FREE IRAN THE ALTERNATIVE
A Special Report Prepared by The Washington Times Special Sections Department National Council of Resistance of Iran Paris gathering shows dissident group’s growing clout
By The Washington Times
PARIS — Iran’s largest dissident group is getting a fresh burst of support in its de- cadeslong push for regime change, as pres- sure builds on the Islamic regime in Tehran from the inside as well as the outside. A large, boisterous rally here over the weekend was led by the largest opposi- tion organization in Iran of exiles, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, a well-connected group that has found new prominence and influence in the strongly anti-Iran Trump administration. The pressure in Iran has been mount- ing in the weeks since the U.S. pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal. President Trump announced a tightening of oil and other economic sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo unveiled a string of de- mands to increase the pressure on Tehran, and advocates of regime change such as National Security Adviser John R. Bolton were brought into the administration’s Sarah Wachter/Special to The Washington Times inner circle. jubilant: The National Council of Resistance of Iran, which has found new prominence in the Trump administration, rallied in Paris. Saturday’s rally also was held amid a
TMENT string of large street protests in Iran over
AR the country’s faltering economy, including The stage became a waving sea of red challenges to its authority. in an Iran free of nuclear weapons. traders in the conservative Grand Bazaar tulips in homage to the 30,000 MEK mem- ….. Many consider the group to be the After Ms. Rajavi spoke, the people in the in Tehran incensed over a plunge in the bers, an NCRI faction, who were executed only credible and organized opposition crowd, wearing yellow vests to symbolize value of the currency and persistent work- by the Iranian regime in 1981, still a sear- force outside of Iran, with extensive con- the sun in the Iranian crest, stood up to ers strikes. ing memory in the MEK’s checkered and tacts inside the country. The NCRI has show the sign on their backs, which read, Many in Paris insisted that the Iranian tragic history. pursued its objective of regime change with “Every moment for the uprising.” regime is at its weakest point in decades. The floral tribute was a nod to an Iranian discipline and laserlike focus. The strong showing of dignitaries from In one measure of the NCRI’s growing folk song about red tulips rising from the Emblazoned along the stage was leading Western countries included former clout, some three dozen current and pre- blood of martyrs. a giant banner, in English and Farsi for French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner vious officials from the U.S., Europe and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the #RegimeChangeIran, a hashtag that and Stephen Harper, a former prime min- Middle East attended the gathering. One a Republican, urged European nations emerged right after Mr. Pompeo last month ister of Canada. of the most prominent U.S. notables was that have balked at Mr. Trump’s tough line laid out a long list of conditions and conces- Among the U.S. officials present were Rudolph W. Giuliani, now the personal at- against Iran to get on board to tighten the sions Iran would have to meet to escape Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador torney for President Trump and a veteran economic vise. future U.S. pressure. to the United Nations; former FBI Director D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON of many NCRI events. “We need to insist that [European gov- Former Sen. Robert Torricelli, New Jer- Louis J. Freeh; and former Attorney General Mr. Giuliani made a strong call to ramp ernments] join the sanctions once again,” sey Democrat, speaking to The Washington Michael Mukasey. up sanctions as the protests in recent Mr. Gingrich said at the rally. Times on the sidelines of the huge Paris Donya Jam, a 23-year-old graduate stu- Y T H E W months have spread to more than 140 cities. The NCRI backed the ouster of the Shah gathering, praised the NCRI’s organiza- dent studying human rights and European “When they do that, and when these of Iran with other revolutionary groups in tional strength and persistence. history at George Mason University, took AR E D B protests continue to grow and grow, this 1979 but clashed with the Islamist forces led “It’s their intensity, it’s their strength, it’s time off from her studies to help plan the threatens to topple the regime, which by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini afterward. their willingness to sacrifice, and it’s the rally.
