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Iranian President Addresses UNGA; Russia To Share Intel with Iran and Iraq; Secretary General Of NATO Interviewed; U.N. Speeches Today Before the General Assembly. Aired 1-1:30p ET

Aired September 28, 2015 - 13:00   ET

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HASSAN ROUHANI, PRESIDENT, IRAN (through translator): For which, ultimately, the United States of America was prompted and forced to set aside pressure and sanctions and choose the table of negotiations and discussions. Our seven countries and the European Union expended considerable time and diplomatic capital in these negotiations, and, therefore, they should exert their utmost effort to protect and implement the agreement. We deem the compliance of all party's with a commitment as the fundamental factor in the success of the implementation process of the negotiations.

Parallel to the implementation of the joint comprehensive plan of action, we also expect the nuclear weapon states to take necessary steps to fulfill their commitment of full nuclear disarmament based on article six of the nonproliferation treaty.

Furthermore, we expect them to play a positive role in the creation of the nuclear weapons-free Middle East and not to allow the Zionist regime to remain the only impediment in the way of realizing this important initiative.

Mr. President, the nuclear deal, which is a brilliant example of victory over war, has managed to disperse new -- the clouds of hostility, and, perhaps, even the specter of another war and extensive tensions from the Middle East. The deal can and should herold (ph) a new era and lead to positive outcomes regarding the establishment of sustainable peace and stability in the region.

From our point of view, the agreed-upon deal is not the final objective but a development which can and should be the basis of further achievements to come. Considering the fact that this deal has created an objective basis and set an appropriate model, it can serve as a basis for foundational change in the region.

Our policy is to continue our peace-seeking efforts in the region based on the same win-win principle, and act in a way that would lead to all in the region and the world benefiting from these new conditions. This opportunity can be seized in order to look to the future and avoid focusing on the past and rebuild our relationships with countries in the region, particularly with our neighbors, based on mutual respect and common and collective interests.

Unfortunately, the Middle East in North Africa has turned into one of the world's most turbulent regions. With the continuation and intensification of the current condition, the turmoil can spread to other parts of the world. In today's interconnected and borderless world, countries and regions encounter great difficulty in protecting their borders and preventing the spread of insecurity and instability.

The gravest and most important threat to the world today is for terrorist organizations to become terrorist states. We consider it unfortunate for national uprisings in our region to be deviated by terrorists and for the destiny of nations to be determined by arms and terror rather than the ballot box.

We propose that the fight against terrorism be incorporated into a binding international document and no country be allowed to use terrorism for the purpose of intervention in the affairs of another country. We are prepared to assist in the eradication of terrorism and in paving the way for democracy and ensuring that arms do not dictate the course of events in the region.

As we aided the establishment of democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are prepared to help bring about democracy in Syria as well as Yemen. We support the consolidation of power through the vote of people rather than with arms. We defend the rule of the majority that respects the rights of minorities.

[13:05:22] Today, Iran, while safeguarding its historical and cultural heritage, is looking to the future, not only the distant future but also the near future, with bright outlook for cooperation and coexistence.

I say to all nations and all governments that we will not forget the past, but we do not wish to live in the past. We will not forget war and sanctions but we look to peace and development. Through the joint comprehensive plan of action, we were not solely seeking a nuclear deal. We want to suggest a new and constructive way to recreate the international order. An order based on mutual respect, nonintervention in the internal affairs of others as well as unsustained cooperation and coexistence between the members of the United Nation.

In order to build a peaceful future, we must learn our lessons from the bitter lessons -- from the bitter past. We know that the only way to perpetuate peace is through development. Peace without development is merely a recess while resentment and suspicion builds.

However, peace alongside development lets anger and resentment dissipate and be replaced with hope and respect for others. We have repeatedly said that the only way to approve terrorism in the Middle East is by targeting its underlying social, economic and cultural causes. Economic interactions may bring about lasting security and transform the region into a haven for peace and development.

