Iran : So-called HR advocates are main violators

Tehran, Dec 24, IRNA – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday that claimants of human rights are violators of the rights themselves.

Addressing a press conference at the end of the 11th ECO summit in Istanbul, President Ahmadinejad said some of the so-called advocates of human rights are main violators of human rights.

On the new UN anti-Iran resolution, passed under support of the US and some of its allies, Ahmadinejad said the move of Iran enemies at the UN seems like a senseless joke.

The president went on to say that some western states and US allies took some shameful measures over recent days.

He pointed to secret cells in the West and torture of students and government opposition in the countries, saying, 'They beat people in different ways, while claiming defending human rights and annoying human beings themselves.'

'I have repeatedly said and now too say explicitly that capitalists can not solve the world problems. If they are really true and claim to be right, they could solve problems in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.'

On Iran's economic reforms, the President said the plan has been on table since 20 years ago but was taken seriously into consideration since five years ago. 'We take it as a strategic upheaval in Iran's economy.'

Economic reforms plan is tailor-made to Iran's domestic demands and sanctions can not harm it the least, he added.

Asked on the Iran-Africa relations, he said the ties are deep-rooted. 'We have close bonds with the African nations but unfortunately a misunderstanding was exaggerated by the West to divide us. Rest assured that the problem will soon be solved.'

Elsewhere in his remarks, the President said upcoming Istanbul meeting is a historical chance and 'we propose those opposing Iran's peaceful nuclear activities to turn confrontation into engagement.'/end