Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad -- whose fiercely disputed reelection in June 2009 sparked unprecedented street protests that were met with a brutal response that included killings, mass roundups and show trials, and alleged torture and disappearances of detainees -- talking about Libyan strongman Muammar Qaddafi's response to mounting unrest targeting his 42-year hold on power. The translations are from Reuters.
"How can a leader subject his own people to a shower of machine-guns, tanks, and bombs? How can a leader bomb his own people and afterwards say, 'I will kill whoever says anything?'"
"[Leaders] should allow nations to act out their wants and freedom -- while exercising national authority -- allow decision-making for their futures, to enjoy generosity and respect. These are the rights of a nation. Whoever claims to be with a nation should also be cooperative, and not resist the people's will."
"I seriously want all heads of states to pay attention to their people and cooperate, to sit down and talk, and listen to their words. Why do they act so badly that their people need to put on pressure for reforms?"
"How can a leader subject his own people to a shower of machine-guns, tanks, and bombs? How can a leader bomb his own people and afterwards say, 'I will kill whoever says anything?'"
"[Leaders] should allow nations to act out their wants and freedom -- while exercising national authority -- allow decision-making for their futures, to enjoy generosity and respect. These are the rights of a nation. Whoever claims to be with a nation should also be cooperative, and not resist the people's will."
"I seriously want all heads of states to pay attention to their people and cooperate, to sit down and talk, and listen to their words. Why do they act so badly that their people need to put on pressure for reforms?"