Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Rouhani at Mandela Summit in New York Urges Stronger Multilateralism

TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani used his speech at Nelson Mandela Peace Summit in New York for reiterating Tehran's continued call for strengthening multilateralism and developing international peace and cooperation.



Rouhani at Mandela Summit in New York Urges Stronger Multilateralism (+Full Text)

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, during the past decades has presented before
this august forum inspiring initiatives as “Dialogue among Civilizations” and 
“World Against Violence and Extremism” in line with strengthening multilateralism 
and developing international peace and cooperation. Iran remains firm and 
resolute in its intention and warmly shakes the hands of all pro-peace 
and pro-tolerance leaders," Rouhani said, addressing Mandela Peace Summit 
held on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General Assembly Session in New York.
The full text of the statement of President Hassan Rouhani is as follows:
In the Name of God the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Mr President,
At the outset, I would like to express my condolences over the martyrdom 
of some of our dear fellow Iranians in the terrorist attack in Ahwaz and 
emphasise the firm determination of my government in the fight against 
terrorism.
Commemorating the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela on the 
day that stands for global peace is praiseworthy on the part of the 
General Assembly of the United Nations.
Nelson’s Mandela long and formidable journey to freedom, from birth 
to growth in a small tribe to joining the anti-racism movement which 
resulted in long years of imprisonment and ultimately regaining 
freedom and ascending to presidency are distinctive and unique in the 
contemporary history.
Mandela was a close and loyal friend of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 
During the years before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the then 
royal regime of Iran had established very strong relations with the Zionist 
entity and the apartheid regime which were among the closest allies 
of the United States. Iran in those years was the main supplier of 
energy for both regimes. However, after the victory of the Islamic 
Revolution, the Iranian government, inspired by the will of its people 
to support the liberation movement of South Africa, severed all its relations 
with both the Zionist and apartheid regimes. Following the collapse of the 
Apartheid regime and the establishment of democracy in South Africa, 
the relations between Iran and South Africa entered a new phase which is
increasingly developing.
Mr President
The suffering of the hard times of struggle did not force Mandela to 
abandon his method which was based on the pursuit of peace and 
accord. And Mandela’s treatment with his enemies and opponents after 
release from prison was so merciful that he sowed the seeds of amity and 
compassion in their hearts.
This is a historical reality that great statesmen tend to build bridges instead of 
walls. As racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia would make it easier 
to build walls and not bridges among the nations, dialogue, tolerance and 
peaceful co-existence constitute the building blocks of bridges between 
differences and divisions. I am courageous enough to declare that Nelson 
Mandela was one of the greatest men in contemporary history who 
considered the establishment of peace and friendship as an absolute 
necessity than mere expediency.      
The Islamic Republic of Iran, during the past decades has presented 
before this august forum inspiring initiatives as “Dialogue among 
Civilizations” and “World Against Violence and Extremism” in line with 
strengthening multilateralism and developing international peace and 
cooperation. Iran remains firm and resolute in its intention and warmly 
shakes the hands of all pro-peace and pro-tolerance leaders.
The remedy for racism, xenophobia, violence and hate must be sought in 
dialogue, tolerance and democracy. This is the same path Mandela 
has bravely demonstrated to real and genuine statesmen. The name and 
memory of this great man shall live eternally through history. May his 
soul rest in peace.
Thank you

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