The problem is that the Iraqi people are facing atrocities from both sides – Zarqawi and also the American troops at times. The Zarqawi groups uses car bombs, the Americans use other bombs. You also know what they do in the prisons.

We don’t have any bad memories of the people of the United States.

We don’t have a major problem right now in our country, and life is normal. Things like unemployment, which the youth are suffering from, and the rate of inflation – these are chronic conditions and we have to solve them.

We did not treat the Americans badly. They left Iran in a relaxed mood. The embassy was active here after the revolution. We didn’t have any problem with them. They started it.

When I talk about the assets, that was at the beginning of the talks. I was president then. I’m not president now. When I said it, this would be a sign of goodwill to begin the talks.

I have no idea what the U.S. intends to do further there and what would be the reaction of the Iraqi people. I only know that the sole option is to leave Iraq to the Iraqi people.

The possibility of a war under the current circumstances is not far-fetched and there is some evidence for that.

If (the West) shows its rigidity by making unjust decisions and putting their threats into practice, the Iranian people will not be the only ones to pay the price.

Im not satisfied with the progress of the work, but I am happy that the talks are going on. It might have a negative effect if the United States joins.

This democracy... The elections in Iraq were held despite the American opposition. It was the will of the Iraqi people and the religious authorities. [The elections] were the result of pressure by Ayatollah Sistani, by the Iraqi religious authorities, and by the fighting forces in Iraq on America. They left the US no choice but to allow the elections.