When we first began, we were at war and we sought to have that possibility for the day that the enemy might use a nuclear weapon. That was the thinking. But it never became real. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani More Quotes by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani More Quotes From Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani 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 iraqpeopleideas The important matter is freedom. When the people choose what they want, it is good for them and for us. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani importantwantpeople 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 iraqfightingreligious We have no problems with Jews and highly respect Judaism as a holy religion. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani holyrespectproblem 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 unemploymentsufferingcountry The possibility of a war under the current circumstances is not far-fetched and there is some evidence for that. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani possibilitycurrentswar 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 iranrevolutionproblem 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 partystrongeurope 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 atrocitiescarpeople 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-pricepracticepeople 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 progressunited-statesnegative Passing a tough resolution or threatening Iran will not bring about the desired outcome. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani irantoughoutcomes 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 iraqwaitingthinking We do not trust the goodwill of the U.S. They have cut the ties. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani trustcuttingties 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 doneresponsibilityaction 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 returnevilthinking Iran is determined to use peaceful nuclear technology and no intimidation or threat can make us give it up. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani irantechnologygiving 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 assetspresidentwould-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 majoritywantpeople There is no doubt that America is a superpower of the world and we cannot ignore them. Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani doubtamericaworld
