CBNnews.com: Ahmadenijad Demands Apology

Stakelbeck on Terror

Ahmadenijad Demands Apology From President Obama

January 28, 2009

Acknowledgment of 60 years of so-called American crimes against Iran. A formal apology to the Iranian people. And a withdrawal of support for Israel. Are these the kinds of demeaning, unrealistic and guilt-tripping demands we can expect from the Iranian government once direct negotiations begin with the Obama administration? If so, are negotiations even worth it? Especially when the Iranian regime has made abundantly clear that acquiring a nuclear weapon and destroying Israel is the divine, unwavering mission of the Islamic republic. From The Telegraph:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad demanded on Wednesday that US President Barack Obama apologise for the "crimes" committed by the United States against Iran over the past 60 years.The hardline leader also called on Washington to withdraw its troops from across the world as a proof of Mr Obama's commitment to change.

"You were standing against the Iranian people in the past 60 years," Mr Ahmadinejad said during an address in the western region of Khermenshah that was broadcast by state television.

"Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past bad acts and the crimes they committed against Iran."

As to the troops, he said he expected two kinds of "deep and fundamental" change.

"Meet people, talk to them with respect and put an end to the expansionist policies. If you talk about change it must put an end to the US military presence in the world, withdraw your troops and take them back inside your borders."

Mr Ahmadinejad said the advocates of change must "stop supporting the Zionists, outlaws and criminals".

He called on the United States to "stop interfering in other people's affairs".

He also said the US government should "let the American people decide their own future ... Stop pressuring them," he added, without saying what he was referring to.

Mr Ahmadinejad said he welcomed change but the "change has to be fundamental".

"If someone wants to talk with us in the language that (George W) Bush used ... even if he uses new words, our response will be the same that we gave to Bush during the past years," he added.

Looks like Iran isn't ready to "unclench its fist" just yet.