Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the Islamic Republic is the standard-bearer of thought in the world and has called the self-proclaimed upholders of human rights liars.
Iran is the standard-bearer of thought in the world and is inviting the world to strive to reach the acme of humanity, IRNA quoted Ahmadinejad as saying on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 24th Tehran International Book Fair.
The Iranian president also criticized the superpowers for their exorbitant military budgets and expenditures on wars.
"If only the language of the world's politicians -- instead of oil, egotism, and pride -- was (the language) of knowledge, thought, and humanity," he said.
If only the trillions of dollars spent on defense annually, especially by the hegemonistic and inhuman powers, were spent on promoting academic ideas and culture, there would be no place for war, Ahmadinejad stated.
The Iranian president also condemned "those who claim they are seeking to establish peace through war" as the "biggest liars of history."
"I hope there will come a day when all weapons are turned into pens and that day is not far away."