Conference Report
This was to be one of the most sensitive
yet gratifying conferences that ACI had successfully planned and organised. During the
four days of the conference despite many historic and deep rooted disagreements amongst
the speakers and audience alike, the atmosphere created by ACI resulted in a demonstration
of unprecedented tolerance and understanding by everyone present. The most noted success
of the conference was the participation of the speakers who in past had refused to sit
down together. This set a precedent and has become a model to those interested in the
future of Iran.
The Nationalist Movement
The examination of the history of
nationalistic movement in Iran, the reasons for its conception, the formation of more
serious actions in modern form in keeping with the time, reconciling national differences
will all go a long way in establishing a long awaited civil society in Iran – these
were amongst the topics addressed on this day. With this in mind an examination and
acceptance of past actions and mistakes resulting in the present situation in Iran were
considered. Suggestions were put forward for future moves.
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The Leftist Movement
A wide group of republicans and
representatives of the many leftist groups formed the second day of the conference.
Although it was evident that there were many different interpretations of the leftist
movement, the unifying message was a critical view of their past actions. This criticism
referred to the wrong evaluation of the social issues by the leftist point of view in the
past.
The necessity of re-evaluation of past
models because of present understandings and situations of Iran and the rest of the world,
insistence on the application of democratic values and the most important point agreed by
all, honouring national culture and history of Iran formed over thousands of years. The
belief in democracy, observance of human rights and benefiting form the descriptions
stated in the bill and not accepting totalitarian systems were amongst the most important
topics of discussion.
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Constitutional Monarchist Movement
The third day was dedicated to independent
speakers and those in favour of constitutional monarchy. Most of the day’s speakers
referred to Iran’s long history of Monarchist rule and its unifying effect between
the monarchy and the Iranian society.
The speakers pointed out the
socio–economic progress as well as cultural growth of Iran, its foreign relations and
finally the high position of Iran under the Pahlavi rule in the world.
Of course this did not stop the criticisms
and discussion amongst the panel and audience regarding the mistakes and bad decision made
for Iran.
The speakers stressed the importance and
the need for the presence of a constitutional monarch as figure head due
to Iran’s social structure. They used countries such as Britain, Spain and other
constitutional monarchies as example. Their plan for the future of Iran was based on these
arguments and talked of new plans, new thinking and new energy.
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The Religious Movement
The last day was dedicated to discussions
on the powerful role religion has continually played within the Iranian society. Despite
the present situation in Iran the papers given addressed an academic, logical and
realistic look at the relevant issues.
The Society's need for Religion and the use
and abuse of its power was one of the important topics discussed. The history of religion
within Iranian society, the question of high ranking clergy as ‘point of
reference’ for the masses and the development of this thought into the present
dilemma of ‘Velayat Faghih’ - the absolute rule of appointed
religious jurist deriving its legitimacy from God and not the people – created
excitement in the auditorium.
ACI – February 1995
