Topic: Khatami's Address To the U.N. (conclusion)

topic by
John Calvin
11/21/2001 (19:54)

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Honest and sincere efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, constitute another important priority for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Terrorism is a product of desperation and nihilism. In a world swirling in the orbit of violence and oppression, serious combat against terrorism will not advance beyond the realm of words and slogans. Eradication of terrorism must be concurrent with a global search for justice. This assertion should in no way be interpreted as a justification for any form of terrorism. We unequivocally oppose, as required by our religious, moral and cultural values and norms, all forms and manifestations of terrorism and we shall combat it vigorously and earnestly. In our view, in order to eradicate this menace, we should engage in a serious and transparent international cooperation to combat terrorism, and at the same time redouble our efforts to attain the objective of global justice. At the threshold of the third millennium, the world also needs to be liberated from the nightmare of nuclear war and weapons of mass destruction. Recent nuclear tests in our region, which have led to further complications, make such a necessity all the more imperative. We should all realize that the idea of attaining security through the acquisition of such armaments is nothing but an illusion. The manifestation of a resolute global determination to eliminate all existing arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, within an agreed time frame, would render clarity of objective, lend credence and add dynamism to the international efforts against the production and proliferation of these deadly weapons. The establishment of zones free from weapons of mass destruction, particularly in the Middle East, constitutes an appropriate fist step in alleviating tension and mistrust emanating from these weapons. We, in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the victims of the use of weapons of mass destruction, are cognizant, more than anybody else, of their horrifying impact. We shall thus stay in the forefront of international efforts to establish and strengthen universal arrangements for their destruction. Security, development and prosperity in the Third World require the promotion of cooperation and the utilization of proven arrangements and mechanisms for confidence-building. In this regard, it is encouraging that the Eighth Islamic Summit Conference in Tehran, cognizant of this necessity, established an appropriate mechanism to foster confidence through dialogue among Islamic countries. As a first step in this direction, I invite our neighbors in the Persian Gulf region - who have witnessed two destructive wars in the span of one decade - to establish a security and cooperation system in the area. In short, confidence and peace cannot be attained without a sober revision of the mentality of the Cold War. The advancement and promotion of culture of peace is contingent upon the recognition of the constructive role of nations coupled with avoidance of domination, unilateralism, confrontation and exclusion. The Islamic Republic of Iran, in keeping with its fundamental beliefs and deep-rooted civilizational heritage, seeks a world blessed with peace and tranquility based on human dignity. It has accorded removal of tension the highest priority in its foreign policy. In line with the principles of the Islamic Revolution, Iran is determined to follow its balanced policy of expansion of relations with its neighbors and other countries on the basis of respect for independence and equality of rights. Comprehensive peace, over and above peace among human beings, also calls for peace between mankind and nature, which in turn requires that mankind bring to a halt the systematic devouring of nature and instead emphasize the coordination of man and nature. The preservation of the environment, as the common natural heritage of mankind, constitutes the most important priority of the coming century. I thank you for your attention.