I am an opponent of Saddam Hussein, but an opponent also, of the sanctions that have killed a million Iraqi children and an opponent of the United States' apparent desire to plunge the Middle East into a new and devastating war.

I came to declare that I am a friend to Arabs, at a time when it is not easy to be friend to Arabs, because nowadays those who have ambitions and interests would not befriend Arab.

The big tyrants never face justice.

They say that politics is show business for ugly people, but as I always crack, what would I know about that? I like a challenge

There are those who wrap themselves in flags and blow the tinny trumpet of patriotism as a means of fooling the people.

I refused this evening at Oxford University to debate with an Israeli, a supporter of the apartheid state of Israel. The reason is simple: no recognition, no normalisation. Just boycott, divestment and sanctions, until the apartheid state is defeated. I never debate with Israelis nor speak to their media. If they want to speak about Palestine – the address is the PLO.

We reject this illegal, barbarous, savage state that calls itself Israel. And you have to do the same.