Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was an influential Iranian politician who served as the President of Iran from 1989 to 1997. A prominent figure in Iranian politics, Rafsanjani played a key role in the Islamic Revolution and was a close ally of Ayatollah Khomeini. His presidency focused on economic reform and modernization. Rafsanjani's political career was marked by his efforts to balance conservative and reformist elements within Iran's government.
"Goodwill can be indicated in various ways. I raised that particular example because at that time I was in charge. Today, I'm not in a position to present other possibilities."
"I think the elections have gone well, although there is so much insecurity in Iraq. So far during the counting of ballots, there has not been a significant complaint. We have to wait to see what the outcome of the counting is."
"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."
"Miss Rice talks very tough. We have gotten used to this nonsense. Miss Rice is a bit emotional about this, and we predicted that she would have a more emotional approach to this."
"When al-Qaeda was on the run from Afghanistan crossing through Iran, some were arrested and they are imprisoned. Some of them are charged with some actions in Iran."
"Each department and institution has its own authorities and responsibilities, and they act on that basis. It is wrong to even compare such actions to what is done in Guantanamo or elsewhere by the Americans. They do not stand on a high moral platform to preach to others."
"If we have any problems, it's always with the government of the United States."