[DEBATE] : No Superior Nation, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad at UN, Counterpunch

[Dominic Tweedie]

Counterpunch, September 21, 2006



Address to the United Nations
No Nation Should Have Superiority Over Others



By MAHMOUD AHMADI-NEJAD


What afflicts humanity today is certainly not compatible with human dignity;
the Almighty has not created human beings so that they could transgress
against others and oppress them.

By causing war and conflict, some are fast expanding their domination,
accumulating greater wealth and usurping all the resources, while others
endure the resulting poverty, suffering and misery. Some seek to rule the
world relying on weapons and threats, while others live in perpetual
insecurity and danger.

Some occupy the homeland of others, thousands of kilometers away from their
borders, interfere in their affairs and control their oil and other
resources and strategic routes, while others are bombarded daily in their
own homes; their children murdered in the streets and alleys of their own
country and their homes reduced to rubble.

Such behavior is not worthy of human beings and runs counter to the Truth,
to justice and to human dignity. The fundamental question is that under such
conditions, where should the oppressed seek justice? Who, or what
organization defends the rights of the oppressed, and suppresses acts of
aggression and oppression? Where is the seat of global justice?

A brief glance at a few examples of the most pressing global issues can
further illustrate the problem.


A. The unbridled expansion of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons


Some powers proudly announce their production of second and third
generations of nuclear weapons. What do they need these weapons for? Is the
development and stockpiling of these deadly weapons designed to promote
peace and democracy? Or, are these weapons, in fact, instruments of coercion
and threat against other peoples and governments? How long should the people
of the world live with the nightmare of nuclear, biological and chemical
weapons?

What bounds the powers producing and possessing these weapons? How can they
be held accountable before the international community? And, are the
inhabitants of these countries content with the waste of their wealth and
resources for the production of such destructive arsenals? Is it not
possible to rely on justice, ethics and wisdom instead of these instruments
of death? Aren't wisdom and justice more compatible with peace and
tranquility than nuclear, chemical and biological weapons? If wisdom, ethics
and justice prevail, then oppression and aggression will be uprooted,
threats will wither away and no reason will remain for conflict. This is a
solid proposition because most global conflicts emanate from injustice, and
from the powerful, not being contented with their own rights, striving to
devour the rights of others.

People across the globe embrace justice and are willing to sacrifice for its
sake.

Would it not be easier for global powers to ensure their longevity and win
hearts and minds through the championing of real promotion of justice,
compassion and peace, than through continuing the proliferation of nuclear
and chemical weapons and the threat of their use?

The experience of the threat and the use of nuclear weapons is before us.
Has it achieved anything for the perpetrators other than exacerbation of
tension, hatred and animosity among nations?


B. Occupation of countries and exacerbation of hostilities


Occupation of countries, including Iraq, has continued for the last three
years.
Not a day goes by without hundreds of people getting killed in cold blood.
The occupiers are incapable of establishing security in Iraq. Despite the
establishment of the lawful Government and National Assembly of Iraq, there
are covert and overt efforts to heighten insecurity, magnify and aggravate
differences within Iraqi society, and instigate civil strife.

There is no indication that the occupiers have the necessary political will
to eliminate the sources of instability. Numerous terrorists were
apprehended by the Government of Iraq, only to be let loose under various
pretexts by the occupiers.

It seems that intensification of hostilities and terrorism serves as a
pretext for the continued presence of foreign forces in Iraq.

Where can the people of Iraq seek refuge, and from whom should the
Government of Iraq seek justice?

Who can ensure Iraq's security? Insecurity in Iraq affects the entire
region.

Can the Security Council play a role in restoring peace and security in
Iraq, while the occupiers are themselves permanent members of the Council?

Can the Security Council adopt a fair decision in this regard?

Consider the situation in Palestine:

The roots of the Palestinian problem go back to the Second World War. Under
the pretext of protecting some of the survivors of that War, the land of
Palestine was occupied through war, aggression and the displacement of
millions of its inhabitants; it was placed under the control of some of the
War survivors, bringing even larger population groups from elsewhere in the
world, who had not been even affected by the Second World War; and a
government was established in the territory of others with a population
collected from across the world at the expense of driving millions of the
rightful inhabitants of the land into a diaspora and homelessness. This is a
great tragedy with hardly a precedent in history. Refugees continue to live
in temporary refugee camps, and many have died still hoping to one day
return to their land. Can any logic, law or legal reasoning justify this
tragedy? Can any member of the United Nations accept such a tragedy
occurring in their own homeland?

