Ahmadinejad: Iran not in a hurry to decide on 5+1 Group's proposal
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, June 4, IRNA
Iran-Nuclear-Ahmadinejad
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here on Saturday said that Iran was not in a hurry to give its decision on a new proposal that was to be presented by world powers on its peaceful nuclear program.
"UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, in a phone call, asked me not to hurry but to study (carefully) the package (of incentives) that is to be proposed to us," said Ahmadinejad in his address at a ceremony on the 17th anniversary of the demise of the Father of the Islamic Revolution and Founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini here on Saturday.
Ahmadinejad reiterated that Tehran will not hurry but will carefully look at the proposal before rendering judgment.
"The UN chief has asked me not to say anything until the proposal has been formally presented to Iran by the 5+1 Group led by the Europeans so as not to poison the atmosphere.
"We will record all discussions and the sides should know that we will inform our dear Iranian nation of the proposals at the right time," the president said.
Saying the friends of the late Imam Khomeini "will not tire" in their efforts for the Islamic nation, he reminded the "dear Iranian nation that the right to pursue nuclear energy for civilian and other peaceful purposes is the legal and natural right of the Iranian nation."
"Today, the Iranian nation at large -- the old and insignificant, residents or expatriates, young or old -- unite in asserting the absolute right of the Iranian nation to access nuclear technology." Referring to the current standoff on its nuclear activities, he stressed that the way was still open for talks.
"We will negotiate in a fair atmosphere and condition; and we welcome dialogue and will not prejudge the proposals that are to be presented to us this weekend or early next week."
But he reiterated that Iran "will not hurry in responding to the proposals."
"We will wait and see; we are monitoring their approach and will decide on the proposals later."
He said Tehran had informally learned that a set of proposals is to be presented to it and that these proposals have given rise to a host of contradictory comments.
According to the president, he had been told proponents of the offer may officially recognize the right of the Iranian nation but that he had also heard comments otherwise.
"We have been told that Mr Javier Solana (EU foreign policy chief) intends to come to Iran and explain the proposals and we have heard that during his visit adjustments (to the proposals) may be made after consultation with us."
But he warned against setting pre-conditions to talks, saying "those who set conditions for talks with Iran should know that the Iranian nation will never bow to offers for dialogue from the standpoint of threats or conditions that put the absolute rights of the Iranian nation in question."
He said there are many issues that could be talked about which are sources of common concern.
Citing global issues such as "peace, security and tranquility, bilateral ties as well as respect for the principle of equality," he said these are issues concern all and Tehran is willing to discuss them with all interested parties.
"We can talk, cooperate and unite in efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction," the president said, adding "we can find solutions to all these problems." "Today, the weakest or smallest nation will not bow to threats of bullying powers," the president went on to say.
He blasted arrogant powers and powers which do not believe in monotheism for speaking in the language of threats to certain weaker nations.
"Open your ears and eyes. What has it benefited you after speaking to the Iranian nation in the language of threats for the past 27 years? What have you gained?"
He also blasted Western powers for threating Iran of economic sanctions in case Tehran refuses to surrender to their demands.
"Whom are you talking with? How long do you intend to talk and collaborate with the world in this way?" the president asked, and urged the West to change its attitude and stone-age policies.
"Today, nations have matured. You should speak with nations from the standpoint of justice, equality and respect."
Turning to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program, he said Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) states have unanimously expressed support for the Iranian nation's right to access nuclear technology.
He was referring to a statement issued by NAM after its foreign ministerial conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia this week.
"How is it that the view of 114 NAM members is not considered that of the global community while the decision of four countries (that sit to judge Iran's nuclear case) which do not have popular support is considered the decision of the global community?" the president asked.
Eslewhere in his remarks, President Ahmadinejad said: "On the one hand, they say they want to negotiate, but on the other hand they make threats."
He stressed that Iran's policies are based on justice and worship of one God (monotheism).
"We want peace and calm to reign founded on justice and monotheism. The Iranian people will not tolerate injustice and tyranny and will act with the force of a storm at sea against any tyranny, crushing any aggressor."
He said "global justice means making global arrangements on the basis of justice."
"The great Iranian nation will not countenance force, tyranny and aggression, neither will it be denied its rights."
Describing the Iranian nation as a nation of "peace and friendship," he said it had always favored peace, calm and security for all nations.
He predicted the Iranian nation would, in a short period of time, rise up to become a model for all Islamic states from its own soil.
"Today, the world needs a model society for states to emulate and Iran will be this model, setting the example of a pure Islamic way of life."
He said to become a model society, Iranians had to practice discipline, unity, solidarity, collaboration, wise and gallant cooperation and hard work. "We should all join hands for this cause." Further in his address, President Ahmadinejad urged the Iranian nation to pool efforts to ensure progress in all fields, particularly in the economic, social, cultural, agricultural and industrial domains.
He said the whole the world was pinning its hope on Iran to rid it of paganism, tyranny and colonialism.
"No power would be able to impede the Iranian nation's monotheist path," he concluded.
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