Almost Three Decades Later Iran Sends A Letter To The U.S.
Ahmadinejad sends letter to Bush
The letter comes at a time of acute
tension between the US and Iran
8 May 2006
BBC News
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to George W Bush proposing "new solutions" to their differences.
The letter will be sent via the Swiss Embassy which represents US interests in Iran, a government spokesman said.
Mr Ahmadinejad proposes "new solutions for getting out of international problems and the current fragile situation of the world", he said.
Reports say it is the first letter from an Iranian president to a US leader since the Iranian revolution in 1979.
The spokesman, Gholam-Hossein Elham, did not say whether the letter mentioned the nuclear dispute, currently one of the major issues between Iran and the US.
This development comes a day after Iran's parliament threatened to pull out of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Western pressure over its programme increases.
A withdrawal would mean the country's programme could no longer be inspected by the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Draft resolution
The US has accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran strongly denies.
Last week, the US and other states tabled a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment or face "further action".
Foreign ministers of the council members plus Germany are due to meet in New York on Monday night to discuss how to proceed with Iran.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told Iran's Irna news agency that once Mr Bush had received the letter, the contents would be made public.
Significant timing
The BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran says that whatever is in the letter is significant because it is the first such high-level communication between Iran and America for almost three decades.
As such it is a bold step by Mr Ahmadinejad, and the timing is key - just as the West is trying to persuade Russia and China to back tough action against Iran, she says.
Mr Ahmadinejad is reinforcing the point that he is willing to negotiate with anyone, including the US president, to avoid conflict over the nuclear issue, our correspondent adds.
The US and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since Washington severed ties with Tehran after Iranian students occupied the US embassy there and took 52 Americans hostage in 1980.
The White House said it was "unaware" of a letter from Mr Ahmadinejad.
Link:
Iran president sends letter to Bush Video
Timeline: US-Iran ties
Iranians react to Ahmadinejad letter
May 9 - In Tehran newspaper headlines focused on a letter sent by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to U.S. President George W. Bush.
In the letter, the Iranian leader details alleged American foreign policy misdeeds and defends scientific research as ''one of the basic rights of nations.''
People expressing opinions on the streets of Teheran supported their president's policies, but said the letter he sent to the U.S. president would have little political effect.
SOUNDBITE: Javad Ashijani, university student, saying (Farsi):
''If Bush continues to insist on his false policies on Iran, including threats of imposing sanctions on Iran and threats of military strike against Iran, I do not think this letter could be effective, but if the Western World accepts that Iran's nuclear work is only for peaceful purposes, then this letter could be useful.''
SOUNDBITE: Reza Arab, saying (Farsi):
''Mr. Ahmadinejad thought that writing this letter to his American counterpart was in the interest of our country. We totally believe in Mr. Ahmadinejad, he cannot be blackmailed by America over Iran's nuclear work. It was just a letter.''
SOUNDBITE: Mohsen Javadi, university student, saying (Farsi):
''I think that the exciting challenges and political problems between Iran and America cannot be resolved by merely sending such a letter. Iranian and American officials have a lot of disputes. I do not think that this letter can have an impact on Iran and America's bilateral relations.''
Iran's President Writes To President Bush, Criticizes U.S.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Photo: Salah Malkawi/Getty Images
May 9, 2006
Lengthy missive is first formal communication between U.S. and Iran in 27 years.
If Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was trying to reach across hostile waters to find some common ground with his detractors in the White House, he has a strange way of showing it. The controversial leader penned the first formal communication between the two nations in 27 years, breaking the ice with an 18-page missive to President George Bush that declared that liberalism and democracy have failed, said that the U.S. is hated around the world and claims that the administration is covering up evidence about the September 11 terror attacks.
According to The Associated Press, the letter made only a passing reference to the most central issue that divides the nations at the moment: Iran's plans for its disputed nuclear program (see "As Tensions Mount, How Much Of A Threat Is Iran?"). In response to that issue, Ahmadinejad questioned why, "any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East region is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime."
The Bush administration was quick to dismiss the letter as an attempt to soften the U.S.'s resolve to push a U.N. Security Council vote this week that could impose harsh sanctions against Iran for its refusal to back down on its nuclear ambitions (see "Iran Doesn't 'Give A Damn' About U.N. Pressure On Nuclear Program").
"This letter is not the place that one would find an opening to engage on the nuclear issue or anything of the sort," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the AP. "It isn't addressing the issues that we're dealing with in a concrete way."
After being briefed on its contents, Bush was equally dismissive. "It does not appear to do anything to address the nuclear concerns" of the international community, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters on Air Force One, according to The Los Angeles Times.
