Former Iranian President, Seyyed Mohammad KhatamiPress TV News - Sept 27, 2007
Former Iranian President, Mohammad Khatami, says the Columbia University President's remarks have tarnished the US nation's reputation.
"I was surprised by Columbia President's offensive remarks. Such remarks go against the behavior expected from a university president. Admittedly, an academic's behavior should serve as an example of decorum and etiquette," ISNA quoted Seyyed Mohammad Khatami as saying, on Wednesday.
The former Iranian President stressed the importance of observing the necessary conditions required for freedom of expression and debate. He also stated that remarks made by Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, have gravely tarnished the image and reputation of the US nation as well as America's cultural and academic circles.
"A president is regarded as the official representative of his people; therefore Bollinger's inappropriate words can be considered an affront not only to the Iranian president, but also to the American people. We should all work toward conditions in which no one will be allowed to exhibit such rude behavior," Khatami added.
Turning to a bill by the US Congress, which brands Iran Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) a terrorist group, he said radical Americans are seeking a scapegoat for their failures.
Expressing regret over the approval of the bill, Khatami said such ratifications would fuel tensions between two countries.
No comments:
Post a Comment