Iran Press/America: "Let us invest in hope in a better future instead of war and violence," Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday speaking at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
President Rouhani said the Strait of Hormuz Peace Initiative aims to strengthen peace and security among all countries of the Persian Gulf region, and promote friendly relations among them, and bring prosperity and peace to this region, Iran Press reported.
Referring to America, Rouhani said: "The world knows that the United States does not honour the agreements and treaties that it has signed. The US has reneged on the agreements that it has signed."
He compared and contrasted US efforts in Afghanistan with Iran's efforts in Iraq and Syria. Rouhani poignantly said: "The Americans have failed to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan after 18 years of trying. Iran supported the governments in Baghdad and Damascus, and within a matter of months, not years, Daesh terrorists (also known as ISIS terrorists) were defeated and uprooted in both Iraq and Syria."
Commenting on negotiations with Iran, President Rouhani said: "The only way to negotiate with Iran is to return -- to sign up again -- to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)."
He pointedly said: "If you want to negotiate with Iran, then lift all the sanctions against Tehran, so that the way to negotiations is opened up." He added: "We say no to negotiations under sanctions and threats. We will never negotiate with an enemy who wants to use economic pressure and sanctions to force us to surrender."
In a thinly-veiled message to leaders of Arab regimes in the Middle East president Rouhani said: "We must search for answers to peace in the Arabian peninsula, security in the Persian Gulf, and stability in the Middle East, within the Middle East itself, and not outside of this region."
Addressing world leaders at the UN General Assembly, Rouhani said: "The United States is not your friend and neighbour, but the Islamic Republic is your friend and neighbour."
President Rouhani ended his speech by saying: "Let us return to justice. Let us return to peace and to lawful behaviour. Let us return to agreements, and treaties, and the negotiating table !" 101/211
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