CNN interviews an Iranian protester only going by the name
"Mohammed," to protect his identity. He calls on the world to get
tougher with the Islamic regime and even says the Iranian people
want to accept Israel.
Transcript here.
A taste:
Mohammad: Yes. Let me tell you something. For
about three decades our nation has been humiliated and insulted
by this regime. Now Iranians are united again one more time
after 1979 Revolution. We are a peaceful nation. We don’t hate
anybody. We want to be an active member of the international
community. We don’t want to be isolated… We don’t deny the
Holocaust. We do accept Israel’s rights. And actually, we want
— we want severe reform on this structure. This structure is
not going to be tolerated by the majority of Iranians. We need
severe reform, as much as possible.
Roberts: Interesting perspective this morning
from Mohammad, a student demonstrator there in Tehran.
Mohammad: Excuse me, sir. I have a message for
the international community. Would you please let me tell it?
Roberts: Yes, go ahead.
Mohammad: Americans, European Union,
international community, this government is not definitely — is
definitely not elected by the majority of Iranians. So it’s
illegal. Do not recognize it. Stop trading with them. Impose
much more sanctions against them. My message…to the
international community, especially I’m addressing President
Obama directly – how can a government that doesn’t recognize
its people’s rights and represses them brutally and mercilessly
have nuclear activities? This government is a huge threat to
global peace. Will a wise man give a sharp dagger to an insane
person? We need your help international community. Don’t leave
us alone.
Chetry: Mohammad, what do you think the
international community should do besides sanctions?
Mohammad: Actually, this regime is really
dependent on importing gasoline. More than 85% of Iran’s
gasoline is imported from foreign countries. I think
international communities must sanction exporting gasoline to
Iran and that might shut down the government.
