperation and to make our world a better place. The creation of this Organization was in fact the manifestation of the international community's determination to prevent the scourge of war, which had inflicted tremendous loss and damage upon humankind. The United Nations was also designed to promote economic, social and human development and assist Member States to eradicate injustice and poverty.”
2003-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 58 (2003)
“The current global trend towards participation in collective efforts to face major international challenges and resolve regional crises through democratic means has raised a glimmer of hope for our world today. No doubt, dialogue among civilizations has a special place in charting the way and promoting understanding and tolerance in these troubled times. Dialogue, as a multifaceted and long-term process, teaches us to grow out of the politics of domination that have created so much agony and violence and gradually to opt for the politics of interaction, tolerance and communication. In this context, the United Nations, as a centre of dialogue, international decision-making and implementation, will increasingly gain in importance as the international community resolves to strengthen international peace, security and development.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We oppose any unilateral measures or military intervention in Iraq, we underline the central role of the United Nations in that regard, and we hold that it is up to the people of Iraq to determine their own future through democratic means. The Islamic Republic of Iran is following the situation between its two neighbours, Pakistan and India, with much concern. As a neighbour, we wish to stress the age-old wisdom of the subcontinent and to impress upon the leadership in both countries the importance of exercising self-restraint in both word and deed and of keeping open the lines of communication and dialogue with a view to resolving the situation in accordance with the rules and principles of international law and in the interests of both nations.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Greater attention and resources must be invested — particularly by the United Nations International Drug Control Programme — in crop substitution programmes in Afghanistan as an effective strategy to fight narcotics trafficking. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and compliance by Iraq with relevant Security Council resolutions — particularly those concerning the return of the weapons inspectors to Iraq — followed by the lifting of international sanctions in the interest of the oppressed people of Iraq, constitute the overall policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards Iraq.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing its close cooperation with the Transitional Government of Afghanistan, especially in the context of spending the $50 million in assistance earmarked for small-scale reconstruction projects in Afghanistan during the Iranian fiscal year 1381, which began on 21 March 2002. Joint efforts that are moving forward include providing custom facilities and preferential arrangements in customs, transit, trade and scientific, cultural and educational cooperation; combating drug trafficking and terrorism; and helping Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan. The international community is expected to make good on its pledges to Afghanistan so as to begin to rebuild the economic infrastructure there and to create conditions conducive to the voluntary return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We are pleased that, as a result of international efforts — particularly by the United Nations — civil order is gradually being consolidated by the Afghan people themselves through the 21 establishment of the Interim Administration, the Emergency Loya Jirga and the Transitional Government. Formulating Afghanistan's Constitution on the basis of democratic principles, Afghan culture and tradition, taking into account the views of all ethnic groups, will be a major step in consolidating law and order, in strengthening the political structure and in achieving peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“The way to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East is to guarantee to Palestinians the right to return to their homeland and the right to self-determination, leading to the formation — in a democratic process and under the supervision of the United Nations — of a Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. It is the Palestinian people's legitimate right to choose, through democratic means, their future political system and the manner in which they elect to establish their civil and political order. We respect the choices that the Palestinian people make. The long-standing policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards Afghanistan has been the rejection of violence, the promotion of intra-Afghan dialogue and the establishment of a representative Government by democratic means.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“An open, equitable, law-based, transparent and non-discriminatory international trading system is a prerequisite for achieving the goals of economic growth and sustainable development in developing countries. The continued brutalities in occupied Palestine once again indicate that solutions not well grounded in justice and realism will fail to bring about lasting peace in the Middle East region. The Palestinian people have the right, under international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to persist in their struggle to restore their inalienable rights. Occupying other people's land must be condemned, as must labelling as terrorist a nation that is only fighting to liberate its homeland.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Such an approach prevailed at the fifty-eighth session of the Commission on Human Rights, and my country thus received a favourable decision. We are pleased that, with the cooperation of other States, our draft resolutions on developing international cooperation in the field of human rights and on promoting cultural diversity were adopted. Globalization will yield fruitful results when it is accompanied by a non-selective and non- discriminatory approach: when it provides equal opportunities for all within the framework of a global partnership. If the developed countries fail to fulfil their responsibilities, globalization can hardly be called a success story.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is only by developing a broader view of multilateralism, international cooperation and respect for the rule of law that we can guarantee progress and success in the field of disarmament and international security issues. Expansion of and deeper respect for human rights throughout the world are a function of their universality and indivisibility, on the one hand, and of the recognition of national and regional particularities and cultural backgrounds, on the other. Rejecting the use of human rights for political purposes, rejecting double standards and discriminatory approaches, and promoting international cooperation in that field for the sake of human rights will definitely help promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“We are greatly concerned by the current trend of international disarmament negotiations, which is leading to the further vulnerability and fragility of international security. Rejection of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by a permanent member of the Security Council and the holder of the largest nuclear arsenal, and the withdrawal of that member from negotiations on the CTBT on-site inspection operational manual, point to that State's policy of unilateralism. Further signs of such a policy are its withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, its blocking of the negotiations on a protocol strengthening the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention and its going against the judgement of the international community with respect to the regulation of the trade and transfer of small arms and light weapons.