After the joint comprehensive plan of action, Iran will stand ready to show that the practical path to security is through the development that comes with economic engagement. Iran with all of its economic and cultural potential is well positioned to become a hub for export oriented investments.

Iran is also eager to show that we can all choose a lasting peace based on development and shared interest that will lead to a sustainable security rather than a volatile peace based on threats. We hope to engage with our neighbors in a wide range of social and economic cooperation which will enable the achievement of political understanding and for even fast -- and even foster the structural security cooperation.

In the international system today, mutual economic ties are deemed the four most factors in facilitating political cooperation and reducing security related challenges.

Mr. President, in 2013, from this very stage, I called for combatting violence and extremism. Consequently, you, the representatives of the international community, unanimously gave it a seal of endorsement and, hence, the wave (ph) resolution came to be. The implementation of wave requires well intention solutions and the use of experiences gained in the realm of diplomacy. I am pleased that by placing together the support for the joint comprehensive plan of action with the invaluable support for wave, we may now devise a plan to resolve the problems of a shattered Middle East under the claws of brutality and savagery.

With a view to fighting ignorance, dictatorship, poverty, corruption, terrorism, violence and their social, political, cultural, economic and security impacts, I would like to invite the whole world, and especially the countries of my region, to form a joint comprehensive plan of action to create a united front against extremism and violence.

[13:10:03] This front must create a collective and global movement to tackle regional problems in a serious manner through dialogue, prevent the slaughter of innocent people, and the barbarism of civilians as well as the promotion of violence and killing other human beings, provide for the stability in cooperation with established central governments to maintain stability. And once stability is established, build diplomacy and Democratic governance in the Middle East region.

Ladies and gentlemen, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen are all examples of crises being --

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, we're going to continue to monitor the Iranian president, Rouhani, making his major address before the United Nations General Assembly. We want to, once again, welcome our viewers in the United States and around the world. I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting live from the United Nations here in New York City.

Let's get some analysis on this historic day. What a day it's been so far before the United Nations General Assembly. President Obama addressed the General Assembly earlier this morning, then the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and now the Iranian president, Rouhani, addressing the U.N.

Joining us now is the NATO secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg. Secretary General, thanks very much for joining us.

JENS STOLTENBERG, SECRETARY GENERAL, NATO: Thank you. BLITZER: Well, what did you -- when you listened to Rouhani saying he

wants to fight terrorism in the region, what's your reaction as the leader of NATO?

STOLTENBERG: My reaction is that it is, of course, good that these states (INAUDIBLE) that they will like to fight terrorism. At the same time, we know that Iran is responsible for supporting and financing in terrorism in many places in the world. And we will never accept that.

At the same time, I agree with President Obama who stated earlier today that we have to be speak -- we're able to -- willing to speak with any nation, including Iran, if that's necessary to be able to fight terrorism.

BLITZER: Iran is involved, like Russia right now, in Syria fighting ISIS, bolstering in the regime of President Bashar Al Assad. Is that acceptable to NATO?

STOLTENBERG: Well, (INAUDIBLE) is a very substantial Russian buildup in Russia, and it's --

BLITZER: In Syria.

STOLTENBERG: In Syria, sorry. And it's too early to determine exactly what is the purpose. I will urge Russia to play a constructive role in the part of ISIL and the part against extremism in Syria, but any support for the ISIL to achieve (ph) will not be a constructive contribution to finding a solution to the conflict in Syria. What we need is a political negotiated solution. And that's the most important thing now.

BLITZER: Right. As you know, there are some who are concerned that Russia, under President Putin, is trying to expand its influence in the region in Syria right now, but potentially elsewhere as well. NATO looks at that with deep concern, I assume.

STOLTENBERG: We are following that very close, and, of course, it is of concern that they are increasing so much their military presence in Syria. And at least we need the mechanisms for deconflict (ph) the military presence of Russia with the coalition which has been there for a long time fighting ISIL, because we have to avoid incidents, accidents, caused by planes in (INAUDIBLE) which we now may expect will be in the air close to planes from the coalition fighting ISIL.