T P R EP means freedom is right around the cor- After losing a vicious power struggle, NCRI appeal of their messaging,” he said. A Christian whose parents fled Iran ner,” he said. “This is the time to put on the leaders now say they renounce violence. Ms. Rajavi inspired intense fealty from because of religious persecution, she has real pressure. The sanctions will become On stage at the rally were photos of her large cohort of followers…. On Saturday, never visited Iran. “I will not step foot in greater and greater.” “ashrafs,” or cells of resistance in Iran. clad in her customary turquoise blue hijab Iran until it is free,” she said. Red and green confetti rained on the Covert activists inside Iran appeared with and suit, she reiterated the NCRI’s plan for This excerpt is from a Washington Times crowd, which organizers estimated to be their faces covered because many face freedom and democracy in Iran, which staff-written news article that first published AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
100,000, right before NCRI leader Maryam arrest and imprisonment from a regime includes separation of church and state, on June 30, 2018. | Rajavi spoke. that views the group as one of the prime gender equality and freedom of expression Cover Photo: TME
Cheryl Wetzstein Larry T. Beasley David Dadisman Tony Hill Special SectionS Manager preSident and ceo general Manager director of adVertiSing & integrated SaleS Advertising Department: Thomas P. McDevitt Eugene Jackson Jr. 202-636-3062 chairMan Senior Vice preSident Patrick Crofoot of SaleS & Marketing graphicS SuperViSor Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form onits website. Sponsors and
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events, such as The Power of Prayer, North Korea’s Nuclear Threat, Gun Rights Policy Conference and Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections areprepared separately 2 SPECIAL SECTIONS and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. ‘A brave woman’ will be the face of a liberated Iran
Rudy Giuliani The era of appeasement is over. Those who practice appeasement are going to We are now, I believe, very realistic find themselves shamed in world history. in being able to see an end of the regime What have you accomplished? What in Iran... We’ve lived through this before have you accomplished with a tremen- in other oppressed countries — when dous pressure put on you? Since I’ve the people take to the streets, and they been working with you and all of my protest day after day like they’ve done in colleagues from the United States, we over 142 cities in Iran, like they did the fought a worldwide battle to shed the other day in Tehran ... when that happens, unfair label of terrorism in the United then freedom is right around the corner. States, the United Kingdom, the Euro- I say to those countries that continue pean Union. That label is now gone, and to support Iran, to those countries that you’re seen as defenders of human rights do business with Iran, “You are paying because that’s what you are. And we won for a regime that deprives women of their that battle. rights, that deprives children of their You’ve been able to form resistance rights, and that murders people because units all over Iran. Those protests are not they practice a different religion. How happening accidentally. Those protests can you do that? How much better are Photo: TME are happening because they’re being co- you than the terrorists when you are ordinated now, unlike in 2009. And what giving them money and propping up this my president turned his back on that replaced by another bad government, and it says is we have an alternative. regime?” very dangerous nuclear agreement with maybe it’s even worse. We’ve seen some Suppose the face of Iran was a brave We all know that the economy of Iran. He said, “No, we’re not going to do of that in the Middle East with Egypt. woman in a country that recently has had Iran is in freefall. It’s evaporating. That’s business with the biggest state sponsor However, here, we’re not replacing one a history ... of treating women inhu- terrible for the people of Iran, for your of terrorism. We’re going to reimpose the government with a government we don’t manely. And this brave woman will be brothers and sisters and your relatives sanctions.” know. You have an alternative. You’ve the face of the new, modern, liberated and friends. But I believe it’s a price that Well, maybe when the greatest eco- got an alternative that’s built on a solid Iran. they’re more than willing to pay, like nomic power in the history of the world foundation of 10 principles. Democracy, Will it happen? (YES!) When will it A S PECI AL R EPO our martyrs were willing to pay with stops doing business with you, you have human rights, a non-nuclear Iran, separa- happen? (NOW!) And I want next year, their blood. That’s what happened to the the kind of economic collapse that you tion of church and state, and the rights at this time — I want us to have this con- French Revolution. And that’s what’s hap- now see in Iran — and that is going to get of women and of all minorities to be vention in Tehran! pening right now in your homeland. worse because I guarantee you the sanc- protected. My goodness, that sounds like We saw a picture of a man that held tions will become greater and greater and a full-fledged democracy. That’s what the Former New York City Mayor Rudolph T P R EP up a sign and said he was willing to sell greater. This president does not intend to NCRI stands for. That’s what Madame “Rudy” W. Giuliani is personal attorney his kidney for $500. That’s a government turn his back on freedom fighters. Rajavi stands for, and that’s what your to President Donald J. Trump. on the verge of toppling. Thank God, Many times, a very bad government is martyrs died for. AR E D B Y T H E W