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“To help promote regional and international peace and security, my country has thus far signed bilateral agreements or is in the process of finalizing such agreements with more than 20 countries on the extradition of offenders and on the provision of legal assistance for promoting cooperation in the areas of fighting terrorism, drug trafficking and other organized crimes, of the extradition of criminals and of mutual legal assistance. We are intent on further strengthening this policy of enhanced cooperation. In that context, and in accordance with Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1390 (2002), the Islamic Republic of Iran has reported to the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee regarding its counter-terrorism efforts in general and about the measures it has adopted against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in particular.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Distinction must also be made between acts of terrorism and the legitimate struggle of peoples under foreign occupation or aggression, in accordance with international law. Any campaign bent on relating the inhuman phenomenon of terrorism to divine religions that have always been the harbingers of peace, love, amity and moral decency is a great and unforgivable transgression against those religions and their countless followers. As a victim of the most brutal acts of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran regards fighting terrorism in a genuine and comprehensive way as a top national 20 priority, and it is thus in the forefront of the international coalition against terrorism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In our opinion, a wise and principled approach to fighting terrorism would entail full international cooperation, expressed at the highest political level in a world summit that would seek, inter alia, to develop an inclusive definition of terrorism that is generally acceptable. In a letter addressed to the Secretary-General immediately after the disastrous attacks of 11 September, President Khatami called for such a world summit to address this crucial issue and to encourage international cooperation to fight terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations. There should be a worldwide campaign against all forms and manifestations of terrorism and their perpetrators, irrespective of the identity of the victims or the objectives.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Calling for the root causes of terrorism to be addressed should in no way be construed as an attempt to justify terrorism or detract from the gravity of terrorist acts or from the severity of the punishments that terrorists deserve. It is intended to pinpoint an effective and comprehensive means of eliminating terrorism. In this context, it appears that exploring problems such as the worldwide increase in injustice and discrimination, the marginalization of a large number of people and occupation and the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others, extremism, fanaticism, bigotry, poverty and underdevelopment could prove helpful in identifying the root causes of terrorism.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“It is only through such an approach that we will be able to work together, think together and cooperate in a multilateral framework so as to find answers to challenges we face in common and to deal with regional crises. The world is facing grave challenges today, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic terror attacks of 11 September 2001. Chief among these challenges are terrorism and other forms of violence. Combating the sinister phenomenon of terrorism is an urgent and unavoidable imperative. A genuine and effective fight against terrorism must include, on the one hand, an attempt to identify the root causes of terrorism and, on the other, a concerted effort by the international community to address them. It goes without saying that the perpetrators of acts of terrorism must be brought to justice and given their just deserts.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“Embracing diversity, questioning and critically reviewing the past and seeking democratic participation and action all teach us that the fundamental universal human values of peace and security, freedom and independence, and justice and fairness must become the very centre of global attention. Without continued, active cooperation to draw our world closer to such fundamental values, we will not successfully meet the current global challenges. Without expanding the scope of peace and security, neither freedom nor independence will be achievable; without justice and fairness, neither peace nor security will become accessible; and without freedom and independence, both peace and security will become impossible to attain.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“In the light of advances in information technology and of the new international information order, current issues and problems are interrelated, like the parts of an organism, and truly global. More than ever before, we see that nations and States are seeking to expand their options and ascertain the nature and the extent of their contribution to, and participation in, global affairs on the basis of not only their national security and interests but also their regional responsibilities, as well as international requirements and norms. This trend towards the achievement of such fundamental objectives points to the expansion of a global, democratic and participatory process that will endure in the long term and is thus sustainable.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“I would like at the outset to congratulate Mr. Jan Kavan on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session and to assure him of the full support and cooperation of the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran as he embarks on his crucial task. I would also like to express my appreciation to the President of Assembly at its fifty- 19 sixth session for his skilful leadership. I would also like to welcome Switzerland to the United Nations, and look forward also to welcoming the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. I would like to pay tribute to the Secretary- General for his strong and compassionate leadership and for the vision and wisdom that he expressed in his statement before the Assembly. The world today is characterized by great diversity and emerging factors with a far-reaching influence.”