If the letter was meant as an olive branch, it certainly had a lot of thorns. Ahmadinejad wrote that, "liberalism and Western-style democracy have not been able to help realize the ideals of humanity," according to a copy obtained by the AP. "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."
The Iranian leader also blasted Bush for his handling of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Ahmadinejad suggests that the administration has covered up evidence about the attacks, criticized Bush for its support of Israel and questioned whether the money spent on the invasion of Iraq might better have been spent fighting world poverty.
The letter also contained a warning of sorts, in which Ahmadinejad suggested that Bush should look inside himself and see the increasing hatred of the U.S. around the world and learn the lesson of history that shows how "repressive and cruel governments do not survive. ... 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?" he wrote. "Are you pleased with the current condition of the world? Do you think present policies can continue?"
The letter — sent to the White House through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran — was believed to be the first direct diplomatic communication between the U.S. and Iran since Iranian militants overthrew the shah of Iran in 1979 and took 70 Americans hostage in the U.S. embassy for 14 months.
— Gil Kaufman
Rice: Iran Letter Is an 'Attack' Video
Note May 9,2006:
Why doesn't the United States government instead of having criticisms about the letter, publish the letter so the world can understand for themselves what is really at hand? Make our own judgments instead of being told what Unites States opinion is!
It is a proven fact that any country that neither criticizes nor approves of Israel and what they do, is always threatened not just by Israel; but by the United States. Otherwise, if you are against the Zionist and genocide you are in the hot seat so to speak!
Excerpts of the letter sent by Iran’s leader to President Bush
May. 10, 2006
By The Associated Press
The State.com
The following are excerpts from a letter sent by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to President Bush. The White House received it Monday through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.
———
“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.”
———
“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?”
———
“Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether?”
———
“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 to.”
———
“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.”
———
“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?”
———
“History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God has entrusted the fate of men to them.”
———
“Can one deny the signs of change in the world today? Is the situation of the world today comparable to that of 10 years ago? Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.”
———
“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.”
Note May 11, 2006:
It is kind of interesting I made and earlier note that we should see and decide for our self about the President of Iran's letter and instead what do we get carefully orgastrated excerpts. I will ask again when is the World going to see the whole real letter?
The letter comes at a time of acute
tension between the US and Iran
8 May 2006
BBC News
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to George W Bush proposing "new solutions" to their differences.
The letter will be sent via the Swiss Embassy which represents US interests in Iran, a government spokesman said.
Mr Ahmadinejad proposes "new solutions for getting out of international problems and the current fragile situation of the world", he said.
Reports say it is the first letter from an Iranian president to a US leader since the Iranian revolution in 1979.
The spokesman, Gholam-Hossein Elham, did not say whether the letter mentioned the nuclear dispute, currently one of the major issues between Iran and the US.
This development comes a day after Iran's parliament threatened to pull out of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if Western pressure over its programme increases.
A withdrawal would mean the country's programme could no longer be inspected by the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Draft resolution
The US has accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran strongly denies.
Last week, the US and other states tabled a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling on Iran to suspend uranium enrichment or face "further action".
Foreign ministers of the council members plus Germany are due to meet in New York on Monday night to discuss how to proceed with Iran.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told Iran's Irna news agency that once Mr Bush had received the letter, the contents would be made public.
Significant timing
The BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran says that whatever is in the letter is significant because it is the first such high-level communication between Iran and America for almost three decades.
As such it is a bold step by Mr Ahmadinejad, and the timing is key - just as the West is trying to persuade Russia and China to back tough action against Iran, she says.
Mr Ahmadinejad is reinforcing the point that he is willing to negotiate with anyone, including the US president, to avoid conflict over the nuclear issue, our correspondent adds.
The US and Iran have not had diplomatic relations since Washington severed ties with Tehran after Iranian students occupied the US embassy there and took 52 Americans hostage in 1980.
The White House said it was "unaware" of a letter from Mr Ahmadinejad.
Link:
Iran president sends letter to Bush Video
Timeline: US-Iran ties
Iranians react to Ahmadinejad letter
May 9 - In Tehran newspaper headlines focused on a letter sent by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to U.S. President George W. Bush.
In the letter, the Iranian leader details alleged American foreign policy misdeeds and defends scientific research as ''one of the basic rights of nations.''
People expressing opinions on the streets of Teheran supported their president's policies, but said the letter he sent to the U.S. president would have little political effect.
SOUNDBITE: Javad Ashijani, university student, saying (Farsi):
''If Bush continues to insist on his false policies on Iran, including threats of imposing sanctions on Iran and threats of military strike against Iran, I do not think this letter could be effective, but if the Western World accepts that Iran's nuclear work is only for peaceful purposes, then this letter could be useful.''