‘Only way to safety’ in region: Replace dictatorship with democracy INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP
Newt Gingrich powerful, and then one day it disap- by those willing to stand up to the dicta- peared. Well, the fact is that the Khame- torship. You are a key part of that. The willingness of so many people nei regime is much weaker than the I want you to know that all the to come from so many places is a major Soviet Union ever was. The corruption Americans who were up here a few factor in the growing support that you see at the top weakens the entire system. The minutes ago are committed to commu- worldwide for freedom in Iran. And your rivalries in the government weaken the nicating in our country that there is a presence here, each one of you, helps entire system. Their inability to provide movement, there is an opportunity for THE WASHINGTON TIMES communicate and build that support. So prosperity, their inability to provide a freedom, for democracy, for equal rights, let me start by saying thank you. decent way of life, their inability to even and that movement is meeting right here Let me also remind you how much be honest — all of these are weakening. today and it is vastly larger than any the last two years have changed things. And the work each of you is doing other movement trying to help Iran. And Two years ago, we had an American — I encourage you, not just the folks I believe this meeting, combined with AR TMENT administration committed to weakness, who’ve done a great job and it is always what’s happening inside Iran, combined to actually shipping cash to the dictator- amazing to come here and see just the with the toughness of the Trump admin-
ship, to easing up on the sanctions, and istration, gives us a genuine opportunity |
scale of production and to listen to Mrs. Thursday • July 19 • 2018 to deluding itself about what the dicta- Rajavi’s speech and realize how much to really move much more dramatically, torship would do. Today, you have an ad- Photo: TME thought she has put into preparing for a and to move in the right direction. ministration which understands reality, description of where we need to go.... Let me just say in closing, I’m going which is determined to stop the dictator- even further. Our goal is very simple. It’s If you go back and look once again at to be an optimist. I look forward to the ship, which is increasing the sanctions not to start negotiating. Our goal is to the remarkable speech that Mrs. Rajavi day that this meeting can be in Tehran, and which I predict will every single have a free democratic Iran that respects gave, and you think about the years that in a free country. month get tougher and tougher because, the rights of every individual. she and all of her compatriots have put in the end, the only way to safety in the Your slogan this year — Free Iran 2018 in, the risks they’ve run, the tragic, per- Newt Gingrich is a former Speaker of region is to replace the dictatorship with — is exactly the right slogan. Once these sonal losses they have suffered, freedom the U.S. House of Representatives. democracy, and that has to be our goal. things start to break — as Mayor Giuliani will come. It has been paid for by the We need to encourage the American said a while ago about the Soviet Union, blood of patriots. It has been paid for by government to tighten the sanctions the Soviet Union looked unbelievably the sweat of patriots. It has been paid for 3 ‘You are the source of change in Iran’
tell you a lot of people ask, “Is there an alternative to the mullahs, to the dictatorship?” And the answer is, “Yes, it’s the resistance. It’s the MEK. It’s Mrs. Rajavi. But it’s you.” And I say to you, “Why?” Because you’re the ones that have fought against the Shah. You fought against the dictatorship, and against the religious dictatorship. You were there in the trenches, fighting and dying. And you represent a platform, a democratic platform of freedom and democracy. You stand for gender Photo: TME equality. You stand for the U.N. Charter of Human Rights. You stand for free and fair elections. You stand ‘I can only come for the private sector. You stand for the end of Sharia law. You stand for Photo: TME to one conclusion: democracy and young people having an opportunity for a future with jobs. Bill Richardson Democrats, Republicans, senators, So I say to you here, as your Change’ generals, activists, political leaders friend, the power is with you. The Are you ready for regime change from around America — I want you power is with everyone in this room Gen. George Casey in Iran? [applause] Are you ready for to know that as Senator Torricelli and each one of you represents thou- Madame Rajavi as president of Iran? said, “America stands behind you.” sands in Iran that are saying, “No Our Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, was (crowd chanting YES, YES, YES) And I see in the back leaders dictatorship.” The end is near. The asked by a journalist, “What is the U.S. goal with Are you ready for the dictatorship from around the world — legislators, end is near. respect to Iran?” And here’s what he said: “Our to end? prime ministers, leaders from almost So are you for a free Iran? Will goal is to push Iran to act like a normal country.” You know, all you read about is every Western European, African you vote for Mrs. Rajavi as Presi- He said, “Don’t support terrorism, don’t launch
