May 12, 2006
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27 Years ago was the last diplomatic communication between the presidents of Iran and the U.S. That's too long a time period for any commnication at the level of this letter for it to be brushed off so quickly and lightly without thought given to it. In addition, the American public are denied easy access to a translation of this letter because the US government refuses to respond to this rare diplomatic gesture.
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%20views%20on%20international%20issuesPresident Ahmadinejad:
Letter to US President carries Iranian nation's views on international issuesTHURSDAY,
MAY. 11, 2006
TEHRAN - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has
written a letter to the US
President George W. Bush.
"The letter to US President George Bush carries the Iranian nation's
views and comments on international
issues as well as suggestions for
resolving the many problems facing humanity," said the Iranian president
here Tuesday, IRNA reported.
The president made the remark at Tehran
Mehrabad International
Airport before his departure for Indonesia
to
attend a meeting of the D-8 (Group of eight developing Muslim states).
The letter was submitted to President Bush via the Swiss embassy in Tehran, which takes care of the US interest section in Iran.
Earlier, Ahmadinejad had told reporters he had decided to send letters to
leaders of certain countries on the occasion of Year of Great Prophet
Mohammad (PBUH).
The following is the full text of Ahmadinejad's letter to George Bush:
"In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful"
Mr George Bush, President of the United States of America,
"For sometime now I have been thinking, how one can justify the
undeniable contradictions that exist in the international arena -- which are
being constantly debated, especially in political forums and amongst
university students. Many questions remain unanswered. These have prompted me
to discuss some of the contradictions and questions, in the hope that it
might bring about an opportunity to redress them.
"Can one be a follower of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the great Messenger of
God, feel obliged to respect human rights, present liberalism as a
civilization model, announce one's opposition to the proliferation of nuclear
weapons and WMDs, make "war on terror" his slogan, and finally,
work towards the establishment of a unified international community - a
community which Christ and the virtuous of the Earth will one day govern, but
at the same time, have countries attacked. The lives, reputations and
possessions of people destroyed and on the slight chance of the presence of a
few criminals in a village, city, or convoy for example, the entire village,
city or convoy (are) set ablaze.
"Or because of the possibility of the existence of WMDs in one country,
it is occupied, around one hundred thousand people killed, its water sources,
agriculture and industry destroyed, close to 180,000 foreign troops put on
the ground, sanctity of private homes of citizens broken, and the country
pushed back perhaps fifty years. At what price? Hundreds of billions of
dollars spent from the treasury of one country and certain other countries
and tens of thousands of young men and women - as occupation troops - put in
harms way, taken away from family and loved ones, their hands stained with
the blood of others, subjected to so much psychological pressure that
everyday some commit suicide and those returning home suffer depression,
become sickly and grapple with all sorts of ailments; while some are killed
and their bodies handed to their families.
"On the pretext of the existence of WMDs, this great tragedy came to
engulf both the peoples of the occupied and the occupying country. Later it
was revealed that no WMDs existed to begin with.
"Of course Saddam was a murderous dictator. But the war was not waged to
topple him, the announced goal of the war was to find and destroy weapons of
mass destruction. He was toppled along the way towards another goal;
nevertheless the people of the region are happy about it. I point out that
throughout the many years of the imposed war on Iran Saddam was supported by
the West.
Mr. President,
"You might know that I am a teacher. My students ask me how can these
actions be reconciled with the values outlined at the beginning of this
letter and duty to the tradition of Jesus Christ (PBUH), the Messenger of
peace and forgiveness?
"There are prisoners in Guantanamo
Bay that have not been
tried, have no legal representation, their families cannot see them and are
obviously kept in a strange land outside their own country. There is no
international monitoring of their conditions and fate. No one knows whether
they are prisoners, POWs, accused or criminals.
