Rouhani at the UN: "We will not forget the past, but we will not live in the past”

President Hassan Rouhani said today that Iran was leading the way in bringing about “peace and development” in the world and that the country was embracing the future.

Speaking at the general debate at the 70th United Nations General Assembly, the Iranian president praised the nuclear deal and said Iran and world leaders had “showcased the potentials of constructive dialogue.”

“We will not forget the past, but we will not live in the past,” he said. He spoke of constructive engagement, peace and a “bright outlook.” At the same time, he said it should not be forgotten that the current terrorist crisis was a result of previous policies toward the Middle East, including Israel’s treatment of Palestine and Palestinians, and the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. If it were not for this, he said, “today the terrorists would not have an excuse for the justification of their crimes.”

He said Iranians could not forget the unjust sanctions that had been levelled on Iran, adding pointedly that they had been “illegal” measures against the Islamic Republic. 

Rouhani began his speech mourning the death of thousands of Muslims who lost their lives at last week’s Mina stampede, including at least 230 Iranians. He called again for an immediate investigation and blamed Saudi Arabia for the tragedy. He had previously stated that he would be returning to Iran early to be with his people at a national time of mourning. 

In his speech to the UN earlier in the day, United States President Barack Obama also praised the nuclear deal, saying it demonstrated what could be done when international cooperation is at its best. But he also spoke out against anti-American sentiment in Iran. “The Iranian people have a proud history and are filled with extraordinary potential but chanting death to America does not create jobs or make Iran more secure. If Iran chooses a different path that would be good for the security of the region, good for the Iranian people and good for the world.” He also emphasized that the US “is prepared to work with any nation, including Russia and Iran, to resolve the conflict" in Syria.

During the Iranian delegation’s visit to New York, Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s gave signs that a resolution in the cases of jailed US citizens in Iran might soon be achievable. President Rouhani told an audience at a private gathering near the UN that he hoped the US and Iranian governments could be “helpful” to bring about a resolution. Congressman Dan Kildee, who has been a prominent advocate for the release of former marine Amir Hekmati, had what he described as a “good conversation” with Foreign Minister Zarif during the event.

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