Ban Ki-moon Rejected The Iranian Government’s Criticism and Won’t Be Intimidated, an interview with daily panArab Al-Hayat
Sat, 27 June 2009
Raghida Dergham
UN
Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon revealed in an interview with Al Hayat
that he received “calls” from Iranian leaders whose identity he “is not
supposed to disclose” – “That kind of communication confirmed my belief
that there was something wrong in the elections.” The Secretary General
rejected the Iranian government’s criticism, saying they are not
appropriate and that he won’t be intimidated by them. He urged
repeatedly to resolve the current situation “as soon as possible
without using force in accordance with international law and
international humanitarian law”, calling for “the genuine and free will
of the Iranian people to be fully respected in the most transparent and
objective manner: the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly,
freedom of information”, and stressing on the necessity of putting an
end to the arrest of demonstrators and “leaders of opposition without
any charges”.
Moreover, regarding the increased talk about the necessity of
sanctioning Israel if Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continues to
refuse to freeze settlements and implement international resolutions,
Ban-Ki Moon didn’t fully exclude resorting to sanctions, but said that
“before talking about any punishment or accountability, sanctions even,
it is time for dialogue and negotiations”.
On the eve of leaving New York to Italy to participate in the
Quartet meeting for peace in the Middle East with the Arab Follow Up
Committee members, the Secretary General confirmed that their going
with their own ideas of steps to push forward the Obama initiative “is
very good”. He added that the Quartet meeting is being held at “a
crucial time”.
Ban-Ki Moon complained that Israel ignores his stances and those of
the international community regarding the settlements and other issues.
“It is not responding to me only, they are not responding to all- to
the United States and the Quartet. That is why we are gathering. I am
also frustrated by all this- by not moving on this with progress.”
The Secretary General revealed that he had a long talk on Wednesday
with Isralei Defense Minister Ehud Barak to discuss Ban-Ki Moon’s
suggestion to kick-start the earlier recovery of Gaza by opening the
crossings for reconstruction material to complete UN work that was
suspended in 2007. He said that Barak wanted to “have more time in
principle”, and that there is no “definite positive answer yet. But,
basically, they are positively inclined to this “kick start” UN
project”.
Ban-Ki Moon supported Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s
statement about building the institutions necessary for the Palestinian
State in two years, and declared that the United Nations will offer
help “In whatever and every way. We are here to support the
establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”
He expressed disappointment with the Middle East Peace Progress in
general- in particular between Israelis and Palestinians which has not
been moving well even while there are “encouraging developments in the
situation in Lebanon”. He added that these developments constitute an
opportunity and that the situation in Lebanon isn’t fragile.
Ban-Ki Moon also said: “You have had a very good election. Now, we
are waiting for a formation of a government. This will be very
important”. Moreover, “The implementation of 1701 by next forthcoming
government will be important. The Tribunal is now working smoothly. So,
this is a good framework we have succeeded to establish.”
Regarding Iraq, the Secretary General said that he might not be able
to remove the Chapter 7 conditions in his coming report since “this may
require some more time”. He added: “I think, basically, with all this
passage of time as well as a change of situation, it may be necessary
to review all these resolutions, one by one, case by case- in
principle. As for the specific question regarding removing Chapter 7
conditions, the Kuwaiti Government has a different position. And, there
are some countries in the region that also think some different way.”
He assured: “I am not in a position to say anything about this particular issue in my report at this time.” UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon expressed his discontent from the
Iranian foreign ministry’s criticism of his stances on the recent
developments, and said that “the criticism by the Iranian Foreign
Ministry Spokesperson is not right. It is not appropriate to criticize
the Secretary General of the United Nations when I am doing my proper
role as Secretary General”. He also affirmed that he won’t be
“intimidated” by this criticism.
He considered that he was the first person to make strong positions
against Iran as well as against North Korea and the Israeli measures in
Gaza, and that many world leaders followed his statements – adding that
his “statement came earlier than President Obama’s statement”.
