Ahmadinejad's racist speech

Below is an English translation of the speech given at the Durban Review Conference by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. This text (a translation of what was actually said) differs slightly from the advanced copy of Ahmadinejad's Durban Review Conference address. The speech saw diplomats from 23 European countries walk out in protest. Others were already boycotting the conference entirely.

Word leaders responded strongly. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the speech was "an intolerable call for racist hatred that flouts the ideals and the values inscribed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights." US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Alejandro Wolff said "I can't think of any other word than shameful". British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, said Ahmadinejad's remarks were "offensive, inflammatory and utterly unacceptable". The Czech Foreign Ministry, holder of the EU presidency, pulled out its delegation, they said "We cannot allow, through our presence, the legitimisation of absolutely unacceptable anti-Israeli attacks... The Czech delegation will not return to the conference at all, as a consequence of Ahmadinejad's speech". Vatican Spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the speech was "extremist and unacceptable".

The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre defended the Iranian's President's right to say what he wished at the anti-racism conference, but added that the speech "threatens the very focus" of the anti-racism conference. The Belgian Foreign Minister condemned "without reserve" the "hateful and antisemitic" speech and the Foreign Ministry of Chile said their country "energetically rejects" the contribution by Iran. Chile drew attention to the International Holocaust Memorial Day established by the UN in 2005 and the need to remember the Holocaust.

Ahmadinejad failed to read a planned section of his speech which referred to "the ambiguous and dubious question of the Holocaust".

English translation of Ahmadinejad address

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful... May he bestow upon his prophets... Praise be upon Allah, the Almighty, who is just, kind, and compassionate. May God's blessing be upon his prophets, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus Christ, and His last prophet, Mohammed who called for monotheism, fraternity, kindness, love, human dignity and justice.

Mr Chairman, Honourable Secretary-General of the United Nations, Honourable High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ladies and Gentlemen, we have gathered here in the follow up to the Durban conference against racism and racial discrimination to work out practical mechanisms for our holy and humanitarian campaigns.

Over the last centuries, humanity has gone through tremendous suffering and pain. In the Middle Ages, scholars and scientists were sentenced to death. This was followed by a period of popularity for slavery and the slave trade, millions of innocent people were separated from their families and loved ones, taken to Europe and America under terrible conditions. This was a dark period of occupations, lootings, and innocent people massacred or made homeless.

Years passed before nations rose up to fight for their liberty. They paid a high price and millions of lives were lost to expel the occupiers and proclaim their independence. However, it was not long before the coercive powers imposed two wars in Europe which also plagued parts of Asia and Africa. Those horrific wars claimed about 100 million lives, and resultd in massive devastation. Had lessons been learned from the occupations, horrors, and crimes of those wars, there would have been a ray of hope for the future. The victorious powers called themselves the conquerors of the world while ignoring and trampling the rights of other nations through oppressive laws and international arrangements.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us look at the U.N. Security Council, one of the legacies of World War II and World War I. Based on what logic did coutnries give themselves veto rights? How can such logic be reconsiled with humanitarian or religious ethics? Does it conform to the recognized principles of justice, equality before law, love, and human dignity? Or rather, with discrimination, injustice, violation of human rights, and humiliation of the majority of nations and countries?

The Council is the highest decision-making body for safeguarding international peace and security. How can we expect justice and peace when discrimination is legalized and the origin of law is dominated by coercion and force rather than by justice and the right?

Coercion and arrogance is the origin of oppression and wars. Although today many proponents of racism condemn racial discrimination in their words and in their slogans, a number of powerful countries have been authorized to decide for other nations based on their own interests and at their own discretions. And they can easily ridicule and violate all laws and humanitarian values, as they have done so.

Following World War II, they resorted to military aggression to make an entire nation homeless on the pretext of Jewish sufferings. And they sent migrants from Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world in order to establish a totally racist government in the occupied Palestine, and in fact, in compensation for the dire consequences of racism in Europe, they helped bring to power the most cruel and repressive, racist regime in Palestine.

The Security Council helped stabilize this occupation regime, and supported it over the last 60 years, giving them a free hand to continue their crimes.

It is all the more regrettable that a number of Western governments and the United States have committed themselves to defend those racist perpetrators of genocide whilst the awakened conscience and free minded people of the world condemn the aggression, brutalities and bombardments of civilians in Gaza. They have always been supportive or silent about these crimes. And before that, they were silent regard the crimes of that regime.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, what are the root causes of U.S. attacks against Iraq and the invasion of Afghanistan? Was there more to it than the arrogance of the then U.S. administration, the mounting pressures by the wealthly and powerful to expand their sphere of influence, the support for arms manufacturing companies, the destruction of a noble culture with thousands of years of history, the elimination of the potential risks of Muslim countries joining against the Zionist regime, and the desire to control and plunder the energy resources of the Iraqi people?

