FORMER PRESIDENT WARNS US AGAINST MILITARY ATTACK ON IRAN

Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran
Sept 30 2005

Former Iranian president and long-time Chairman of the Expediency
Council Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani has reiterated Iran’s intention to use
nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He reminded the worshippers
at Tehran Friday prayers earlier today that despite being a victim of
Iraqi chemical weapons “Iran could have used chemical weapons. But it
did not”. Rafsanjani said: ” Our main task is to prove that we are not
the sort of people to utilize nuclear weapons… This shows that we are
not the people to resort to such ugly calamities… However, we must
prove this in practice to them [to IAEA and EU]. This is a difficult
task and requires talks and the delicate job of diplomacy.” The
following are excerpts from a live broadcast of Friday prayer sermons
by Iranian radio on 30 September, subheading inserted editorially.

[Rafsanjani] In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

[Passage on the forthcoming month of Ramadan, Iran-Iraq war
anniversary, omitted.]

The issue I want to talk about here is the nuclear issue. We are
facing a very serious and crucial situation. The issue is extremely
serious. Our nation should not be influenced by misleading comments
made to undermine the importance of the issue. Our nation has accepted
the main point and knows that nuclear technology is crucial to the
country and that it can not be ignored. Nothing is hidden from the
nation on the issue. The main challenge we are facing with at this
point in time is the conflict we have with those who want to create
nuclear apartheid and want to be the only ones to have this vast
power and important technology. We are not seeking the technology
for military purposes. We are pursuing it for peaceful purposes. We
want to utilize this technology for agriculture, energy, industry
and health. This technology is among the most advanced and up-to-date
technologies in today’s world and one cannot forgo this right.

If we forgo this right, it will be registered in the history of our
country, just like the Treaty of Turkmanchai [Agreement signed by
Russia and Persia in 1828 by which Persia was forced to cede part of
Persian Armenia to Russia and grant extraterritorial rights] or the
Treaty of Vosouq ol-Dowleh, and the officials of the country will
never be forgiven throughout history in the eyes of the nation.

Therefore we, the whole system with the guardianship of the leader,
are determined to defend this right with our full determination
and power. [Crowd chanting: God is great, Death to America, Death
to Israel]

But this challenge is not an easy one. Sometimes it is believed that
by looking at the matter optimistically, the morale of the people
will be boosted and it will increase their resistance. I, too, believe
that people should not despair and should be hopeful and resist. But
I do not believe that people should be given false hope in thinking
that others will resolve the issue for them. The issue is extremely
serious. Our opponents are explicitly and firmly stating that Iran
should not have the nuclear fuel cycle and we are explicitly and
firmly saying that we must have this technology. There is no other
alternative. Of course we are trying to resolve the matter through
negotiations. Because they are claiming that they do not trust Iran
and that they cannot be sure that Iran will not use the technology for
military purposes, we should prove to them that we are not doing so.

Our main task [over the nuclear issue] is to prove that we are not the
sort of people to utilize nuclear weapons. And we have a proud record
to prove this. I mean [at the time of the Iran-Iraq war] when our
combatants were martyred by [Iraqi] chemical weapons in such oppressive
manner, Iran could have used chemical weapons. But it did not. They
[Iraqis] were hitting our cities in the most despicable manner. But we
were instructed that before hitting any [Iraqi] city in retaliation,
we had to give a warning 48 hours in advance in order to give people
a chance to leave. This shows that we are not the people to resort
to such ugly calamities. Therefore, this is our nature. However,
we must prove this in practice to them [to IAEA and EU]. This is a
difficult task and requires talks and the delicate job of diplomacy.

Two points are important here. Firstly, our opposite side comprises
America, Europe and others. We tell them: To you, this [oily?] arena
is not a highway to cross. This is a mined battlefield and dangerous
for you. If you were to enter this arena, you will impose heavy losses
on the region, on yourself and on the rest of the world. Iran is not a
sort of state to raise its hands in surrender as soon as you pick up
your weapon and draw your dagger. Such a thing will not happen. You
should therefore act wisely and prudently. If by uttering words and
issuing resolutions, you intend to intimidate us, you must realize
that the Iranians are not scared and will not be intimidated.

If you truly wish to get somewhere, this cannot be achieved by
issuing resolutions, by intimidating us, by publishing articles and
by delivering speeches. Instead, one [you and Iranian authorities]
should sit around to talk and reach trust. And you will become certain
that Iran is not adventurous over this issue. Iran wishes to acquire
peaceful nuclear technology. This is a right that no country will
justify itself to sign away and deny itself the right. This will not
happen in Iran, if this is what you are pursuing.

I would like to let the [Iranian] managers in this sector know that
here you need diplomacy and not slogans. This is the place for wisdom,
the place for seeking windows that will take you to the objective,
the place for negotiations and extensive diplomatic activities to
say that we are present all over the world. This is the place for
utilizing all the levers at our disposal, but prudently, wisely and
with patience – without provocation and slogans that may please the
enemy and give him an excuse. We must avoid providing the enemy the
weapon that we could deploy in the world to gain victory.

We must properly resolve this sensitive problem facing our country,
with the goal of safeguarding our nation’s right and preventing others
violate the rights of our own people. God willing, we shall benefit
from the plentiful advantages of nuclear technology. [Shouts of
“God is great” from the conjuration]

Iraq and Palestine

I wanted to speak about Iraq and Palestine, but my second sermon went
on longer than I expected. I’m just going to point out that we are
witnessing mischievous and harmful actions that are hurting Iraqi
people. The three car bombs in Balad yesterday killed and injured
close to 200 people. There were more explosions in Hilla today –
these crimes usually occur in Shi’i sections. It would appear that
certain mysterious characters don’t want security to be restored
in Lebanon. Lebanon was the victim of civil war for years, which
destroyed it.

And It would appear that Israel has reduced its vulnerability
by withdrawing from Gaza. Because it was involved in clashes with
Palestinian combatants. These days it is attacking Palestinian areas
by tanks, fighter jets and helicopters. It has escalated its attacks
instead of working towards peace.

Syria is being threatened. We need Islamic unity today. We need
solidarity among those forces loyal to Islam and the revolution. God
willing, we will be able to strengthen our correct diplomatic actions
in the region and the world, thereby reducing the chances of harms
to the regions.