Iran-U.S. dispute dominates opening day of NPT confab
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Iran has said before it was agreeable to the deal but backtracked later. However, it recently began talks with Turkey and Brazil on such an arrangement.
"Due to the distancing of some states from the teachings of the Divine Prophets, the shadow of the threat of nuclear bombs is cast over the whole world," Ahmadinejad said. "The possession of nuclear bombs is not a source of pride. It is rather disgusting and shameful. And even more shameful is the threat to use or to use such weapons."
Obviously, the barb was aimed at none other than the United States.
He was not only highly critical of Washington, but the NPT itself and the IAEA, citing them for "the most possible pressures on non-nuclear weapon states under the pretext of proliferation risks, while those having nuclear bombs continue to enjoy full immunity and exclusive rights."
Iran vows its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
Tehran already is under UN Security Council sanctions and members of that panel have been negotiating another resolution with additional sanctions.
Just seven speakers after Ahmadinejad, Clinton took to the same rostrum, read a welcoming statement from U.S. President Barack Obama, recalling some of the steps he has taken towards nuclear disarmament.
Such as last month when a deal was signed with Russia to lower the number of nuclear warheads Washington and Moscow have to 1,500 each.
"Each of our nations will have the opportunity to show where we stand," said Clinton, reading out the statement to delegates. "Will we meet our responsibilities, or shirk them? Will we ensure the rights of nations, or undermine them? In short, do we seek a 21st century of more nuclear weapons, or a world without them?"
Clinton then said she represents "a president and a country committed to a vision of a world without nuclear weapons, and to taking the concrete steps necessary that will help us get there."
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