Local Editor

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mahmoud Ahmedinejad praised the US occupation forces' withdrawal from Iraq, and demanded the prosecution of the officials responsible for this occupation.

In an interview with Al Alam TV Channel, Ahmedinejad called for recompensing the great losses that the occupation left the Iraqi people to suffer from.

He considered that reducing the occupation forces in Iraq is a positive step. However, he assured that it would not be enough unless the US retracts from interfering in the country's affairs.

"It would be incorrect if the Americans retreat but leave behind a group that intervenes in Iraq's affairs. This withdrawal is beneficial only if accompanied with an announcement of respecting Iraq's independence, government, political regime, and pledging not to interfere in its internal affairs," he said.

Ahmedinejad wondered, "What did the American occupation of Iraq for seven years achieve? What was its cost? Did security and stability improve in our region? Did economy develop or was terrorism extracted? Were mass destruction weapons uncovered?"

"People of the world and the American people should ask such questions," the Iranian president added.

Ahmedinejad believed that the helpful step American President Barak Obama could do is to prosecute and punish the criminals responsible for the war, and called for a fair international tribunal that would punish those responsible for the war on Iraq.

On the Palestinian issue, Iranian President considered that Al Quds' (Jerusalem) case is one of the most important international cases, adding, "This case is not a geographical or only a Palestinian one, it extends beyond the Muslim level, to be a case for all humankind; it is a case of occupying a country using force and forge."

"Those who occupied Palestine threaten all the countries in the region. They have nuclear weapons and they execute murders and attacks whenever they want on the region's countries.
Therefore, any free person in the world is concerned with Al Quds (Jerusalem)," he proceeded.

President Ahmedinejad commented on the negotiations between the Palestinian authority and the Zionist entity saying, "The Palestinian crisis could not be solved by negotiations between two men, (Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu) rather, basic issues should be raised, and the problem's roots should be assessed and solved."

"Moreover, the side that will be representing the 10 million Palestinians and speak in their behalf should be specified. The Zionist entity does not have the right to specify the side it wants to negotiate with," he added.

Ahmedinejad asked, "How could this be considered negotiations?"

Furthermore, he assured, "The Palestinian people are the ones concerned with these negotiations. Therefore, a side that represents them should be present."

Ahmedinejad emphasized, "Signing agreements does not give legitimacy to the Zionist entity. This is a repulsive entity that no one desires in the world except for the Zionist party in Europe and the US."

Regarding the Bushehr nuclear reactors, Ahmedinejad indicated that these reactors are under supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its work respects the international standards.

"Russia is a European country, and it is taking part in this project. There is no contamination. Such claims emerge from irritation and discomfort from the Iranian accomplishment," he added, pointing out, "All the countries can own nuclear reactors, and this is our right as well."

In conclusion, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assured, "Iran is ready to pass on its experience to all the countries in the region."