Why, were almost a million people killed and injured and a few more millions displaced and forced to leave their homeland? Why were the Iraqi people inflicted with enormous damage, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars? And why was hundreds of billions of dollars imposed on the American people and its allies as a result of these military actions? Was the military action against Iraq not planned by the Zionists and their allies in the then U.S. administration in complicity with the arms manufacturing companies and the owner of the wealth?

Did the invasion of Afghanistan; restore peace, security, and economic well being in that country? The United States and its allies not only failed to contain th production of illicit drugs in Afghanistan, but saw their cultivation multiply several fold under their occupation. The basic question is: What was the responsibility of the then U.S. administration and its allies? Did they represent the world? Do they have a mandated from them? Have they been authorized on behalf of the people of the world to interfere in all parts of the globe, and especially in our region? Aren't these measures a clear example of egocentrism, racism, discrimination, and infringement upon the dignity and independence of nations?

Ladies and gentlemen, who are responsible for the current global economic crisis? Where did the crisis start? From Africa? From Asia? Or did it start in the United States, then spread to Europe and their allies?

For a long time they imposed inequitable economic regulations though their political power in the international economy. They imposed a financial and a monetary system, without a proper international oversight mechanism, on nations and governments that played no role in making these policies. They have not even allowed their own people to supervise. They introduce laws and regulations in defiance to all moral values, trying only to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful. They presented a definition of market economy and competition that denied many of the economic opportunities that could be available to other countries around the world. They imposed their problems on others, plaguing their economies into thousands of billions of dollars in budget deficits. And today, they are injecting hundreds of billions in cash from the pockets of their own people to support failing banks, companies and financial institutions - making the situation more and more complicated for the economy and their people. They are simply thinking about maintaining power and wealth. They couldn't care less about the people of the world, or even about their own people.

Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, racism is rooted in the lack of knowledge concerning the truth of human existence as the selected creature of God. It is also the product of his deviation from the true path for human life, and the obligations mankind has in the world's creation. Failing to consciously worship God, not being able to think about the philosophy of life or the path to perfection that are the main ingredients of divine and humanitarian values, have restricted the horizon of human outlook, making transient and limited interests a yardstick for humanities actions.

That is why the seeds of evil took shape and grew in power, because they prevented others enjoying equitable and just opportunities for development. The result has been a flood of unbridled racism that is posing the most serious threat to international peace and has hindered the way for building peaceful coexistence around the world. Undoubtedly, racism is the symbol of ignorance which has deep roots in history. And it is indeed a sign of frustration in the development of human society. It is therefore crucially important to trace the manifestations of racism in situations or in societies where ignorance or lack of knowledge prevails. Increasing general awareness and understanding of the philosophy of human existence is the principle defence against such manifestations. The needed outcome is an understanding of the truth of mankinds role in the universe, a return to spiritual and moral values, and finally the desire to worship God the Almighty. The international community must work together to raise awareness in the afflicted societies where ignorance and racism still prevail so they can bring a halt the spread of these malicious manifestations.

Dear friends, today the human society is facing a kind of racism which has tarnished the image of humanity at the beginning of the third millennium. Global Zionism personifies racism that falsely resorts to religion and abuse religious sentiments to hide their hatred and ugly faces. However, it is of great importance to bring into focus the political goals of some of the world powers and those who control huge economic resources and interests in the world. They mobilize all their resources, including their economic and political influence and world media to render support in vain to the Zionist regime, and maliciously endeavor to diminish the indignity and disgrace of this regime. This is not simply a question of ignorance, and one cannot conquer this ugly phenomenon through cultural campaigns. Efforts must be made to put an end to the abuse by Zionists and their supporters of political and international means and respect of the will and aspirations of nations. Governments must be encouraged and supported in their fights aimed at eradicating this barbaric racism and to move towards reforming the current international mechanisms.

There is no doubt that you are all aware of the conspiracies of some powers and Zionist circles against the goals and objectives of this conference. Unfortunately, there has been literature and statements in support of Zionism and their crimes, and it is the responsibility of honorable representatives of nations to disclose these campaigns which run counter to humanitarian values and principles. It should be recognized that boycotting such a session is a true indication of supporting the blatant example of racism.

In defending human rights it is primarily important to defend the rights of all nations to participate equally in all important international decision making processes without the influence of certain world powers. And secondly it is necessary to restructure the existing international organizations and their respective arrangements. Therefore this conference is a testing ground and the world public opinion today and tomorrow will judge our decisions and our actions.

