The gentlemen
are in the UN
(and 3 women (out of 28 leaders!) today)

25 September 2007

Anyone who enjoys the wonderfulness of words can't help but enjoy watching the leaders-of-the-world with 15 minutes of fame in New York this week. (Interest in, or knowledge of, politics is not required. Nor indeed is any particular leaning!)

Naturally everyone had lots to say, although what they actually do is another matter! After all, no one appreciates the power of the spoken word better than the politician! Here's a few honourable mentions:

In showbusiness the press/critics decide and judging by volume of print devoted to this man, it would appear the star of the show today is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad...

IRANIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD
"Justice recognizes the right of every one to tranquility, peace and a dignified life. Justice rejects intimidation and double standards. As the eminent daughter of the Prophet of Islam has said, "justice brings tranquility and harmony to our hearts."
"Today, the world is longing for the establishment of such justice. If humanity heeds the call of its primordial nature with firm resolve, justice will emerge. This is what the Almighty has promised and all people of good will from all religions are waiting for. If the prevailing discourse of global relations becomes one of justice and spirituality, then durable peace will be guaranteed...
"...Dear Friends and Colleagues,
"From the beginning of time, humanity has longed for the day when justice, peace, equality and compassion envelop the world. All of us can contribute to the establishment of such a world. When that day comes, the ultimate promise of all Divine religions will be fulfilled with the emergence of a perfect human being who is heir to all prophets and pious men. He will lead the world to justice and absolute peace.
"O mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten the emergence of your last repository, the promised one, that perfect and pure human being, the one that will fill this world with justice and peace."

Certainly not the first politician in world history to mix church and state, or even the first to bring up God today (in fact, USA's G.W. Bush was the first to mention God today, if only once). Stirring (and strangely fascinating) stuff nonetheless from Mr Admadinejad...

NICARAGUAN PRESIDENT DANIEL ORTEGA
"With what authority does [George W Bush] question the right of Iran and the right of North Korea ... to nuclear development for peaceful purposes?
And even if they wanted nuclear power for military purposes, with what right can we question this? The US is the only country in the world to have launched nuclear bombs on innocent people - Hiroshima and Nagasaki..."

I'm very fond of all things American, but the man makes an interesting point...

And finally the most eloquent...

FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY
"Iran is entitled to nuclear power for civilian purposes, but if we allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, we would incur an unacceptable risk to the stability of the region and the stability of the world.
In the name of France, I would say that this crisis can only be resolved if resolve and dialogue go hand-in-hand. It is in that spirit that France will act...
Attachment to one's faith, to one's language and culture, and to one's way of life, thought and belief - all this is natural, legitimate and profoundly human.
To deny that is to sow the seeds of humiliation. It stokes the fires of the very nationalism, fanaticism and terrorism we claim to be fighting.
A clash of civilisations will not be averted by forcing everyone to think and believe alike; cultural and religious diversity must be accepted everywhere and by all... "

"Stokes the fires", "Clash of civilisations"...fantastic stuff! Oh to be French! So far he's the winner in words!

And that's just from Day 1. Hailing from every corner of our little earth, they'll be talking until the 3rd October. Enjoy!