BLITZER: We know that the role NATO played during the battle days of the cold war with the former Soviet Union. Now that Russia has moved into Crimea, has ambitions in Ukraine, not a NATO ally but still Ukraine. Now, we see what Russia is doing in Syria. Do you believe the echoes of the cold war are now back, that there is a revival of this cold war?

STOLTENBERG: We are not in a cold war situation, but we are neither in the strategic partnership we're trying to develop and to establish with Russia after the end of the cold war. And what we see is a much more circular (INAUDIBLE) in Russia which has been willing to use force to change orders in Europe for the first time since the end of the Second World War. And which is continuing to destabilize eastern Ukraine by supporting the separatists. Having said that, now there are these -- some encouraging signs. The cease-fire seems to be largely holding and that's the first time since it was agreed last fall. And we should build on this increased respect for the cease fire as a momentum for creating a lasting peaceful solution in Ukraine.

BLITZER: That would be encouraging if that were to happen. I'm not holding my breath though. Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO Secretary General. Thank you so much. I know you're incredibly busy on this day.

STOLTENBERG: Thank you.

BLITZER: The U.N. General Assembly is one of President Obama's last chances right now to defend his foreign policy before world leaders. Did he miss, though, a key opportunity in his address today? We're going to talk about that and a lot more of this day's important developments when we come back.

[13:15:06]

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BLITZER: Right now, world leaders are gathering in New York for the most crucial meeting of the United Nations in recent memory. The General Assembly facing a horrific crisis in Syria and Iraq. A bloody war, a brutal enemy, a flood of refugees and no agreement on how to solve the problems.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: When a dictator slaughters tens of thousands of his own people, it breeds human suffering on an order of magnitude that affects us all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: While looking for answers, President Obama meeting with the leads of Cuba and Russia, two of Washington's biggest adversaries of the past century.

But while the U.S. draws closer to Havana, President Obama and Putin seem unable or unwilling to find common ground. Pope Francis spoke to the U.N. General Assembly just three days ago with a message of peace and hope, but will that resonate and lead to a spirit of compromise and cooperation, or will it fade away?

[13:20:07] And once again we want to welcome our viewers here in the United States and around the world. I'm Wolf Blitzer. We're reporting today from the United Nations where the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, just wrapped up his speech in front of the U.N. General Assembly. Earlier, President Obama took to the podium. He spoke about the relationship with Iran. He mentioned the optimism of the nuclear agreement, but he also warned Iran about violent involvement in the region.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The facts show that nations succeed when they pursue an inclusive peace and prosperity within their borders and work cooperatively with countries beyond their borders. That path is now available to a nation like Iran, which, as of this moment, continues to deploy violent proxies to advance its interests. These efforts may appear to give Iran leverage in disputes with neighbors, but they fuel sectarian conflict that endangers the entire region and isolates Iran from the promise of trade and commerce. The Iranian people have a proud history and are filled with ordinary potential, but chanting "death to Americans" does not create jobs.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: One of the main focuses from world leaders here at the United Nations certainly is the situation in Syria. Hundreds of thousands have been killed in fighting there, millions have been displaced, and that has put the world squarely in the middle of the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Here's more from President Obama.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OBAMA: And while military power is necessary, it is not sufficient to resolve the situation in Syria. Lasting stability can only take hold when the people of Syrian forge an agreement to live together peacefully. The United States is prepared to work with any nation, including Russia and Iran, to resolve the conflict. But we must recognize that there cannot be, after so much bloodshed, so much carnage, a return to the pre-war status quo.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: The president spoke about cooperation with all nations, including Russia. And just a little while ago, we heard this from the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who addressed the threat of ISIS terrorists in the Middle East.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VLADIMIR PUTIN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT: On the basis of international law, we must join efforts to address the problems that all of us are facing and create a genuinely (ph) broad international coalition against terrorism, similar to the anti-Hitler coalition, it could unite a broad range of forces that are resolutely rest in those who, just like the Nazis, so evil and hatred of human kind.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Putin also called on other countries to join Russia in supporting what he called the legitimate government of Syria, the fate of the Syrian president, Bashar al Assad, the war against ISIS, Russia's involvement in Ukraine certainly will be main points later today when president Putin and President Obama sit down for their first face to face meeting in two years. That's a long time for these world leaders not to have met face to face.

