Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad |
Enthusiastic about Barack Obama's election, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad congratulated the president-elect today.
Tehran "welcomes basic and fair changes in U.S. policies and conducts," said Ahmadinejad, who encouraged Obama to pursue a policy of "non-interference" toward Iran, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
"I congratulate you on being able to attract the majority of votes of the participants of the election," he wrote. "As you know, the opportunities provided by the Almighty God, which can be used for elevation of nations, or God forbid, for their collapse, are transient."
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have mounted since the Islamic republic refused to halt uranium enrichment, claiming its nuclear program is a peaceful endeavor. But Ahmadinejad told Obama he has high hopes for the Democrat's presidency.
"I hope you will prefer real public interests and justice to the never-ending demands of a selfish minority and seize the opportunity to serve people so that you will be remembered with high esteem," he wrote. "The Americans who have spiritual tendencies expect the government to spend all its power in line with serving the people, rectify the critical situation facing the U.S., restore lost reputation as well as their hope and spirit, fully respect human rights and strengthen family foundations.
"The nations of the world also expect war-oriented policies, occupation, bullying, contempt of nations and imposing discriminatory policies on them to be replaced by the ones advocating justice, respect for human rights, friendship and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs," Ahmadinejad said.
"They also want U.S. intervention to be limited to its borders, especially in the Middle East. It is highly expected to reverse the unfair attitude toward restoring the rights of the Palestinians, Iraqis and Afghans."
Ahmadinejad said U.S. policy has been "based on warmongering, occupation, bullying, deception and humiliation, as well as discrimination and unfair relations," leading to "hatred of all nations and majority of governments toward the U.S. leaders."
He encouraged Obama, "If you take steps on the divine path and follow the teachings of divine prophets, God, the Almighty, will help you to make up in part for the heavy damage inflicted [by the U.S.] in the past."
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