As the president of Association des Chercheurs Iraniens - ACI, I would
like to congratulate the United Nations on organising two successful meetings
simultaneously.
At ACI, we base our activities on the same belief as the United Nations
that dialogue could triumph over discord and that the people of the world are far more
united by a common fate than divided by their differences. To this end, with great respect
for all schools of thought we work in an unbiased and unprejudiced manner with experts and
scholars from Iran and internationally. ACI is dedicated to identifying the problems
concerning the future of Iran and the Iranian people. By analysing the issues and problems
facing Iran, we hope to offer educated and expert solutions to improve and overcome them.
As an Iranian, I am immensely proud of my country's heritage and the
fact that Iran's ancient history makes it one of the world's oldest civilisations.
Nevertheless, I fail to see the connection between Iran's ancient civilisation and the
present rulership in Iran. By no stretch of imagination can I link or accept that 'Velayat
Faghih' and Islamic Republic are a continuation of the human rights charter set up by the
Achaemenid Kings.
In your opening speech on 5 September 2000 you mention ' … history
should teach us also that, alongside an infinite diversity of cultures, there does exist
one, global civilisation in which humanity’s ideas and beliefs meet and develop
peacefully and productively. It is a civilisation that must be defined by its tolerance of
dissent, its celebration of cultural diversity, its insistence on fundamental, universal
human rights and its belief in the right of people everywhere to have a say in how they
are governed…"
Perhaps in the excitement of organising the year of 'Dialogue among
Civilisations' it was forgotten to pay attention to UN's own reports on the Islamic
Republic and its history of ignoring international appeals for tolerance of
dissent, an end to arbitrary arrests and torture in particular of the Iranian youths in
the name of cultural invasion, and repeated violations of the most fundamental of human
rights, the freedom of thought and freedom of expression.
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Repeatedly in the last twenty one years and
in particular during the last
three years the UN and Human Rights organisations worldwide have sent urgent appeals
expressing their concern to the government of the Islamic Republic despite the fact that
as yet no invitation has been extended to UN's Special Rapporteur to visit Iran. |
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While the world press jostled for a photo opportunity with Seyed Mohamad Khatami and
Ehud Barak perhaps, it was forgotten to ask the Islamic Republic's authorities why Iran's
jails hold the largest number of journalists, writers, free thinkers or any one who dares
to express an opinion with one person being jailed every 52 seconds as an average declared
in their published statistics. |
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While the world watches the Middle East peace process with abated breath perhaps, it was
forgotten to ask the Islamic Republic's authorities on state-sponsored terrorism and its
sponsorship of the Hezbollah. |
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With UN's concern regarding development and poverty eradication, the "United
Nations Millennium Declaration" contains commitments to make the right to development
a reality for everyone. Perhaps it was forgotten to ask the Islamic Republic's authorities
why Iran, a potentially rich country, is suffering from the worse economic crisis in its
contemporary history. Unemployment, poverty, theft, bribery, moral and financial
corruption are every day experiences for the dispirited Iranian nation. |
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Perhaps when President Khatami introduced the 'Dialogue Among Civilisations' round table
it was forgotten to ask him why he has not held dialogue with his own nation and answered
their hopes and dreams which he excited with his electioneering promises of reform.
However, he chose to air his views in a press conference on Thursday 7 September 2000 with
Reuters News Agency quoting him as saying '…People are impatient...The demands of the
people should not rise beyond possibilities … let me remind you that I did not come
in the name of reform… '' |
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While adopting the "United Nations Millennium Declaration" with its values,
principles and objectives for an international agenda for the twenty-first century perhaps
it was forgotten to ask the Islamic Republic how it proposed to participate while it had
not solved its problems on a national level with a Divine representative at the head of
its leadership undermining all values of a civil society and a true democracy. |
It is a fact that the oppressive nature of the Islamic rule by
perpetuating intimidation and terror in the Iranian society has promoted a culture of
violence. This can only lead to problems and unrest, which will not be controllable, and
the people's frustration will erupt into violence.
With hope for a better future for the Iranian nation and with respect,
Sir, perhaps during this coming year these points should be reminded to the future
organisers as well as the Islamic Republic.
Respectfully yours
Dr Hossein Ladjevardi
President - ACI