2002-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 57 (2002)
“As such, it represents a tremendous and historic opportunity to take advantage of the political will expressed in those unprecedented gatherings, to operationalize their declarations and decisions, and to move the United Nations forward to an era of stability, justice, peace and good governance, through participation and the rule of law. Commensurate with such a historic opportunity, we are all accountable before our own people and the people of the world.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In this context, it may be instructive to remember that if only a tiny percentage of the military expenditures of the Member States were allocated to the specific activities of the United Nations, the goal of creating a more secure global environment would be much more efficiently achieved. The current session of the General Assembly follows the Millennium Summit, the Inter- Parliamentary Union summit, the global gathering of religious leaders and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization roundtable on dialogue among civilizations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Finally, in reforming global governance, the role and efficiency of the General Assembly, as the sole democratic, universal and transparent organ of the United Nations, must be augmented. It should focus its deliberations on contemporary challenges rather than hold outdated debates, coupled with effective responses to the reports of other organs of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council. Efforts to work out a special political role for the United Nations come at a time when the Organization is in one of the worst periods of its existence from a financial perspective. The tasks that the international community expects the United Nations to fulfil require more innovative ways of raising money for the smooth functioning of the Organization.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“It is imperative to initiate multilateral negotiations for the elimination of all nuclear weapons, within a time-bound framework and through a comprehensive and universal convention. The proposal of the Secretary-General to convene an international conference on nuclear weapons is a valuable contribution; such a conference could build upon our collective achievement during the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. Furthermore, following the outcome of the NPT Review Conference, serious and comprehensive international pressure should come to bear on Israel to accede to the Treaty and to put its installations under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. This would pave the way for the establishment of a zone free from weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Failure to act may bring about arbitrary and selective — and, naturally, politically motivated — responses from States and non-universal organizations. The articulation of the criteria for rule-based reaction and the allocation of necessary resources and capacity- building in the United Nations for timely response constitute two major tasks ahead. As the Secretary- General has pointed out, prevention through diplomacy and economic development is the most effective and least costly type of global engagement. Good-governance at the international level requires the provision of rational and comprehensive mechanisms to ensure security for all. Nuclear disarmament is the most fundamental priority in this 31 regard.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Peace and national reconciliation can be attained only through abandoning the illusion of a military solution and the domination of one ethnic group. The United Nations, through the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the “six plus two” Group, continues to provide the most suitable mechanism to facilitate intra-Afghan dialogue aimed at a responsible, broad-based, multi- ethnic and fully representative government. The Islamic Republic of Iran has played an active role in this process. Also, in his capacity as Chairman of the OIC, President Khatami has undertaken an initiative to bring the warring factions to negotiations. We are prepared to continue this exercise in close coordination with the United Nations. There are other humanitarian challenges emerging globally, requiring the United Nations to respond.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Palestine belongs to all Palestinians irrespective of their creed. Peace can return to the region only through an end to the occupation of all Arab and Muslim territories, including the Golan Heights, the restoration of the rights of Palestinian people, including their right to return to their homeland, the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination through democratic means and the establishment of their independent State with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital. The persistence of the tragic fratricide in Afghanistan, along with the dire humanitarian situation, violations of human rights, particularly those of women and girls, the production and trafficking of narcotics and the harbouring and training of terrorists have created a human catastrophe.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The situation of Palestine represents a vivid illustration of the failure of the international community to provide justice to millions of people deprived of their homeland and the most fundamental human rights through State terrorism, aggression and foreign occupation. Of over 7.5 million Palestinians, 4 million live in diaspora, and many of the rest under foreign domination. This lies at the heart of the Palestinian question. Disregarding the joint processes of expulsion and occupation cannot lead to the restoration of peace and tranquillity in that volatile region. In fact, Israel's persistent disregard for the rights of the Palestinian people, coupled with Zionist policies of aggression, State terrorism and acquisition of weapons of mass destruction, continue to pose the greatest threat to regional peace, security and stability.