We demand a non-violent world where human security is the basis of our common global security. People have the right to live in a world where the basic needs of all peoples are addressed. No more military attacks. No more war.

I have said many times that I wish there was no oil in the Middle East, and more water. People would have been much happier than they are right now.

Whenever women protest and ask for their rights, they are silenced with the argument that the laws are justified under Islam. It is an unfounded argument. It is not Islam at fault, but rather the patriarchal culture that uses its own interpretations to justify whatever it wants.

Over 60 percent of the university students in Iran are female. The women in Iran are better educated than men.

Because of our youthful population, we suffer from unemployment in Iran. We need more universities and more job opportunities for the young.

Human rights is a universal standard. It is a component of every religion and every civilization.

Unfortunately, violence begets violence. And this is how the war on terrorism seems to be going at this juncture. A lot of people are losing their lives. Many children are losing their parents. Too many houses are being destroyed. And, unfortunately, the arms industry seems to flourish.