The pretexts for the creation of the regime occupying Al-Qods Al-Sharif are
so weak that its proponents want to silence any voice trying to merely speak
about them, as they are concerned that shedding light on the facts would
undermine the raison d'etre of this regime, as it has. The tragedy does not
end with the establishment of a regime in the territory of others.
Regrettably, from its inception, that regime has been a constant source of
threat and insecurity in the Middle East region, waging war and spilling
blood and impeding the progress of regional countries, and has also been
used by some powers as an instrument of division, coercion, and pressure on
the people of the region. Reference to these historical realities may cause
some disquiet among supporters of this regime. But these are sheer facts and
not myth. History has unfolded before our eyes.

Worst yet, is the blanket and unwarranted support provided to this regime.
Just watch what is happening in the Palestinian land. People are being
bombarded in their own homes and their children murdered in their own
streets and alleys. But no authority, not even the Security Council, can
afford them any support or protection. Why?

At the same time, a Government is formed democratically and through the free
choice of the electorate in a part of the Palestinian territory. But instead
of receiving the support of the so-called champions of democracy, its
Ministers and Members of Parliament are illegally abducted and incarcerated
in full view of the international community.

Which council or international organization stands up to protect this
brutally besieged Government? And why can't the Security Council take any
steps?

Let me here address Lebanon:

For thirty-three long days, the Lebanese lived under the barrage of fire and
bombs and close to 1.5 million of them were displaced; meanwhile some
members of the Security Council practically chose a path that provided ample
opportunity for the aggressor to achieve its objectives militarily. We
witnessed that the Security Council of the United Nations was practically
incapacitated by certain powers to even call for a ceasefire. The Security
Council sat idly by for so many days, witnessing the cruel scenes of
atrocities against the Lebanese while tragedies such as Qana were
persistently repeated. Why?

In all these cases, the answer is self-evident. When the power behind the
hostilities is itself a permanent member of the Security Council, how then
can this Council fulfill its responsibilities?


C. Lack of respect for the rights of members of the international community


I now wish to refer to some of the grievances of the Iranian people and
speak to the injustices against them.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member of the IAEA and is committed to the
NPT. All our nuclear activities are transparent, peaceful and under the
watchful eyes of IAEA inspectors. Why then are there objections to our
legally recognized rights? Which governments object to these rights?

Governments that themselves benefit from nuclear energy and the fuel cycle.
Some of them have abused nuclear technology for non-peaceful ends including
the production of nuclear bombs, and some even have a bleak record of using
them against humanity.

Which organization or Council should address these injustices? Is the
Security Council in a position to address them? Can it stop violations of
the inalienable rights of countries? Can it prevent certain powers from
impeding scientific progress of other countries?

The abuse of the Security Council, as an instrument of threat and coercion,
is indeed a source of grave concern.

Some permanent members of the Security Council, even when they are
themselves parties to international disputes, conveniently threaten others
with the Security Council and declare, even before any decision by the
Council, the condemnation of their opponents by the Council. The question
is: what can justify such exploitation of the Security Council, and doesn't
it erode the credibility and effectiveness of the Council? Can such behavior
contribute to the ability of the Council to maintain security?

A review of the preceding historical realities would lead to the conclusion
that regrettably, justice has become a victim of force and aggression.

Many global arrangements have become unjust, discriminatory and
irresponsible as a result of undue pressure from some of the powerful.

Threats with nuclear weapons and other instruments of war by some powers
have taken the place of respect for the rights of nations and the
maintenance and promotion of peace and tranquility.

For some powers, claims of promotion of human rights and democracy can only
last as long as they can be used as instruments of pressure and intimidation
against other nations. But when it comes to the interests of the claimants,
concepts such as democracy, the right of self-determination of nations,
respect for the rights and intelligence of peoples, international law and
justice have no place or value. This is blatantly manifested in the way the
elected Government of the Palestinian people is treated as well as in the
support extended to the Zionist regime. It does not matter if people are
murdered in Palestine, turned into refugees, captured, imprisoned or
besieged; that must not violate human rights.

*         Nations are not equal in exercising their rights recognized by
international law. Enjoying these rights is dependent on the whim of certain
major powers.
*         Apparently the Security Council can only be used to ensure the
security and the rights of some big powers. But when the oppressed are
decimated under bombardment, the Security Council must remain aloof and not
even call for a ceasefire. Is this not a tragedy of historic proportions for
the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining the security of
countries?
*         The prevailing order of contemporary global interactions is such
that certain powers equate themselves with the international community, and
consider their decisions superseding that of over 180 countries. They
consider themselves the masters and rulers of the entire world and other
nations as only second class in the world order.

The question needs to be asked: if the Governments of the United States or
the United Kingdom who are permanent members of the Security Council, commit
aggression, occupation and violation of international law, which of the
organs of the UN can take them to account? Can a Council in which they are
privileged members address their violations? Has this ever happened? In
fact, we have repeatedly seen the reverse. If they have differences with a
nation or state, they drag it to the Security Council and as claimants,
arrogate to themselves simultaneously the roles of prosecutor, judge and
executioner. Is this a just order? Can there be a more vivid case of
discrimination and more clear evidence of injustice?