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In this context, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), which is currently chaired by President Khatami, has recently adopted a draft “global agenda on dialogue among civilizations”, to be submitted to the General Assembly at its fifty-sixth session. We hope that in the course of the next several months, consultations between various delegations will lead to further enrichment and the adoption of this draft at the next General Assembly. The United Nations can naturally play a leading role in the democratic global change in the political scene. Crises in disparate parts of the world challenge the relevance of the United Nations, requiring it not to take the back seat.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The round table on dialogue among civilizations, which was held here in New York on the eve of the Millennium Summit with the participation of a significant number of heads of State, Foreign Ministers and prominent scholars and thinkers, underlined that dialogue should become the new paradigm of international relations. This constituted a proper launching of the United Nations Year of Dialogue. It must be augmented by serious programmes and the commitment of all to make this a meaningful reality which should persist in human experience long after the United Nations Year of Dialogue ends.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The United Nations can facilitate this process by promoting dialogue for the exchange of knowledge, experience and understanding in diverse areas of culture and civilization. The promotion of global participation in the process will prevent a sense of alienation and “cultural homelessness” in major parts of the world. The designation of the year 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations is the first step in this direction. The unprecedented worldwide reception of this proposal indicates first and foremost a general need for dialogue.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“National cultures have gradually evolved in a process ensuring coherence in spite of the plurality and diversity that is found in many of them. This process creates a sense of belonging. We need the same harmony and sense of belonging for the emerging world culture. The answer is participation and not assimilation and imposition. Last year, I proposed recognition of the right of nations and peoples to preserve and nourish their culture and cultural identity. The General Assembly adopted resolution 54/160 in this regard. We continue to believe that in the process of globalization, it is essential to recognize and respect cultural rights of individuals and communities. We should transform globalization, particularly in the area of culture, into a democratic, participatory and 30 natural process of globality.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“More than 2,900 Iranian drug enforcement personnel have been martyred in the fight against drug traffickers. We appreciate the cooperation and support extended to Iran by the United Nations International Drug Control Programme in this regard, although its limited resources cannot cover the programmes it wants and needs to implement. It is important to stress that, in the absence of meaningful bilateral and multilateral assistance, the Islamic Republic of Iran will have to allocate most resources to combating domestic consumption and will not be able to sustain its fight against drug trafficking with the same vigour and energy. As underlined by President Khatami here last week, the emergence of a world culture is another reality. But such a culture should not overlook native local cultures with the aim of imposing itself upon them.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We are prepared to participate actively in any endeavour to combat this scourge. The menace of drug abuse and trafficking continues to take a heavy social, economic and political toll. It particularly afflicts young people, who embody the future. Combating drug trafficking is a costly exercise and requires international political will and serious burden-sharing. The provision of meaningful financial resources and modern equipment by target countries can enable transit countries, such as ours, to combat the problem at a fraction of the cost. The Islamic Republic of Iran has done more than its fair share in preventing transit, seizing more than 70 per cent of all narcotics confiscated worldwide. The financial burden and, more importantly, the human sacrifice are unsustainable.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Terrorism afflicts the entire international community and must thus be combated in its entirety, regardless of who its victims or perpetrators may be. In a globalized world, nothing can justify harbouring or providing safe haven to terrorists or condoning their activities. No nation can fight terrorism unilaterally. We need universal, non-discriminatory and comprehensive mechanisms to fight terrorism wherever it occurs and to deprive terrorists of their means of recruitment, operation and funding. The role of the United Nations in this regard is indispensable. In this context, particular attention needs to be focused on cooperation in the field of transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, which, in addition to inflicting their own banes on humanity, increasingly provide income to terrorist organizations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Globalization is an economic, social and cultural reality. It should not just be allowed to happen — it is a reality that we can and should collectively manage. One key task is to ensure that the benefits of globalization are more evenly distributed. The millennium report of the Secretary-General sets out a number of realistic and quantifiable targets. Necessary resources need to be committed and those who have been mostly on the receiving end of the benefits of globalization have an added responsibility. The United Nations machinery should direct and coordinate bilateral and multilateral efforts in this regard. Globalization has also further complicated the global menaces of terrorism, organized crime and drug trafficking, necessitating the adoption of common and rule-based strategies to fight and eradicate them.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)