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Iran’s President Says Israel Should Be “Wiped Off” The Map..as He Slams Homosexuality
New York (CNN) — Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made clear what he meant when he said Israel should be “wiped off” the map and touched on everything from the Holocaust to homosexuality in a wide-ranging interview that aired Monday on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight.”
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
“If a group comes and occupies the United States of America, destroys homes while women and children are in those homes, incarcerate the youth of America, impose five different wars on many neighbors, and always threaten others, what would you do? What would you say? Would you help it? … Or would you help the people of the United States?” Ahmadinejad asked in response to whether Israel should be “wiped off” the face of the map, as he once said.
“So when we say ‘to be wiped,’ we say for occupation to be wiped off from this world. For war-seeking to (be) wiped off and eradicated, the killing of women and children to be eradicated. And we propose the way. We propose the path. The path is to recognize the right of the Palestinians to self-governance.”
“I cannot express an opinion. That is their prerogative,” Ahmadinejad said. “But the people of Palestine must be allowed by everyone, and helped by everyone, to allow them, to give them the right to choose for themselves.”
In New York this week to visit the United Nations, Ahmadinejad spoke at a meeting on the rule of law Monday and is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with the Iranian president over the weekend and warned him of the “potentially harmful consequences of inflammatory rhetoric,” according to a U.N. statement.
During his speech Monday, Ahmadinejad accused “some members of the Security Council with veto rights” of having “chosen silence with regard to the nuclear warheads of a fake regime, while at the same time they impede scientific progress of other nations.”
Though he didn’t name the countries, he was clearly talking about the United States, Israel and his own country.
Some world powers, particularly Western nations, suspect that Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
When asked by CNN’s Morgan what Iran would do if Israel were to attack it, Ahmadinejad said, “Any nation has the right and will indeed defend herself.”
“But my question is this: Why should the world be managed in such a way that an individual can allow himself to threaten a rich and deeply rooted historical, ancient country such as Iran? A great country, such as Iran, based on an excuse of his own fabrication. … Another country can say, ‘I am guessing that country B is doing activity X, therefore I will attack that country’ … can this be … a successful formula for the management of the world?”
Again there, the president was likely referring to Iran’s disputed nuclear program.
Asked whether he feared a war or military conflict with Israel was imminent, Ahmadinejad said: “The Zionists are very much, very adventuresome, very much seeking to fabricate things, and I think they see themselves at the end of the line and I do firmly believe that they seek to create new opportunities for themselves and their adventurous behaviors.”
Among other topics the president touched on in the interview taped in New York over the weekend were:
Anti-Islam film
Ahmadinejad denounced the film, “Innocence of Muslims,” that portrays the Prophet Mohammed as a womanizer, child molester and killer. The online video has led to a wave of global unrest.
“Fundamentally, first of all, any action that is provocative, offends the religious thoughts and feelings of any people, we condemn,” he said.
Photos: Anti-U.S. demonstrations worldwide
“Likewise, we condemn any type of extremism. Of course, what took place was ugly. Offending the Holy Prophet is quite ugly. This has very little or nothing to do with freedom and freedom of speech. This is the weakness of and the abuse of freedom, and in many places it is a crime. It shouldn’t take place, and I do hope the day will come in which politicians will not seek to offend those whom others hold holy,” Ahmadinejad said.
“We also believe that this must also be resolved in a humane atmosphere, in a participatory environment, and we do not like anyone losing their lives or being killed for any reason, anywhere in the world.”
The privately produced film sparked protests against the United States, where it was made. While most of the demonstrations have been peaceful, some were marred by violence that has left more than two dozen people dead — among them U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans killed in an attack on the consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that reportedly followed a demonstration against the film.
When asked by Morgan whether he thought protesters should stop threatening U.S. staff abroad, Ahmadinejad said he cannot say what other people or nations should do, but that he believes “extremism gives birth to following and subsequent extremists.”
Syria
A long-time supporter of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Ahmadinejad told CNN’s Morgan the crisis in Syria must be resolved through dialogue, and without outside interference.
He condemned the violence, which has left more than 26,000 people dead since March 2011, according to opposition activists.
