Iranian Parliament speaker Ali Larijani outlined his government’s expectations of any talks with Obama: America should apologize for all American wrongdoings vis-a-vis Iran since Ayatollah Khomeini took power, abandon the “carrot and stick” approach, and accept Iran’s right to develop nukes. Larijani did not detail what Iran would offer in return, but his idea is clear: unless the United States legitimizes Iran’s nuclear program, the Shiite state will keep thwarting American interests in Iraq and Lebanon.
Casually, Larijani denied Holocaust, which draw no condemnation from the assembled officials though Holocaust denial is a crime in Germany where he was speaking.
Larijani implicitly admitted Iran is building nuclear weapons when he compared Western tolerance to Indian and Pakistani nuclear programs to sanctions against Iran.
Livni the vegetarian is the last person whom we expect to lead an attack on Iran.
Near the end of his speech, Mr. Larijani astonished many in the audience by arguing that there could “be different perspectives on the Holocaust.” The remark was surprising because Iran has been careful about commenting on the Holocaust in settings such as Munich. In addition, Mr. Larijani is considered a relative moderate who has made an effort not to discuss the Holocaust here.
The comment prompted an angry challenge from French politician Pierre Lellouche, who said denying the Holocaust is a crime in France.
“In Iran, we don’t have the same sensitivities,” Mr. Larijani replied.
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