Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made the remarks in his opening speech at the 31st International Islamic Unity Conference that went underway on Tuesday morning in Tehran, adding “the blow that they struck against the image of Islam by portraying it in a distorted way to the younger generation in the world, has left a hefty burden of responsibility on our shoulders today.”
“We need to compensate for this treachery that has been done against our region by the Arrogance and Zionism,” he stressed.
He went on to add, “the world today is greatly indebted to those who fought against ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq, because this plague was not only a threat to the Middle East, but a threat to Europe and America as well.”
“Those who advocate peace must be thankful to fighters of the Resistance Movement, but unfortunately this is not the case. Instead of being grateful to these governments, they are planning to weaken and hatch conspiracies against them,” Rouhani said.
The Iranian President went on to express regret that certain regional and Muslim countries are now “shamelessly” expressing their support and closeness to the Israeli regime.
“That the US and Zionists have created these terrorist groups and pitted them against the people of the region is a fact well-known by all,” Rouhani said. “We all know what heinous crimes they have committed in the region by utilizing terrorism, but what we are less aware of is what they have done to the prospect of development in the Middle East.”
Rouhani went on to elaborate, “their first sinister move was to kill our chances for development. Yes, they killed innocent people, destroyed historical sites, instilled fear and terror in the hearts of people, but what we never talk about is how Iraq and Syria have been pushed back for several years, falling behind in development.”
“Syria, Iraq, and Yemen will be finally rid of terrorism and foreign aggression, but how can one make up for all these lost opportunities for development?” asked Rouhani.
“We need to spend years on compensating for all the discord and bloodshed created among different religions and ethnic groups by the hand of the Arrogance,” said Rouhani.
“Followers of all religions have a duty now to make efforts on healing the years-old wounds inflicted upon us by the Arrogance and hegemonic power.”
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