The Secretary General said “I am proud that I have been one of the
World Leaders that have really made some impact and made a difference
in furthering the democratization process of Lebanon”, stressing on the
efforts he made with leaders in Lebanon and the world. He added that
“Lebanon has been one of the top priorities in terms of regional
issues. If I see the progress in Lebanon, I expect that there should be
some progress in the Middle East in general. But I am disappointed with
the Middle East Peace Progress in general- in particular between
Israelis and Palestinians which has not been moving well even while we
have seen encouraging developments in the situation in Lebanon,
including the relationship between Lebanon and Syria.”
The full interview is below:
Dergham / Al Hayat:The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized you and
said that you were interfering in internal affairs because of your last
statement. Do you feel intimidated?
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon: No. I think I did what I should do
as a Secretary General. The criticism by the Iranian Foreign Ministry
Spokesperson is not right. It is not appropriate to criticize the
Secretary General of the United Nations when I am doing my proper role
as Secretary General. Now, I expressed my strong wish that the genuine
and free will of the Iranian people should be fully respected in the
most transparent and objective manner: The freedom of expression,
freedom of assembly, freedom of information, the basic freedom of any
human being. And the political and civil right of the Iranian people
should be protected.
Q: On the other hand, other people criticized you for being too slow
in being vocal and expressing what you just said. They say these are
standard positions that a Secretary General should take and that you
took too long.
A: No, I do not think so. I was the first person to make my position
the very next day when this election result was announced. And I think
even some of the leaders of some other countries followed my
statement…
Q: So it was not the other way around? Some say that you were
following President Obama’s footsteps- not UK’s Gordon Brown’s or
France’s Nicola Sarkozy’s. You are saying that other leaders followed
in your footsteps?
A: No, I think my statement came earlier than President Obama’s
statement. And, in many cases, I noticed that many world leaders
followed my statement. When North Korea detonated nuclear tests and
nuclear weapons, I was the first person- when traveling in Europe-
to issue my statement. Then, I think you have followed many statements
including from the United States. You may remember that when the Gaza
situation occurred, I was one of the most vocal persons who spoke out
against Israel and for the protection of the civilian populations as
well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Q: So, in this case- as a follow up to what you just said- what do
you think the International Community should do now? Having seen what
you have seen on the streets of Tehran, do you agree with those who say
its time to speak of further sanctions on Iran?
Secretary General: This is an internal political issue- the election
issue- which created this controversy within themselves. But what we
are now talking about and asking the Iranian Government to do is that
first of all, all differences of opinions, controversies, should be
addressed and resolved peacefully without using excessive force by
military police forces, and without arresting them (demonstrators and
leaders of opposition) without any charges.
Q: But they are going on with that despite all these appeals, Mr. Secretary General.
A: Yes. I am not quite sure what the Security Council will say.
There are Security Council Resolutions that impose the sanctions on
Iranians (related to) nuclear programs. This I think is something we
expect and urge them to resolve as soon as possible without using force
in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.
Q: Did you watch some of these videos of the people on the streets?
A: Yes, I saw it. I saw them many times.
Q: How did you feel?
A: Very dismaying and very much concerned and particularly when I
saw that very young lady who was killed…Neda. That was very sad for me.
Q: Do you think the women of Iran have come out in a different way that you did not expect?
A: I saw among all these footages many women who are participating
in the demonstrations for their freedom and for all this justice.
Q: Did anybody from the opposition contact you from either the reformers in Iran or the opposition movement?
A: In fact, I received some communications even though I am not
supposed to disclose the names. That kind of communication confirmed my
belief that there was something wrong in the elections.
Q: You mean from Mr. Mousavi?
A: No. Some Iranians. Some Iranians.
Dergham / Al Hayat: So you will not tell me who?
A: (No)
Q: And you will not tell me what they asked you. Did they ask you for anything in particular?
A: They were appealing that the United Nations should take a proper
(position or action) and he said that my statement was the right one.
Q: Apparently the Iranians say: no annulments of the elections, no
recount, President Ahmadinejad is to be sworn in. In light of what has
been taking place, will that have an impact on the nuclear talks?
A: In principle, I think they should not be related or linked. The
Iranian nuclear issue and the issue of non-proliferation of nuclear
weapons and programs are very serious issues and very important issues.
