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FULL TRANSCRIPT: President Obama’s Sept. 27 Remarks On Looming Government Shutdown, Iran, Washington Post
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On September 27, 2013 the President of the United States delivered an historic statement – one that mirrors Chamberlain's proclamation of 'peace in our time.' Obama's statement came after speaking by phone with Iranian President Rouhani, the highest level of U.S.-Iranian contact in 34 years. Before making this major concession, the President asked for and received nothing in return. On the contrary, Iran is still the leading state sponsor of terrorism according to the State Department. Here is Obama's statement in its entirety. Note, that instead of referring to "Iran," there are two repetitions of "Islamic Republic of Iran." There is a reference to American-Iranian mutual "mistrust" – as if their reasons for mistrust are equivalent to ours. There is reliance on the empty assurances of Iranian leaders that they are not building a nuclear weapon – notwithstanding the IAEA report of only a few weeks ago that suggests otherwise. And notwithstanding Rouhani's own admission that he is a pro in spinning out nuclear negotiations while the centrifuges are spinning too. As for Israel saving us from ourselves? The President and Rouhani have succeeded in creating a façade of diplomatic opportunity, making an Israeli strike impossible for the foreseeable future.
President Obama: "Just now I spoke on the phone with President Rouhani of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two of us discussed our ongoing efforts to reach an agreement over Iran's nuclear program. I reiterated to president rouhani what I said in NY. While there will surely be important obstacles to moving forward and success if by no means guaranteed, I believe we can reach a comprehensive solution. I've directed Secretary Kerry to continue pursuing a/the diplomatic effort with the Iranian government. We had constructive discussions yesterday in New York with our partners, the European Union, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China, together with the Iranian foreign minister. Going forward, President Rouhani and I have directed our teams to continue working expeditiously in cooperation with the P-5 plus one to pursue an agreement. Throughout this process we'll stay in close touch with our friends and allies in the region, including Israel. Now we're mindful of all the challenges ahead. The very fact that this was the first communication between an American and Iranian president since 1979 underscores the deep mistrust between our countries but it also indicates the prospect of moving beyond that difficult history. I do believe that there is a basis for a resolution . Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons. President Rouhani has indicated that Iran will never develop nuclear weapons. I have made clear that we respect the right of the Iranian people to access peaceful nuclear energy in the context of Iran meeting its obligations. So the test will be meaningful, transparent and verifiable actions which can also bring relief from the comprehensive international sanctions that are currently in place. Resolving this issue could also serve as a major step forward in the relationship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran based on mutual interest and mutual respect. It would also help facilitate a better relationship between Iran and the international community as well as others in the region, one that would help the Iranian people fulfill their extraordinary potential, but also help us address other concerns that would bring greater peace and stability to the Middle East. A path to a meaningful agreement will be difficult and at this point both sides have significant concerns that will have to be overcome. But I believe we've got a responsibility to pursue diplomacy and that we have a unique opportunity to make progress with the new leadership in Tehran. I also communicated to President Rouhani my deep respect for the Iranian people."