"European investigators have confirmed the existence of secret prisons
in Europe too. I could not correlate the
abduction of a person, and him or her being kept in secret prisons, with the
provisions of any judicial system. For that matter, I fail to understand how
such actions correspond to the values outlined in the beginning of this
letter, i.e. the teachings of Jesus Christ (PBUH), human rights and liberal
values.
"Young people, university students, and ordinary people have many
questions about the phenomenon of Israel. I am sure you are
familiar with some of them.
"Throughout history many countries have been occupied, but I think the
establishment of a new country with a new people, is a new phenomenon that is
exclusive to our times.
"Students are saying that sixty years ago such a country did not exist.
They show old documents and globes and say try as we have, we have not been
able to find a country named Israel.
"I tell them to study the history of WWI and II. One of my students told
me that during WWII, which more than tens of millions of people perished in,
news about the war, was quickly disseminated by the warring parties. Each
touted their victories and the most recent battlefront defeat of the other
party. After the war they claimed that six million Jews had been killed. Six
million people that were surely related to at least two million families.
"Again let us assume that these events are true. Does that logically
translate into the establishment of the state of Israel
in the Middle East or support for such a
state? How can this phenomenon be rationalized or explained?
Mr. President,
"I am sure you know how - and at what cost - Israel was established:
-Many thousands were killed in the process.
-Millions of indigenous people were made refugees.
-Hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland, olive plantations, towns and
villages were destroyed.
"This tragedy is not exclusive to the time of establishment;
unfortunately it has been ongoing for sixty years now.
"A regime has been established which does not show mercy even to kids,
destroys houses while the occupants are still in them, announces beforehand
its list and plans to assassinate Palestinian figures, and keeps thousands of
Palestinians in prison. Such a phenomenon is unique - or at the very least
extremely rare - in recent memory.
"Another big question asked by the people is ?why
is this regime being supported?'
"Is support for this regime in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ
(PBUH) or Moses (PBUH) or liberal values?
"Or are we to understand that allowing the original inhabitants of these
lands - inside and outside Palestine
-- whether they are Christian, Moslem or Jew, to determine their fate, runs
contrary to principles of democracy, human rights and the teachings of
prophets? If not, why is there so much opposition to a referendum?
"The newly elected Palestinian administration recently took office. All
independent observers have confirmed that this government represents the
electorate. Unbelievingly, they have put the elected government under
pressure and have advised it to recognize the Israeli regime, abandon the struggle
and follow the programs of the previous government.
"If the current Palestinian government had run on the above platform,
would the Palestinian people have voted for it? Again, can such position
taken in opposition to the Palestinian government be reconciled with the
values outlined earlier? The people are also asking ?Why
are all UNSC resolutions in condemnation of Israel vetoed?'
Mr. President,
"As you are well aware, I live amongst the people and am in constant
contact with them -- many people from around the Middle
East manage to contact me as well. They do not have faith in
these dubious policies either. There is evidence that the people of the
region are becoming increasingly angry with such policies.
"It is not my intention to pose too many questions, but I need to refer
to other points as well.
"Why is it that any technological and scientific achievement reached in
the Middle East region is translated into
and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime? Is not scientific R&D
one of the basic rights of nations?
"You are familiar with history. Aside from the Middle Ages, in what
other point in history has scientific and technical progress been a crime?
Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military
purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether? If
such a supposition is true, then all scientific disciplines, including
physics, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, engineering, etc. must be opposed.
"Lies were told in the Iraqi matter. What was the result? I have no
doubt that telling lies is reprehensible in any culture, and you do not like
to be lied.
Mr. President,
"Don't Latin Americans have the right to ask why their elected
governments are being opposed and coup leaders supported? Or, Why must they
constantly be threatened and live in fear?
"The people of Africa are hardworking,
creative and talented. They can play an important and valuable role in
providing for the needs of humanity and contribute to its material and
spiritual progress. Poverty and hardship in large parts of Africa
are preventing this from happening. Don't they have the right to ask why
their enormous wealth - including minerals - is being looted, despite the
fact that they need it more than others?