And, I urge that this negotiation should continue.
Sat, 27 June 2009
Raghida Dergham
UN
Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon revealed in an interview with Al Hayat
that he received “calls” from Iranian leaders whose identity he “is not
supposed to disclose” – “That kind of communication confirmed my belief
that there was something wrong in the elections.” The Secretary General
rejected the Iranian government’s criticism, saying they are not
appropriate and that he won’t be intimidated by them. He urged
repeatedly to resolve the current situation “as soon as possible
without using force in accordance with international law and
international humanitarian law”, calling for “the genuine and free will
of the Iranian people to be fully respected in the most transparent and
objective manner: the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly,
freedom of information”, and stressing on the necessity of putting an
end to the arrest of demonstrators and “leaders of opposition without
any charges”.
Moreover, regarding the increased talk about the necessity of
sanctioning Israel if Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continues to
refuse to freeze settlements and implement international resolutions,
Ban-Ki Moon didn’t fully exclude resorting to sanctions, but said that
“before talking about any punishment or accountability, sanctions even,
it is time for dialogue and negotiations”.
On the eve of leaving New York to Italy to participate in the
Quartet meeting for peace in the Middle East with the Arab Follow Up
Committee members, the Secretary General confirmed that their going
with their own ideas of steps to push forward the Obama initiative “is
very good”. He added that the Quartet meeting is being held at “a
crucial time”.
Ban-Ki Moon complained that Israel ignores his stances and those of
the international community regarding the settlements and other issues.
“It is not responding to me only, they are not responding to all- to
the United States and the Quartet. That is why we are gathering. I am
also frustrated by all this- by not moving on this with progress.”
The Secretary General revealed that he had a long talk on Wednesday
with Isralei Defense Minister Ehud Barak to discuss Ban-Ki Moon’s
suggestion to kick-start the earlier recovery of Gaza by opening the
crossings for reconstruction material to complete UN work that was
suspended in 2007. He said that Barak wanted to “have more time in
principle”, and that there is no “definite positive answer yet. But,
basically, they are positively inclined to this “kick start” UN
project”.
Ban-Ki Moon supported Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s
statement about building the institutions necessary for the Palestinian
State in two years, and declared that the United Nations will offer
help “In whatever and every way. We are here to support the
establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”
He expressed disappointment with the Middle East Peace Progress in
general- in particular between Israelis and Palestinians which has not
been moving well even while there are “encouraging developments in the
situation in Lebanon”. He added that these developments constitute an
opportunity and that the situation in Lebanon isn’t fragile.
Ban-Ki Moon also said: “You have had a very good election. Now, we
are waiting for a formation of a government. This will be very
important”. Moreover, “The implementation of 1701 by next forthcoming
government will be important. The Tribunal is now working smoothly. So,
this is a good framework we have succeeded to establish.”
Regarding Iraq, the Secretary General said that he might not be able
to remove the Chapter 7 conditions in his coming report since “this may
require some more time”. He added: “I think, basically, with all this
passage of time as well as a change of situation, it may be necessary
to review all these resolutions, one by one, case by case- in
principle. As for the specific question regarding removing Chapter 7
conditions, the Kuwaiti Government has a different position. And, there
are some countries in the region that also think some different way.”
He assured: “I am not in a position to say anything about this particular issue in my report at this time.” UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon expressed his discontent from the
Iranian foreign ministry’s criticism of his stances on the recent
developments, and said that “the criticism by the Iranian Foreign
Ministry Spokesperson is not right. It is not appropriate to criticize
the Secretary General of the United Nations when I am doing my proper
role as Secretary General”. He also affirmed that he won’t be
“intimidated” by this criticism.
He considered that he was the first person to make strong positions
against Iran as well as against North Korea and the Israeli measures in
Gaza, and that many world leaders followed his statements – adding that
his “statement came earlier than President Obama’s statement”.
The Secretary General said “I am proud that I have been one of the
World Leaders that have really made some impact and made a difference
in furthering the democratization process of Lebanon”, stressing on the
efforts he made with leaders in Lebanon and the world. He added that
“Lebanon has been one of the top priorities in terms of regional
issues. If I see the progress in Lebanon, I expect that there should be
some progress in the Middle East in general. But I am disappointed with
the Middle East Peace Progress in general- in particular between
Israelis and Palestinians which has not been moving well even while we
have seen encouraging developments in the situation in Lebanon,
including the relationship between Lebanon and Syria.”