Regrettably, the persistence of some hegemonic powers in imposing their
exclusionist policies on international decision making mechanisms, including
the Security Council, has resulted in a growing mistrust in global public
opinion, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of this most
universal system of collective security.

How long can such a situation last in the world? It is evident that the
behavior of some powers constitutes the greatest challenge before the
Security Council, the entire organization and its affiliated agencies.

The present structure and working methods of the Security Council, which are
legacies of the Second World War, are not responsive to the expectations of
the current generation and the contemporary needs of humanity.

Today, it is undeniable that the Security Council, most critically and
urgently, needs legitimacy and effectiveness. It must be acknowledged that
as long as the Council is unable to act on behalf of the entire
international community in a transparent, just and democratic manner, it
will neither be legitimate nor effective.

Furthermore, the direct relation between the abuse of veto and the erosion
of the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council has now been clearly and
undeniably established. We cannot, and should not, expect the eradication,
or even containment, of injustice, imposition and oppression without
reforming the structure and working methods of the Council.

Is it appropriate to expect this generation to submit to the decisions and
arrangements established over half a century ago? Doesn't this generation or
future generations have the right to decide themselves about the world in
which they want to live?

Today, serious reform in the structure and working methods of the Security
Council is, more than ever before, necessary. Justice and democracy dictate
that the role of the General Assembly, as the highest organ of the United
Nations, must be respected. The General Assembly can then, through
appropriate mechanisms, take on the task of reforming the Organization and
particularly rescue the Security Council from its current state. In the
interim, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of the Islamic
Conference and the African continent should each have a representative as a
permanent member of the Security Council, with veto privilege. The resulting
balance would hopefully prevent further trampling of the rights of nations.

It is essential that spirituality and ethics find their rightful place in
international relations. Without ethics and spirituality, attained in light
of the teachings of Divine prophets, justice, freedom and human rights
cannot be guaranteed. Resolution of contemporary human crises lies in
observing ethics and spirituality and the governance of righteous people of
high competence and piety.

Should respect for the rights of human beings become the predominant
objective, then injustice, ill-temperament, aggression and war will fade
away. Human beings are all God's creatures and are all endowed with dignity
and respect.

No one has superiority over others. No individual or states can arrogate to
themselves special privileges, nor can they disregard the rights of others
and, through influence and pressure, position themselves as the
"international community".

Citizens of Asia, Africa, Europe and America are all equal. Over six billion
inhabitants of the earth are all equal and worthy of respect. Justice and
protection of human dignity are the two pillars in maintaining sustainable
peace, security and tranquility in the world. It is for this reason that we
state: Sustainable peace and tranquility in the world can only be attained
through justice, spirituality, ethics, compassion and respect for human
dignity. All nations and states are entitled to peace, progress and
security. We are all members of the international community and we are all
entitled to insist on the creation of a climate of compassion, love and
justice.

All members of the United Nations are affected by both the bitter and the
sweet events and developments in today's world.

We can adopt firm and logical decisions, thereby improving the prospects of
a better life for current and future generations.

Together, we can eradicate the roots of bitter maladies and afflictions, and
instead, through the promotion of universal and lasting values such as
ethics, spirituality and justice, allow our nations to taste the sweetness
of a better future.

Peoples, driven by their divine nature, intrinsically seek Good, Virtue,
Perfection and Beauty. Relying on our peoples, we can take giant steps
towards reform and pave the road for human perfection. Whether we like it or
not, justice, peace and virtue will sooner or later prevail in the world
with the will of Almighty God. It is imperative, and also desirable, that we
too contribute to the promotion of justice and virtue.

The Almighty and Merciful God, who is the Creator of the Universe, is also
its Lord and Ruler. Justice is His command. He commands His creatures to
support one another in Good, virtue and piety, and not in decadence and
corruption.

He commands His creatures to enjoin one another to righteousness and virtue
and not to sin and transgression. All Divine prophets from the Prophet Adam
(peace be upon him) to the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), to the Prophet
Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), to the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon
him), have all called humanity to monotheism, justice, brotherhood, love and
compassion. Is it not possible to build a better world based on monotheism,
justice, love and respect for the rights of human beings, and thereby
transform animosities into friendship?

I emphatically declare that today's world, more than ever before, longs for
just and righteous people with love for all humanity; and above all longs
for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been
promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and
brotherhood on the planet.

0, Almighty God, all men and women are Your creatures and You have ordained
their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirsts for justice,
the perfect human being promised to all by You, and make us among his
followers and among those who strive for his return and his cause.

From: http://www.counterpunch.org/ahmadinejad09212006.html

3008 words





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