Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Iran

Ahmadinejad Says Iran Would Respond Firmly To Sanctions

Iranian President Ahmadinejad in Baku in May (RFE/RL)

October 30, 2006 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad says Tehran would make an "appropriate and firm" response to any sanctions imposed by the UN over its nuclear program.

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October 30, 2006

Ahmadinejad made his comments today during a gathering in Varamin, south of Tehran.

"You should know that the Iranian nation is a peace-loving nation," he said. "It is in favor of talks. It is a nation that likes other nations. The Iranian nation is not in favor of attacking other nations. But you should know that the Iranian nation is standing strong and it will not retreat even one bit from its nuclear rights."

He said efforts by the major powers to pursue sanctions against Tehran will only incite anger and hatred.

The comments came as the Security Council is deliberating a draft resolution that would impose sanctions on Iran over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment.

(IRNA, AP, Reuters)

Avoiding International Isolation

Afghan President Hamid Karzai (left) with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad in Tehran on May 27 (epa)

DIPLOMATIC OFFENSIVE: As the United States and the European Union increase pressure on Iran regarding its nuclear program, Tehran has launched a wide-ranging and ambitious diplomatic offensive, including high-level state visits with countries including China, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. In May, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad participated in a high-profile summit of the so-called Developing 8 (D8) group of countries in Bali. Below are some links to RFE/RL's coverage of Iran's efforts to boost international support for its position.

Tehran's Shanghai Plans Seen As Bold Geopolitical Stroke

Nonaligned Movement Expresses Support For Iran

Afghan, Iranian Presidents Tout Strong Historical Ties

Iranian Foreign Minister In Pakistan For Energy Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Visits Baghdad

CHRONOLOGY

An annotated timeline of Iran's nuclear program.

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