The full interview is below:
Dergham / Al Hayat:The Iranian Foreign Ministry criticized you and
said that you were interfering in internal affairs because of your last
statement. Do you feel intimidated?
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon: No. I think I did what I should do
as a Secretary General. The criticism by the Iranian Foreign Ministry
Spokesperson is not right. It is not appropriate to criticize the
Secretary General of the United Nations when I am doing my proper role
as Secretary General. Now, I expressed my strong wish that the genuine
and free will of the Iranian people should be fully respected in the
most transparent and objective manner: The freedom of expression,
freedom of assembly, freedom of information, the basic freedom of any
human being. And the political and civil right of the Iranian people
should be protected.
Q: On the other hand, other people criticized you for being too slow
in being vocal and expressing what you just said. They say these are
standard positions that a Secretary General should take and that you
took too long.
A: No, I do not think so. I was the first person to make my position
the very next day when this election result was announced. And I think
even some of the leaders of some other countries followed my
statement…
Q: So it was not the other way around? Some say that you were
following President Obama’s footsteps- not UK’s Gordon Brown’s or
France’s Nicola Sarkozy’s. You are saying that other leaders followed
in your footsteps?
A: No, I think my statement came earlier than President Obama’s
statement. And, in many cases, I noticed that many world leaders
followed my statement. When North Korea detonated nuclear tests and
nuclear weapons, I was the first person- when traveling in Europe-
to issue my statement. Then, I think you have followed many statements
including from the United States. You may remember that when the Gaza
situation occurred, I was one of the most vocal persons who spoke out
against Israel and for the protection of the civilian populations as
well as the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Q: So, in this case- as a follow up to what you just said- what do
you think the International Community should do now? Having seen what
you have seen on the streets of Tehran, do you agree with those who say
its time to speak of further sanctions on Iran?
Secretary General: This is an internal political issue- the election
issue- which created this controversy within themselves. But what we
are now talking about and asking the Iranian Government to do is that
first of all, all differences of opinions, controversies, should be
addressed and resolved peacefully without using excessive force by
military police forces, and without arresting them (demonstrators and
leaders of opposition) without any charges.
Q: But they are going on with that despite all these appeals, Mr. Secretary General.
A: Yes. I am not quite sure what the Security Council will say.
There are Security Council Resolutions that impose the sanctions on
Iranians (related to) nuclear programs. This I think is something we
expect and urge them to resolve as soon as possible without using force
in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.
Q: Did you watch some of these videos of the people on the streets?
A: Yes, I saw it. I saw them many times.
Q: How did you feel?
A: Very dismaying and very much concerned and particularly when I
saw that very young lady who was killed…Neda. That was very sad for me.
Q: Do you think the women of Iran have come out in a different way that you did not expect?
A: I saw among all these footages many women who are participating
in the demonstrations for their freedom and for all this justice.
Q: Did anybody from the opposition contact you from either the reformers in Iran or the opposition movement?
A: In fact, I received some communications even though I am not
supposed to disclose the names. That kind of communication confirmed my
belief that there was something wrong in the elections.
Q: You mean from Mr. Mousavi?
A: No. Some Iranians. Some Iranians.
Dergham / Al Hayat: So you will not tell me who?
A: (No)
Q: And you will not tell me what they asked you. Did they ask you for anything in particular?
A: They were appealing that the United Nations should take a proper
(position or action) and he said that my statement was the right one.
Q: Apparently the Iranians say: no annulments of the elections, no
recount, President Ahmadinejad is to be sworn in. In light of what has
been taking place, will that have an impact on the nuclear talks?
A: In principle, I think they should not be related or linked. The
Iranian nuclear issue and the issue of non-proliferation of nuclear
weapons and programs are very serious issues and very important issues.
And, I urge that this negotiation should continue.
Last edited by outkastjamz on Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:17 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : highlight poionts)