Leaders at the United Nations' Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference yesterday attempted to send a message to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: We're happy to spread nuclear technology, starting with your "peaceful" neighbors. Given Iran's continued refusal to curtail their nuclear program, President Obama said in a statement that the U.S. "will work to ensure that nations that abide by their obligations can access peaceful nuclear energy."
This came after Ahmadinejad's opening rant on America, during which he claimed, "Major terrorist networks are supported by the United States Intelligence agencies, and the Zionist regime." He never addressed Iran's failure to adhere to nuclear program sanctions, and his incendiary, 35-minute speech prompted walkouts from U.S., British and French delegates. Watch the walkout below:
The month-long meeting was called to discuss the NPT, and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon laid out benchmarks that would bring about a successful conference, such as a commitment to disarmament, the right to use nuclear technology peacefully and attempting to expand the treaty. After Ahmadinejad showed no intention of curtailing Iran's nuclear plan, delegates supported giving Iran's neighbors nuclear technology. Hillary Clinton told delegates, "Iran will do whatever it can to divert attention away from its own record in an attempt to evade accountability." Ban Ki-moon also said, "The onus is on Iran to clarify the doubts and concerns about its program." He allegedly left the room before Ahmadinejad even started talking.
Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad's visit is drawing outrage and protest from politicians and human rights activists. Congressman Anthony Weiner said, "Some of the downsides of having the U.N. in New York is that sometimes some snakes slither into town to speak here," and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand called Ahmadinejad's participation in the conference a "sham." Hadi Ghameni, executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, spoke out about Iran's frequent violations of human rights. "Do not come here to tell us Iran is the freest country in the world. Innocent protesters have been sentenced to death based on no evidence whatsoever."