SOUNDBITE: Reza Arab, saying (Farsi):
''Mr. Ahmadinejad thought that writing this letter to his American counterpart was in the interest of our country. We totally believe in Mr. Ahmadinejad, he cannot be blackmailed by America over Iran's nuclear work. It was just a letter.''
SOUNDBITE: Mohsen Javadi, university student, saying (Farsi):
''I think that the exciting challenges and political problems between Iran and America cannot be resolved by merely sending such a letter. Iranian and American officials have a lot of disputes. I do not think that this letter can have an impact on Iran and America's bilateral relations.''
Iran's President Writes To President Bush, Criticizes U.S.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Photo: Salah Malkawi/Getty Images
May 9, 2006
Lengthy missive is first formal communication between U.S. and Iran in 27 years.
If Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was trying to reach across hostile waters to find some common ground with his detractors in the White House, he has a strange way of showing it. The controversial leader penned the first formal communication between the two nations in 27 years, breaking the ice with an 18-page missive to President George Bush that declared that liberalism and democracy have failed, said that the U.S. is hated around the world and claims that the administration is covering up evidence about the September 11 terror attacks.
According to The Associated Press, the letter made only a passing reference to the most central issue that divides the nations at the moment: Iran's plans for its disputed nuclear program (see "As Tensions Mount, How Much Of A Threat Is Iran?"). In response to that issue, Ahmadinejad questioned why, "any technological and scientific achievement reached in the Middle East region is translated into and portrayed as a threat to the Zionist regime."
The Bush administration was quick to dismiss the letter as an attempt to soften the U.S.'s resolve to push a U.N. Security Council vote this week that could impose harsh sanctions against Iran for its refusal to back down on its nuclear ambitions (see "Iran Doesn't 'Give A Damn' About U.N. Pressure On Nuclear Program").
"This letter is not the place that one would find an opening to engage on the nuclear issue or anything of the sort," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the AP. "It isn't addressing the issues that we're dealing with in a concrete way."
After being briefed on its contents, Bush was equally dismissive. "It does not appear to do anything to address the nuclear concerns" of the international community, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters on Air Force One, according to The Los Angeles Times.
If the letter was meant as an olive branch, it certainly had a lot of thorns. Ahmadinejad wrote that, "liberalism and Western-style democracy have not been able to help realize the ideals of humanity," according to a copy obtained by the AP. "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."
The Iranian leader also blasted Bush for his handling of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Ahmadinejad suggests that the administration has covered up evidence about the attacks, criticized Bush for its support of Israel and questioned whether the money spent on the invasion of Iraq might better have been spent fighting world poverty.
The letter also contained a warning of sorts, in which Ahmadinejad suggested that Bush should look inside himself and see the increasing hatred of the U.S. around the world and learn the lesson of history that shows how "repressive and cruel governments do not survive. ... 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?" he wrote. "Are you pleased with the current condition of the world? Do you think present policies can continue?"
The letter — sent to the White House through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran — was believed to be the first direct diplomatic communication between the U.S. and Iran since Iranian militants overthrew the shah of Iran in 1979 and took 70 Americans hostage in the U.S. embassy for 14 months.
— Gil Kaufman
Rice: Iran Letter Is an 'Attack' Video
Note May 9,2006:
Why doesn't the United States government instead of having criticisms about the letter, publish the letter so the world can understand for themselves what is really at hand? Make our own judgments instead of being told what Unites States opinion is!
It is a proven fact that any country that neither criticizes nor approves of Israel and what they do, is always threatened not just by Israel; but by the United States. Otherwise, if you are against the Zionist and genocide you are in the hot seat so to speak!
Excerpts of the letter sent by Iran’s leader to President Bush
May. 10, 2006
By The Associated Press
The State.com
The following are excerpts from a letter sent by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to President Bush. The White House received it Monday through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.
———
“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.”
———
“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?”
———
“Can the possibility of scientific achievements being utilized for military purposes be reason enough to oppose science and technology altogether?”
———
“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 to.”
———
“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.”
———
“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?”
———
“History tells us that repressive and cruel governments do not survive. God has entrusted the fate of men to them.”
———
“Can one deny the signs of change in the world today? Is the situation of the world today comparable to that of 10 years ago? Changes happen fast and come at a furious pace.”
———
“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.”
Note May 11, 2006:
It is kind of interesting I made and earlier note that we should see and decide for our self about the President of Iran's letter and instead what do we get carefully orgastrated excerpts. I will ask again when is the World going to see the whole real letter?
posted by HRM Deborah of Israel and the Messenger of Peace at 5:18 PM
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