Let's bring in our global affairs correspondent Elise Labott. She's with me here at the U.N. As is our chief national security correspondent Jim Sciutto and our White House correspondent Michelle Kosinski.

Jim Sciutto, the events of today, the speeches are really important, but what happens in these meetings, and we don't know if the president of the United States will meet with the president of Iran, but we do know the president will meet with -- with Putin. These meetings are critically important.

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: No question. That meeting particular important in light of the situation in Syria and in light of the very different rhetoric we heard coming from Putin and Obama on this issue. You have president Obama blaming Bashar al Assad of Syria for the slaughter of tens of thousands of his own people. You have Putin calling Assad the only legitimate government of Syria and calling him, in Putin's word, a valiant fighter of terrorism on the ground.

Those seem like diametrically opposed views of what's happening in Syria, but maybe there's enough movement towards the center, that perhaps Russia can foresee a future where Assad does not have to be part of that government and perhaps the U.S. sees that today, even if you don't like Bashar al Assad, that getting rid of him of today might be worse than keeping him around for a bit, in, as President Obama said, a managed transition. The question is, can they then bridge that remaining gap to find a credible path forward.

Now, I was just thinking that it was two years ago we were all sitting here when you had that first phone call between President Rouhani and President Obama as they were leaving the UNGA. That led, after a couple of years, to a fairly remarkable agreement, whether you disagree with it or not, at the time it seemed farfetched. Could this meeting today lead to progress on the ground in Syria? God knows there are so many obstacles between today and there, but we've seen this before. Perhaps there's a path to diplomacy. But listening to those two voices today, I have to say, you see that there's a lot between today and getting to that outcome.

[13:25:20] BLITZER: And, Michelle, you heard President Obama make the point that, you know, military activity is essential, if necessary, but the preference is diplomacy. And he sort of took a little victory lap restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba and this Iran nuclear deal. That was achieved through diplomacy as opposed through warfare, if you will.

MICHELLE KOSINSKI, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Right. I mean and that's really what the administration has been hitting hard. And this was a forum for the president to make his case for diplomacy, even in the most difficult time, and even when it doesn't seem like there is any chance for that. So of course they've wanted to highlight those gains. I mean what you don't hear about are the serious problems with the U.S.'s plan in Syria. The plans that sounded great in the beginning but haven't been going so well. And then you have Putin with his own plan. I mean you really see the gulf between these two leaders in their ideas and the core, the causality of where this has come from and where it's going.

BLITZER: Very quickly, Elise, the U.S. State Department still regards Iran as a state sponsor of international terror.

ELISE LABOTT, CNN GLOBAL AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: That's right, but, you know, for the last few years they've been shunning Iran as part of this process in Syria. Now you see Secretary Kerry, President Obama saying Iran is an integral part of the solution. And what a difference a year makes. Last year, President Obama was talking about assembling a global coalition to combat ISIS. This year, President Putin is saying that hasn't work, I'm going to assemble a global coalition. You see what's happening in the region. It's spilling to Europe. He's saying this is the way to do it. And the fact that you see this military buildup by Russia on the ground in Syria gives him the initiative and the U.S. has pretty much have to fall in line.

BLITZER: All right, guys, hold on for a moment. There's a lot more coming up.

How big of a threat does Egypt face right now from ISIS. I put that question to the president of Egypt. He's here in New York as well.

We also -- I also asked if he felt the U.S. was doing enough to destroy ISIS. His answers, that's coming up next.

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