"Again, do such actions correspond to the teachings of Christ and the
tenets of human rights?
"The brave and faithful people of Iran too have many questions and
grievances, including: the coup d'etat of 1953 and the subsequent toppling of
the legal government of the day, opposition to the Islamic Revolution,
transformation of an Embassy into a headquarters supporting the activities of
those opposing the Islamic Republic (many thousands of pages of documents
corroborate this claim), support for Saddam in the war waged against Iran,
the shooting down of the Iranian passenger plane, freezing the assets of the
Iranian nation, increasing threats, anger and displeasure vis-?vis the
scientific and nuclear progress of the Iranian nation (just when all Iranians
are jubilant and celebrating their country's progress), and many other
grievances that I will not refer to in this letter.
Mr. President,
"September Eleven was a horrendous incident. The killing of innocents is
deplorable and appalling in any part of the world. Our government immediately
declared its disgust with the perpetrators and offered its condolences to the
bereaved and expressed its sympathies.
"All governments have a duty to protect the lives, property and good
standing of their citizens. Reportedly your government employs extensive
security, protection and intelligence systems - and even hunts its opponents
abroad. September eleven was not a simple operation. Could it be planned and
executed without coordination with intelligence and security services - or
their extensive infiltration? Of course this is just an educated guess. Why
have the various aspects of the attacks been kept secret? Why are we not told
who botched their responsibilities? And, why aren't those responsible and the
guilty parties identified and put on trial?
"All governments have a duty to provide security and peace of mind for
their citizens. For some years now, the people of your country and neighbors
of world trouble spots do not have peace of mind. After 9.11, instead of
healing and tending to the emotional wounds of the survivors and the American
people -- who had been immensely traumatized by the attacks -- some Western
media only intensified the climate of fear and insecurity - some constantly
talked about the possibility of new terror attacks and kept the people in
fear. Is that service to the American people? Is it possible to calculate the
damages incurred from fear and panic?
"American citizens lived in constant fear of fresh attacks that could
come at any moment and in any place. They felt insecure in the streets, in
their place of work and at home. Who would be happy with this situation? Why
was the media, instead of conveying a feeling of security and providing peace
of mind, giving rise to a feeling of insecurity?
"Some believe that the hype paved the way -- and was the justification
--for an attack on Afghanistan.
Again I need to refer to the role of media.
"In media charters, correct dissemination of information and honest
reporting of a story are established tenets. I express my deep regret about
the disregard shown by certain Western media for these principles. The main pretext
for an attack on Iraq
was the existence of WMDs. This was repeated incessantly -- for the public to
finally believe -- and the ground set for an attack on Iraq.
"Will the truth not be lost in a contrived and deceptive climate?
Again, if the truth is allowed to be lost, how can that be reconciled with
the earlier mentioned values? Is the truth known to the Almighty lost as
well?
Mr. President,
"In countries around the world, citizens provide for the expenses of
governments so that their governments in turn are able to serve them.
"The question here is ?what has the
hundreds of billions of dollars, spent every year to pay for the Iraqi
campaign, produced for the citizens?'
"As Your Excellency is aware, in some states of your country, people are
living in poverty. Many thousands are homeless and unemployment is a huge
problem. Of course these problems exist - to a larger or lesser extent -- in
other countries as well. With these conditions in mind, can the gargantuan
expenses of the campaign - paid from the public treasury - be explained and
be consistent with the aforementioned principles?
"What has been said, are some of the grievances of the people around the
world, in our region and in your country. But my main contention - which I am
hoping you will agree to some of it - is:
"Those in power have a specific time in office and do not rule
indefinitely, but their names will be recorded in history and will be
constantly judged in the immediate and distant futures.
"The people will scrutinize our presidencies."Did we mange to bring peace, security and prosperity for the people or
insecurity and unemployment?