“We must all say enough of this violence, right now,” Ahmadinejad said, adding that he is working to organize a group to bring the two sides together.
“We do believe that freedom, the right to choose, the right to vote, respect and justice is the fundamental right of all people. All people must obtain these rights. No one has the right to restrict a people and nation, but we believe as a friend of nations, we must help the nations around the world to obtain these rights through peaceful paths, though peaceful actions.”
The Holocaust
The conversation was contentious at times, particularly when the topic turned to the Nazi Germany extermination of the Jews last century. Ahmadinejad has long questioned the existence of the Holocaust.
“I pass no judgment about historic events. I defend the human freedoms. Whatever event has taken place throughout history, or hasn’t taken place, I cannot judge that. Why should I judge that? I say researchers and scholars must be free to conduct research and analysis about any historical event,” the Iranian president said.
Homosexuality
“I’m sorry. Let me ask you this. Do you believe that anyone is giving birth through homosexuality? Homosexuality ceases procreation. Who has said that if you like or believe in doing something ugly, and others do not accept your behavior, that they’re denying your freedom?” he asked Morgan.
“Proper education must be given … the education system must be revamped. The political system must be revamped. And these must be also reformed, revamped along the way. But if you, if a group recognizes an ugly behavior or ugly deed as legitimate, you must not expect other countries or other groups to give it the same recognition.”
Jews
When asked how he would feel if one of his children dated a Jew, Ahmadinejad replied, “I would have to see who that Jewish man or woman would be. I see love amongst people as completely acceptable. There are many Jews living in Iran with whom we are very close. There are … some Muslims that marry into Jewish families or marry Christians.”
“I — we have no such problems,” he added.
“Of course, I think none of us should represent the whole population of the United States, but we believe that color, religion, native tongue, ethnic background shouldn’t create differences or distances between people, nor should it be the sole reason to bring people closer together. It has always been like this.”
Osama bin Laden
Ahmadinejad also discussed his reaction to Osama bin Laden’s death last year by American Navy Seals under President Barack Obama.
“I would have been happier to see a transparent trial, a formal trial, and find out the root causes of all of the events of the last few years,” the Iranian president said.
Posted by Editor
on September 28, 2012. Filed under INTERNATIONAL NEWS.
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Mpangula Mputyu
September 28, 2012 at 9:45 am
Ahmadenajad, Chavez, Fidel, Mugabe, Sata, Al Basir and Museveni Birds of the same skin.
Mpangula Mputyu
September 28, 2012 at 9:49 am
Quote ” I’m sorry. Let me ask you this. Do you believe that anyone is giving birth through homosexuality? Homosexuality ceases procreation. Who has said that if you like or believe in doing something ugly, and others do not accept your behavior, that they’re denying your freedom?” he asked Morgan” End of Quote.
I support Almadenajad on this ONE. Mugabe once said Gays are worse than PIGS.
BEE
September 28, 2012 at 10:37 am
he looks intelligent AS WELL, I MEAN Ahmadinejad, i hope Americans are as intelligent to revisit some of the decisions they have made in the name of protecting freedom
isaac
September 28, 2012 at 11:25 am
I hope wiping Israel from the map is not in Mahmoud Amadinejad’s foreign policy.Becoz the phrase this man uses is carass and heinous. Dialogue is the only way.
wise man
September 28, 2012 at 11:25 am
Ahmadinejad his the real man who can protect the world from america’s criminal activities
pure tonga
September 28, 2012 at 12:20 pm
HH and Ahmadinejad are brave leaders. HH will wipe out Bembes land.
ZAMBIAN
September 28, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Wiseman and PureTonga you are fools and dandaheads. tribalism is the only gift you have got, change may God deliver you in Jesus name.
