US should exhibit logical behavior, enter into negotiation: Rafsanjani

Tehran, NU Online
Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed hope that one day, the US would exhibit logical behavior and enter into negotiation on equal footing with other sides.

Addressing thousands of worshipers at Tehran University Campus, Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani said, "I hope, one day, common sense prevails over these people, (US authorities) and they experience the true path at least once."<>

"If they choose adventurism, all nations will realize very soon that US has made another grave mistake."
Rafsanjani referred to a document published by the US Congress a few days ago which says Iraq war will cost 2,400 billion dollars for the United States.

Stressing that the Iraq war has inflicted thousands of casualties and billions of dollars on the US, Ayatollah Rafsanjani said, "This is a wrong way and the wrong way leads to a quagmire."

"Unfortunately, the US has resorted to 'intimidation and threat' instead of taking lessons from the past," the ayatollah said.

"Threatening others has negative consequences and if the threats materialize, a huge quagmire will be created for them and the people of the region will get into trouble too and the end of the story would be unthinkable," Ayatollah Rafsanjani said.

He referred to Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and recent statements of its chief Muhammad ElBaradei adding, "One has to be patient, discuss and negotiate in order to get a good result."

"Making threats and intimidating others is not rationality. It is intrigue."

Pointing out that hegemonic powers are witnessing Muslims' revival around the globe, Ayatollah Rafsanjani said, "They consider the Islamic revolution in Iran as the beginning of Muslims' new movement and this is why they are angry with us and try to hit or threaten Iran or to launch a psychological warfare against it."

Stressing that the US behavior towards Iran has been 'wrong' Ayatollah Rafsanjani said, "If they had understood that Islam and Quran are undefeatable powers, on the very day when they sent into exile the late Imam, killed our youth, imposed war and equipped Saddam against us, the whole thing would not have led to this ordeal." Addressing the White House statesmen, Ayatollah Rafsanjani said, "If you think you can harness the power of Islam with might and psychological warfare, that is wrong. You took this way and you are here today."

Pointing out that the world greedy powers are seeking the energy resources of the region, Ayatollah Rafsanjani said, "What is happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine is all for controlling the region." (irn/dar)