Originalrede, letzte Nacht in aller Welt zu sehen
Address by
His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nej ad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
before the 61 st Session of the General assembly
New York, 19 September 2006
Madam President,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Heads of Delegation,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
I praise the Merciful, All-Knowing and Almighty God for blessing me with
another opportunity to address this Assembly on behalf of the great nation of Iran and
to bring a number of issues to the attention of the international community.
I also praise the Almighty for the increasing vigilance of peoples across the
globe, their courageous presence in different international settings, and the brave
expression of their views and aspirations regarding global issues.
Today, humanity passionately craves commitment to the Truth, devotion to
God, quest for Justice and respect for the dignity of human beings. Rejection of
domination and aggression, defense of the oppressed,and longing for peace constitute
the legitimate demand of the peoples of the world, particularly the new generations
and the spirited youth, who aspire a world free from decadence, aggression and
injustice, and replete with love and compassion. The youth have a right to seek
justice and the Truth; and they have a right to build their own future on the
foundations of love, compassion and tranquility. And, I praise the Almighty for this
immense blessing.
1
Madame President,
Excellencies,
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.
2
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
3
them, as they are concerned that shedding light on the facts would undermine the
raison d'être 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
Excellencies,
I now wish to refer to some of the grievances of the Iranian people and speak
to the injustices against them.
4
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?
Excellencies,
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.
5
- 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.
Excellencies,
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.
Excellencies,
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.
6
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.
Madame President,
Excellencies,
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.
7
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.
Here you can watch the stream in English and in Arabic
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His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nej ad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
before the 61 st Session of the General assembly
New York, 19 September 2006
Madam President,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Distinguished Heads of Delegation,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
I praise the Merciful, All-Knowing and Almighty God for blessing me with
another opportunity to address this Assembly on behalf of the great nation of Iran and
to bring a number of issues to the attention of the international community.
I also praise the Almighty for the increasing vigilance of peoples across the
globe, their courageous presence in different international settings, and the brave
expression of their views and aspirations regarding global issues.
Today, humanity passionately craves commitment to the Truth, devotion to
God, quest for Justice and respect for the dignity of human beings. Rejection of
domination and aggression, defense of the oppressed,and longing for peace constitute
the legitimate demand of the peoples of the world, particularly the new generations
and the spirited youth, who aspire a world free from decadence, aggression and
injustice, and replete with love and compassion. The youth have a right to seek
justice and the Truth; and they have a right to build their own future on the
foundations of love, compassion and tranquility. And, I praise the Almighty for this
immense blessing.
1
Madame President,
Excellencies,
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.
2
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
3
them, as they are concerned that shedding light on the facts would undermine the
raison d'être 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
Excellencies,
I now wish to refer to some of the grievances of the Iranian people and speak
to the injustices against them.
4
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?
Excellencies,
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.
5
- 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.
Excellencies,
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.
Excellencies,
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.
6
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.
Madame President,
Excellencies,
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.
7
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.
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