Yes, we don’t want to see Israel vaporized. We must be crazy. From AFP, with thanks to Mackie:
TEHRAN, May 18, 2006 (AFP) – Hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday mocked those opposed to the Islamic republic’s controversial nuclear program, saying they were suffering mental problems.
“Those who get upset at the happiness and progress of others are suffering from a mental problem and therefore should find a way to cure themselves,” Ahmadinejad told a rally, according to the ISNA student news agency.
“We have repeatedly said that we do not have any conflict with others, but will do our best to get our rights,” he said in his address in the town of Zarandieh during a trip to Markazi province.
Ahmadinejad has been using increasingly flowery language in the showdown with the West over Iran’s atomic ambitions, insisting on Wednesday that he would not accept “nuts for gold” in reference to an EU offer aimed at resolving the crisis.
However, he said Thursday that Tehran was ready to negotiate on its nuclear program with all nations, except its arch-foe Israel, widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed power in the region.