"Did we intend to establish justice or just supported especial interest
groups, and by forcing many people to live in poverty and hardship, made a
few people rich and powerful -- thus trading the approval of the people and
the Almighty with theirs?
"Did we defend the rights of the underprivileged or ignore them?
"Did we defend the rights of all people around the world or imposed wars
on them, interfered illegally in their affairs, established hellish prisons
and incarcerated some of them?
"Did we bring the world peace and security or raised the specter of
intimidation and threats?
"Did we tell the truth to our nation and others around the world or
presented an inverted version of it?
"Were we on the side of people or the occupiers and oppressors?
"Did our administrations set out to promote rational behavior, logic,
ethics, peace, fulfilling obligations, justice, service to the people,
prosperity, progress and respect for human dignity or the force of guns, intimidation,
insecurity, disregard for the people, delaying the progress and excellence of
other nations, and trample on people's rights?
"And finally, they will judge us on whether we remained true to our oath
of office - to serve the people, which is our main task, and the traditions
of the prophets -- or not?
Mr. President,
"How much longer can the world tolerate this situation?
"Where will this trend lead the world to?
"How long must the people of the world pay for the incorrect decisions
of some rulers?
"How much longer will the specter of insecurity - raised from the
stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction -- hunt the people of the world?
"How much longer will the blood of the innocent men, women and children
be spilled on the streets, and people's houses destroyed over their heads?
"Are you pleased with the current condition of the world?
"Do you think present policies can continue?
"If billions of dollars spent on security, military campaigns and troop
movement were instead spent on investment and assistance for poor countries,
promotion of health, combating different diseases, education and improvement
of mental and physical fitness, assistance to the victims of natural
disasters, creation of employment opportunities and production, development projects
and poverty alleviation, establishment of peace, mediation between disputing
states, and extinguishing the flames of racial, ethnic and other conflicts,
where would the world be today? Would not your government and people be
justifiably proud?
"Would not your administration's political and economic standing have
been stronger?
"And I am most sorry to say, would there have been an ever increasing
global hatred of the American government?
"Mr. President, it is not my intention to distress anyone.
"If Prophet Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Ishmael, Joseph, or Jesus Christ
(PBUH) were with us today, how would they have judged such behavior? Will we
be given a role to play in the promised world, where justice will become
universal and Jesus Christ (PBUH) will be present? Will they even accept us?
"My basic question is this: Is there no better way to interact with the
rest of the world? Today there are hundreds of millions of Christians,
hundreds of millions of Muslims and millions of people who follow the
teachings of Moses (PBUH). All divine religions share and respect one word
and that is ?monotheism' or belief in a
single God and no other in the world.
"The Holy Koran stresses this common word and calls on all followers of
divine religions and says: [3.64] Say: O followers of the Book! Come to an
equitable proposition between us and you that we shall not serve any but
Allah and (that) we shall not associate aught with Him, and (that) some of us
shall not take others for lords besides Allah; but if they turn back, then
say: Bear witness that we are Muslims. (The Family of Imran)
Mr. President,
"According to divine verses, we have all been called upon to worship one
God and follow the teachings of divine Prophets.
"To worship a God which is above all powers in the world and can do all
He pleases. The Lord which knows that which is hidden and visible, the past
and the future, knows what goes on in the Hearts of His servants and records
their deeds."
"The Lord who is the possessor of the heavens and the earth and all universe
is His court planning for the universe is done by His hands, and gives His
servants the glad tidings of mercy and forgiveness of sins. He is the
companion of the oppressed and the enemy of oppressors. He is the
Compassionate, the Merciful. He is the recourse of the faithful and guides
them towards the light from darkness. He is witness to the actions of His
servants. He calls on servants to be faithful and do good deeds, and asks
them to stay on the path of righteousness and remain steadfast. Calls on
servants to heed His prophets and He is a witness to their deeds. A bad
ending belongs only to those who have chosen the life of this world and
disobey Him and oppress His servants and A good end and eternal paradise
belong to those servants who fear His majesty and do not follow their
lascivious selves.
