In the current highly sensitive situation in the region (where) insecurity has engulfed some countries, the lively holding of the elections of the Assembly of Experts and Majlis (parliament) in a completely calm and orderly atmosphere can serve as a model of democracy for nations.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

Categorized in : World

I have no idea what the U.S. intends to do further there and what would be the reaction of the Iraqi people. I only know that the sole option is to leave Iraq to the Iraqi people.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

iraq people ideas

The important matter is freedom. When the people choose what they want, it is good for them and for us.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

important want people

This democracy... The elections in Iraq were held despite the American opposition. It was the will of the Iraqi people and the religious authorities. [The elections] were the result of pressure by Ayatollah Sistani, by the Iraqi religious authorities, and by the fighting forces in Iraq on America. They left the US no choice but to allow the elections.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

iraq fighting religious

We have no problems with Jews and highly respect Judaism as a holy religion.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

holy respect problem

We don't have a major problem right now in our country, and life is normal. Things like unemployment, which the youth are suffering from, and the rate of inflation - these are chronic conditions and we have to solve them.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

unemployment suffering country

The possibility of a war under the current circumstances is not far-fetched and there is some evidence for that.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

possibility currents war

We did not treat the Americans badly. They left Iran in a relaxed mood. The embassy was active here after the revolution. We didn't have any problem with them. They started it.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

iran revolution problem

Europe resolved a great problem-the problem of the Zionist danger. The Zionists, who constituted a strong political party in Europe, caused much disorder there. Since they had a lot of property and controlled an empire of propaganda, they made the European governments helpless.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

party strong europe

The problem is that the Iraqi people are facing atrocities from both sides - Zarqawi and also the American troops at times. The Zarqawi groups uses car bombs, the Americans use other bombs. You also know what they do in the prisons.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

atrocities car people

If (the West) shows its rigidity by making unjust decisions and putting their threats into practice, the Iranian people will not be the only ones to pay the price.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

pay-the-price practice people

Im not satisfied with the progress of the work, but I am happy that the talks are going on. It might have a negative effect if the United States joins.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

progress united-states negative

Passing a tough resolution or threatening Iran will not bring about the desired outcome.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

iran tough outcomes

I think the elections have gone well, although there is so much insecurity in Iraq. So far during the counting of ballots, there has not been a significant complaint. We have to wait to see what the outcome of the counting is.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

iraq waiting thinking

We do not trust the goodwill of the U.S. They have cut the ties.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

trust cutting ties

Each department and institution has its own authorities and responsibilities, and they act on that basis. It is wrong to even compare such actions to what is done in Guantanamo or elsewhere by the Americans. They do not stand on a high moral platform to preach to others.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

done responsibility action

I think that Americans should gradually begin to adopt positive behavior rather than doing evil. They should not expect an immediate reaction in return for their positive measures. It will take time.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

return evil thinking

Iran is determined to use peaceful nuclear technology and no intimidation or threat can make us give it up.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

iran technology giving

When I talk about the assets, that was at the beginning of the talks. I was president then. I'm not president now. When I said it, this would be a sign of goodwill to begin the talks.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

assets president would-be

We want all the Palestinians back in their homeland, and then there can be a fair referendum for people to choose the form of state they want. Whoever gets the majority can rule.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

majority want people

There is no doubt that America is a superpower of the world and we cannot ignore them.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani

doubt america world