In his first address during his second term, the president struck a defiant tone at ‘oppressive powers’ who seek to deal with the Iranian nation through ‘interference and foul language.’ “We will resist oppressors and try to correct the global discriminatory mechanisms in order to benefit all the nations of the world,” he said.

Ahmadinejad also took a swipe at Western powers, including the United States, France and Germany, for their refusal to congratulate him on his reelection. “We heard that some of the Western leaders had decided to recognize but not congratulate the new government … Well, no one in Iran is waiting for your messages,” he said. “Iranians will neither value your scowling and bullying nor will they pay attention to your smiles and greetings.”

The ceremony was attended by 244 of Iran’s 290 lawmakers, as the Reformist faction of the Iranian Parliament had boycotted the ceremony, news reports said. The official website of the faction added that from its 70 members only 13 had taken their seats at the Majlis, while a number also walked out as the president began his address to the parliament.

Labels: brutality, election, free speech, Iran, vote