Genaro the Analyst
September 28, 2012 at 1:25 pm
when is mother Zambia starting its nuclear program, uranium is being wasted. This will help get rid of Zesco. Analyse
Mwana Mfumu
September 28, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Israel is in the land and it will not be moved. I love ISRAEL
Higher Taller
September 28, 2012 at 2:48 pm
White people never want to admit that it is them and their kind (Hitler, Verwoed) who have always come up with superior race doctrines that often lead to genocides. When you have philosophies intent on wiping out another nation something is terribly wrong with your humanity and as such you shouldn’t be a human but rather a beast. The Middle East has been the birthplace of racism with both Jews and Arabs considering themselves the chosen peoples. The religions from this place are all racist because of their claims that God speaks only to them (jews or Arabs) or through them which is all balderdash cos God cant love one person above another unless you are talking about Tom and Jerry religions.
chabo !
September 28, 2012 at 2:58 pm
mwaba amatako bonse !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Elder
September 28, 2012 at 3:12 pm
He is one of the few who dares to stand for what he believes in even against the might babylon.But as it is always the case with tinpot dictactors he contradicts himself after every one sentence he utters.We still need him though,to keep the west in check.
Culture
September 28, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Israel is a blesed nation. Ahmadinejad yo felow arabs who were stronger & wiser than u failed 2 conqure & u’ll fish in the dark in Jesus name. Felow christians let’s obey bible (mat 5:18-20). Devil wil olwayz opoz God in the name of freedom & human right. Be alert christian.
SIZZLA
September 28, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Ras-tah-farai is the only way to go! Babylon haffi Burn!! African people stand know your place and increase Jah Love!!!!
Luchele Nganga
September 28, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Pure Tonga waba itole waumfwa ka chikala??? mushinda pelibwe musula wa nkaki!!!!!!!!!
Abakonzi
September 28, 2012 at 9:46 pm
America is busy developing all kinds of nuclear weapons and when other countries try to do the same the its a threat to world security.Ahmadinejad please my brother can u wipe out america instead of israel and kindly send some scientists to zambia to help us develop weapons of mass destruction just in case we also want to wipe out someone from the map for example Iran
Spinner87
September 28, 2012 at 10:16 pm
pure tonga wechipuba tell me, where can we find such a tribe as bembe?
hahahahahahahahahahaha ati help us start the programe of nuclear weapons, nah man maybe in the next 20million years. **** all tonga racists i hate u to the ass.
kapuli wa ng'ongo
September 29, 2012 at 5:46 am
I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED WHY IT IS THAT IN THE LAND WHERE JESUS AND MUHAMMAD WALKED THERE IS SO MUCH STRIFE, WAR AND INCESSANT KILLINGS. PLASES LIKE ISRAEL, SYRIA, LEBANON, IRAQ (FORMERLY PERSIA), IRAN AND OTHRR MIDDLE EASTERN STATES ARE HOT SPOTS. WHAT LEGACY DID JESUS AND MUHAMMAD LEAVE BEHIND
Abakonzi
September 29, 2012 at 6:17 am
@ Spinner87 my man,the way things are going in the world one can’t afford to have the kind of obsolete weapons which zambia has.Even those rebels(Boko Haram) in nigeria are better equiped than zambia army so its time to work on our defence system even just 2 atomic bombs would be enough.If we fail to develop the bombs the we use it for nuclear energy and get rid of zesco and its criminal load shedding
Air Mukwai_
September 29, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Thumping your chest to show the world that you’re the greatest are long gone days. Concerned nations are refurbishing their economies rather than spending lavishly on weapon that would not be used.
mumanya mweka
September 29, 2012 at 12:28 pm
allwng zambia 2 use its uranium is lyk allwng a stpd povert confsd smal boy 2 play wth a loaded AK47 on th street.
Black pipo
September 29, 2012 at 12:38 pm
The problem is that Zambians trust black magic as a weapon to intimidate there colleagues we need to create a hydrogen bomb coz it is much destructive than an atomic bomb.
Amazwi ya Mukombe
September 29, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Though the say Islam means peace i have not seen anything close to peace in Islam, Muslims are war mongers who love death more than life this includes there own lives i always wonder. What sort of God wants people to die for his sake instead of protecting them i get surprised.Is God not love.
jram
September 29, 2012 at 8:37 pm
,,,,,,,
Shelley
September 30, 2012 at 3:37 am
I am an American. We put our freedom and love of God before anything. But America has big problems and our biggest problem is trying to police the world. We can no longer fight everyone’s battles and support countries.