TMENT water shortages, corruption, lack of nation, Asian nation behind you. dent of Iran? (crowd chanting YES, missiles into international airports, and don’t be
AR free elections, executions, pensions There are a lot of distinguished YES, YES) the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism…. disappearing, enormous political un- leaders here, but do you know what We’re asking them to do the things that normal rest. Do you know why? Because the this event is about? This event is Ambassador Bill Richardson is nations in the international community should end is near. And what you’re seeing about you. You are the source of a former U.S. Ambassador to the do.” That sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet today, is enormous change. change in Iran. The young people, United Nations, U.S. Energy Secretary Iran, through its terrorists on the Quds Force, Like many of my colleagues the women, the resistance, the youth, and Governor of New Mexico. continues to support terrorism and destabilize here — and you see in back of me the young people here. And I want to not only its neighbors but the entire region, and that’s not normal behavior. And I firmly believe that no government that actively imports and exports terror can be a productive player in the world today. Change must come to Iran. No stopping until Iran is ‘peaceful and free’ And I said, direct experience here from our time in Iraq, many of us in the U.S. military her life to bringing this about, and have seen firsthand how Iran uses terrorism D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON the people who died, and the people to accomplish its political objectives. And as who were mutilated to help bring coalition commander, I certainly saw that in Iraq it about, and the residents of Camp when the regime used terrorism to sectarian Y T H E W Ashraf who suffered tremendously, violence and to frustrate the goals of the United and the Albanians who welcomed States and Iraqis to establish a representative AR E D B them gallantly, we all are aware and democracy. you are aware and your presence They fostered sectarian violence by provid-
T P R EP here shows you’re aware that there is ing training and equipment to the Shia militia nothing inevitable in human affairs. organizations. And I firmly believe that Iran We hope that the mullahs will bears responsibility because their training and topple, but it’s going to take more equipping of the Iraqi militia groups was a major effort. But you are here to show that factor in sustaining the sectarian violence that that effort is going to be forthcom- swept Iraq in 2006 and 2007. And to me, that AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
ing. And I promise you, on my own makes Iran directly responsible for the deaths | behalf and on behalf of the others of hundreds of coalition forces and thousands of in the American delegation, that we Iraqis. know that — and that our efforts As I look back on that now — I say that was Photo: TME will not stop either, until the day 12 years ago — and today, they are still destabi- comes when we can greet each lizing the region. Michael Mukasey ...We hear that the economic rot other in a peaceful and free Iran. I can only come to one conclusion — that in Tehran and the political rot in Thank you very much. change must come to Iran before Iran can be- We have heard — and we will Tehran finally matches the moral rot have as a normal country. hear — that, finally, the stars seem that has always been at the core of Former U.S. District Judge Michael
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday to be aligned to accomplish what the mullahs’ regime. Mukasey served as U.S. Attorney General Retired U.S. Army Gen. George Casey served as we all want to accomplish, which is And as we pause to thank Mrs. under President George W. Bush. Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and Commander 4 the downfall of the mullahs’ regime Rajavi, who has devoted decades of of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. International courts await Iran’s criminals, oppressors