Mr President, Ladies and gentlemen, the world is going through fundamental changes, radical fundamental changes. Power relations have become so weak and fragile. The sounds of cracks in the pillars of world oppression can now be heard. Major political and economic structures are at the brink of collapse. Political and security crises are on the rise. The worsening crises in the world economy for which there can be seen no bright prospect, amply demonstrate the rising tide of far reaching global changes. I have repeatedly emphasized the need to change the mistaken direction in which the world has been managed todate. And I have also warned of the dire consequences of any delay in this crucial responsibility.

Now, in this august and valuable event, I would like to announce here to all leaders, thinkers, and to all nations of the world present in this meeting and those who have a hunger for peace and economic well being, that the management, the inequitable and unjust management of the world, is now at the end of its road. This deadlock was inevitable since the logic of this imposed management was oppressive.

The logic of collective management of world affairs is based on noble aspirations which centers on human beings and the supremacy of the Almighty God. Therefore it defies any policy or plan which goes against the interest of nations. Victory of the right over the wrong and establishment of a just world system have been promised by the Almighty God and his messengers and it has been a shared goal of all human beings from different societies and generations in the course of history. Realization of such a future depends upon the knowledge of the creation and the belief in the hearts of all the faithful. The making of a global society is in fact the accomplishment of a noble goal heralding the establishment of a common global system that will be run with the participation of all nations of the world in all major and minor decision making processes and the definite route to this sublime goal. Scientific and technical capacities as well as communication technologies have created a common and wide spread understanding of world society and has provided the necessary ground for a common system.

Now it is incumbent upon all intellectuals, thinkers, and policy makers in the world to carry out their historical responsibility with firm belief to this definite route, I also want to lay emphasis on the fact that the western liberalism and capitalism, like communism, has reached to its end since it has failed to perceive the truth of the world and humankind as it is. It has imposed its own goals and directions on human beings with no regard for human and divine values, justice, freedom, love, or brotherhood; has based the living on the intensive competition securing individual and collective material interests.

Now we must learn from the past by initiating collective efforts to deal with present challenges, and in this connection and in closing my remarks I wish to draw your kind attention to two important points. One: It is absolutely possible to improve the existing situation in the world. However, it must be noted that it could only be achieved through the cooperation of all countries in order to get the best out of existing capacities and resources in the world. My participation in this conference is because of my conviction of these important issues, as well as to our common responsibility to defending the rights of nations vis-a-vis the sinister phenomenon of racism; and being with you, the thinkers of the world.

Two: Mindful of the inefficacy of the current international political, economic, and security systems on the world scene, it is necessary to focus on the divine and humanitarian values and by referring to the true definition of human beings, and based upon justice and respect for the rights of all people in all parts of the world, and by acknowledging the past wrongdoings in the past dominant management of the world undertake collective measures to reform the existing structures. In this respect, it is crucially important to reform the structure of the Security Council, including the elimination of the discriminatory veto right and change the current world and financial monetary systems. It is evident that lack of understanding on the urgency for change is equivalent to the much heavier costs of delay.

Dear friends, be aware that to move in the direction of justice and human dignity is like the natural rapid flow in the current of a river. Let us not forget the essence of love and affection, the promised bright future of human beings is a great asset that will serve our purpose in keeping us together to build a new world and to make the world a better place full of love fraternity and blessings; a world devoid of poverty and hatred, meritin increasing blessings of God Almighty and the righteous management of the perfect human being. Let us all join hands in amity in playing our share in the fulfillment such a decent new world.

I thank you Mr. President, Secretary General, and all distinguished participants for having the patience to listen to me. Thank you very much.

What wasn't said

One part Ahmadinejad skipped over in his delivery promotes antisemitic conspiracy theories, the written text said, "the reason for (Western) support and silence is that the egoist and uncivilized Zionism have been able to deeply penetrate into their political and economic structure, including their legislation, mass media, companies, financial systems, and their security and intelligence agencies." The Holocaust denial elements in the written text were also strong with a reference to "the ambiguous and dubious question of the Holocaust" dropped. Instead there are accusations against the West for "exploiting the Holocaust". He also said, "Following World War II, they resorted to military aggression to make an entire nation homeless on the pretext of Jewish sufferings."

Other articles on the Durban Review Conference: 2009

For related articles about the 2009 conference, visit the Durban Review Conference 2009 section of Durban Review or select from the articles below. Articles on anti-racism themes, the 2001 conference and NGO Forum, and news articles are available from the Durban Review home page.