"We believe a return to the teachings of the divine prophets is the only
road leading to salvation. I have been told that Your Excellency follows the
teachings of Jesus (PBUH) and believes in the divine promise of the rule of
the righteous on Earth.
"We also believe that Jesus Christ (PBUH) was one of the great prophets
of the Almighty. He has been repeatedly praised in the Koran. Jesus (PBUH)
has been quoted in Koran as well: [19.36] And surely Allah is my Lord and
your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path, Marium
"Service to and obedience of the Almighty is the credo of all divine
messengers.
"The God of all people in Europe, Asia, Africa, America, the
Pacific and the rest of the world is one. He is the Almighty who wants to
guide and give dignity to all His servants. He has given greatness to Humans.
"We again read in the Holy Book: ?The
Almighty God sent His prophets with miracles and clear signs to guide the
people and show them divine signs and purify them from sins and pollutions.
And He sent the Book and the balance so that the people display justice and
avoid the rebellious'.
"All of the above verses can be seen, one way or the other, in the Good
Book as well.
"Divine prophets have promised:
"The day will come when all humans will congregate before the court of
the Almighty, so that their deeds are examined. The good will be directed
towards Haven and evildoers will meet divine retribution. I trust both of us
believe in such a day, but it will not be easy to calculate the actions of
rulers, because we must be answerable to our nations and all others whose
lives have been directly or indirectly affected by our actions.
"All prophets, speak of peace and tranquility for man -- based on
monotheism, justice and respect for human dignity.
"Do you not think that if all of us come to believe in and abide by
these principles, that is, monotheism, worship of God, justice, respect for
the dignity of man, belief in the Last Day, we can overcome the present
problems of the world -- that are the result of disobedience to the Almighty
and the teachings of prophets - and improve our performance?
"Do you not think that belief in these principles promotes and
guarantees peace, friendship and justice?
"Do you not think that the aforementioned written or unwritten
principles are universally respected?
"Will you not accept this invitation? That is, a genuine return to the
teachings of prophets, to monotheism and justice, to preserve human dignity
and obedience to the Almighty and His prophets?
Mr. President,
"History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive.
God has entrusted the fate of men to them. The Almighty has not left the
universe and humanity to their own devices.
"Many things have happened contrary to the wishes and plans of
governments. These tell us that there is a higher power at work and all
events are determined by Him.
"Can one deny the signs of change in the world today?
"Is the situation of the world today comparable to that of ten years
ago? Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.
"The people of the world are not happy with the status quo and pay
little heed to the promises and comments made by a number of influential
world leaders. Many people around the world feel insecure and oppose the
spreading of insecurity and war and do not approve of and accept dubious
policies.
"The people are protesting the increasing gap between the haves and the
have-nots and the rich and poor countries.
"The people are disgusted with increasing corruption.
"The people of many countries are angry about the attacks on their
cultural foundations and the disintegration of families. They are equally
dismayed with the fading of care and compassion. The people of the world have
no faith in international organizations, because their rights are not
advocated by these organizations.
"Liberalism and Western style democracy have not been able to help
realize the ideals of humanity. Today these two concepts have failed. Those
with insight can already hear the sounds of the shattering and fall of the
ideology and thoughts of the Liberal democratic systems.
"We increasingly see that people around the world are flocking towards a
main focal point -- that is the Almighty God. Undoubtedly through faith in
God and the teachings of the prophets, the people will conquer their
problems. My question for you is: ?Do you not
want to join them?'
Mr. President,
"Whether we like it or not, the world is gravitating towards faith in
the
"Almighty and justice and the will of God will prevail over all things.
"Vasalam Ala Man Ataba'al hoda
Mahmood Ahmadi-Nejad
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
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