Thursday, November 13, 2008 3:52 PM

Post correspondent Thomas Erdbrink interviewed Mehdi Kalhor, media adviser to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Here is a transcript of the interview, as translated by the Post:

Q: Can you explain the significance of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's letter to President-elect Barack Obama?

A: A number of news agencies have said this is new. . . . Please let's not say it is new, because Mr. Ahmadinejad also wrote a letter to Mr. Bush. The ninth government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is made up in such a way that most of its actions are avant-garde, that it does unprecedented things.

This is not a propaganda stunt; it reflects a philosophy, study and planning. We believe that in this world everything is old and decayed. The financial crisis that the West is struggling with -- we believe it signals the approach of the end of the Zionist economy. That is an economy that creates conflict and division between countries and ethnic groups in order to . . . sell arms.

Now let's speak about Mr. Ahmadinejad's actual message. Some people want to think that it marks the end of conflict and differences of opinion between the U.S. and Iran. In reality, it marks the beginning of a phase of dialogue about solving these problems. The response to this letter must be a change of policies and actions on the part of the Americans, not just in words and not just on paper.

Q: Can you give me some examples?

A: We signed the Algiers accord with the U.S. in 1980. One of the articles of that accord was that the U.S. promised not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs. The 1953 coup d'etat, or Operation Ajax, which brought down the government of Mohammed Mossadeq, was mentioned there as an example of such interference. The U.S. Congress has on numerous occasions approved budgets sponsoring regime change in Iran. Countless times, American presidents, defense secretaries and lawmakers have spoke about changing or bringing down this regime, which is a regime chosen by the people. . . .

That's why we say: Change? Not on paper, but in actions.

Q: Can you give me clear examples of what steps Obama should take before entering this phase of dialogue between the United States and Iran?

A: The first step should be American troops leaving Iraq -- no, leaving the whole Middle East. The second step should be abandoning all support for Zionism, which we think would even benefit the American economy.

Q: Why was the language of the letter softer in tone than Ahmadinejad's speeches?

A: Because Mr. Obama is not yet president, this letter was offered as advice. Because the American people have voted for basic change and we respect the people, their vote and their will, Mr. Ahmadinejad hopes that Mr. Obama will be able to carry out that change -- not reforms, but change.

Q: What is Zionism, according to the Iranian government, in which you serve as an adviser?

We make an absolute distinction between Judaism and Zionism; they are two completely different things. We believe that Zionism is a nonreligious political movement which is racist, power-mongering and divisive. Instead of love, it propagates hatred. Its economy is based on war and the selling of arms, not on peace and righteousness.

Q: So Zionists can also be Christians and Muslims, according to you?

A: Absolutely, that is correct. Zionism has nothing to do with religion.

Q: Do you understand that many people think you are speaking of Jews exclusively?

A: Actually, the media know what we are saying, but they are controlled by the Zionists. We don't consider Zionists a religion but a political group, so much so that they don't even have to be born in Jewish households, they can be born in Muslims or Christian households. They are very powerful, but a small group. Ninety percent of Americans don't want Zionists. That's why Obama got votes.

Q: The two steps you say Obama must take, pulling out troops from the region and cutting ties with what you call Zionists -- those are very high demands with which to start negotiations.

A: We believe the American people voted for Obama with those two goals in mind. That's why he got votes. The future will show that if Obama does not carry them out, his popularity will decline.

Q: So you mean specifically those two issues, that's why they voted for him?

A: Yes. You don't need to find this in what Obama says. It can be proved from what his opponent, McCain, said. . . .

Q: Are you happy McCain lost?

A: In our opinion, the U.S. is still the U.S. But we think the American voters are now much more aware and informed; they realize that without a major change there is no path ahead.

Q: So according to you. the U.S. election results represents a victory for Mr. Ahmadinejad, who for a long time has said that the U.S. needs to change?

A: Many people outside Iran also feel this. This is a victory for the Islamic revolution.

Q: Why is it a victory for the Islamic revolution?

A: Because the Islamic revolution is what humanity will need in the 21st century. It can even help Christian countries to modernize.

Q: Please explain.

We believe that Zionism has prevented American politicians and intellectuals from becoming acquainted with the realities of the new world. American politicians think they owe their power to the Zionists because of the events of World War II. They believe they must submit to the misguided policies of Zionism for ever.

We advise America's new political leaders to open their eyes, remove the Zionist filters and see the reality of the new world: It cannot be unilateral. The new world cannot accept 17th- and 18th-century-style imperialism and colonialism.

Q: Do you see a world in which emerging countries are making efforts to gain equality with the United States and Europe?

A: Let's explain it like this: Can you keep children at the age of 7 and prevent them from growing up? Then you can keep some countries in the backward times of the Middle Ages. We don't make a conscious effort to grow up; it's the same with politics. This is the natural path of history. Successful grandfathers are those who, instead of killing their grandchildren, are happy for them and send them gifts.

Q: So the old countries are the grandfathers and the emerging nations the children?

A: Yes.

Q: The United States is ready to negotiate. You ask two things of it. But can you also offer something practical? Something to get talks started, such as opening an interest section?

A: We have one. It's in the Swiss Embassy. These are not important things. If I want to, in a friendly manner, advise U.S. politicians, if they want to halt this great decline, they have to do it with great changes. A major illness can only be cured with a major operation.

We believe that time is not on the side of the West. That's why, in his letter, President Ahmadinejad said that mere reforms are not useful. . . .

Q: Do you expect Mr. Obama to answer this letter?

A: That is not important to us. I told you, it was offered as advice. History will be the judge of the mistake that Bush made when he didn't answer Mr. Ahmadinejad's letter.

Q: So the same goes for Mr. Obama?

A: He said he will respond. But if he doesn't, yes.

Can I explain something? Our political dialogue according to the Koran and Islam is not very complicated. It is very clear, obvious and easy. While those in the West are used to searching for deeper layers, finding connections and using imagination, they don't pay attention to what's in front of them. A prominent Western politician said that politics is not what is being said, but what is being done. In Iran, such a person would be called a "monafegh," a hypocrite, a deceiver. . . .

Let's be clear. Our policies and position towards America have not changed at all. Our problems with America are strategic. We are neither expecting nor will we carry out merely small or symbolic actions.

As our president said at the United Nations, we are ready to negotiate in fair and equal circumstances. And fair and equal does not mean sitting down at a table while there are 250,000 fully armed American soldiers in our region. A fair and equal situation is not when you have a bayonet pressed at your artery.

We are really waiting to see a change in the invading, imperialist, plundering and terrorist actions of America. . . .

Q: If Obama were to come to Iran tomorrow, what would you do?

A: He can come as a tourist.

Q: But he will be president.

A: He is not president yet.

Q: OK, what if he comes as president, on Jan. 21?

A: I can't make prophecies.