Louis Freeh can move satellites to help you com- municate. We can shut down companies It’s a warm day in Paris, it’s a hotter on secondary sanctions violations. We day in Iran. But do you feel the winds of can’t carry the fight as you have because change blowing over Iran? And you, you you are the tip of the spear for liberty... are the people, your brothers and sisters My second message, my concluding in Albania and your brothers and sisters message, is to the oppressors in Iran, in Iran, who are blowing that wind with to the terrorist regime, to the crimi- an ever-increasing force. When I was nals who are arresting, torturing, and growing up, there was a song by Bob murdering their citizens. This is not a Dylan, and it said you don’t have to be hundred years ago. We have the ability, a weatherman to know which way the and will maintain the ability, to bring wind is blowing. Well, we don’t have to those criminals to justice…. The day be weathermen to know that the winds will come when not only democratic — the force of change — is not only ir- change will be brought to Iran, but the revocable in Iran but it is blowing with criminals who have committed crimes increasing force to a logical conclusion. against humanity will fill the criminal Although things are changing Photo: TME courts of the international community. around and under the regime, the They will be brought to justice. regime’s agenda of terrorism has not in Iran. What’s going on? The value one message is to the freedom fighters changed…. What has changed, however, of the rial is dropping faster than the in Iran. We support you, we’re there Former U.S. District Judge Louis is what’s going on in the hearts and power of the regime. for you, we can move. We are amazed J. Freeh served as FBI Director minds and on the streets and bazaars I have two very brief messages. The at your courage and your bravery. We under President Bill Clinton. A S PECI AL R EPO Iran’s women are ‘defying the mullahs’
Frances Townsend They are defying the mullahs, and they by seeing the Ashraf 3 women on the T P R EP continue to need your support to do screen today speak to us from there. I look out and I see all the amaz- that. Women will continue to lead this To them, we say we are proud of your AR E D B ing women here who are part of the movement. And it is among the great- courage, we are inspired by your cour-
movement, led by the very inspir- est threats to the current regime. age, and women will continue to lead Y T H E W ing Mrs. Rajavi. History tells us that And for a moment, let me just say the way and fight for you and fight for women have led this resistance. And at this to the young women. Mrs. Rajavi the women in Tehran. all levels of the NCRI, women have led in her remarks spoke about the roses. INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP this movement. And we see that con- The young women in the audience Frances Townsend was former tinuing today in the streets of Tehran today, your mothers, your grandmoth- Homeland Security Advisor to where women are refusing the mullahs’ ers have led this fight. You are the roses President George W. Bush. directive to wear the veil and, despite of the future that will lead us to a free being hurt, they are taking off the veil. Iran. I could not help but be inspired Photo: TME THE WASHINGTON TIMES Coming soon: 80 million ‘free Iranians’
ring of history. We stand with the people Ashraf. Being an Iranian does not mean AR
Robert Torricelli TMENT of Ashraf. We stand with the MEK. We you have to be poor. It doesn’t mean that Following Rudy Giuliani and Newt stand with the people in the streets of your children cannot have a future. It
Gingrich, let us make this fundamentally Iran fighting for freedom. You stand to doesn’t mean that you have to live in op- | Thursday • July 19 • 2018 clear — on behalf of myself, Bill Rich- defend your corruption, your oppres- pression. Being Iranian still means you ardson, and Patrick Kennedy, who has sion, the denial of freedom. One of us can be prosperous and free and happy been delayed here today, we stand here will win. One will lose. One will die, one and have a future for your children in as Democrats and Republicans, liber- will live, and I’m betting on us every day your lives. There are free Iranians. There als and conservatives. We may have our of the week. And if you think that our in- are 3,000 of them in Albania, and there’s differences, but listening to my voice in ternal divisions mean that a Democratic going to be 80 million of them soon. Tehran, make no mistake — every one Party one day will return to power to of us stands behind Donald Trump in save you, you are betting on the wrong Robert Torricelli served as U.S. Senator seeing the destruction of the mullahs to horse. We stand with President Trump in from New Jersey for six years and U.S. Photo: TME the end! destroying the regime. Representative for New Jersey’s 9th So to the mullahs, let’s make the Finally, to those brave souls on the Congressional District for 14 years. situation clear — you are in the fighting streets of the cities of Tehran, look to 5 BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR A FREE IRAN ‘Yours is a noble cause’
increase their footprint in Syria and Iraq, Iranian people to bring change and and we know that Hezbollah continues to democracy to their country. sow discord around the region. I am disturbed by the rising num- Across the region, Iran continues to ber of human rights violations in Iran threaten the national security and trust of and the fact that the Iranian regime the United States. It continues to pursue has been holding its own citizens at a belligerent, ballistic missiles program. It gunpoint. The U.S. remains commit- continues to align itself with Putin and it ted to democracy, human rights, civil continues to supply weapons and techni- liberties, and the rule of law, and cal know-how to the Houthis in Yemen. supports the Iranian people in their And Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime in calls for a democratic government that Syria is totally depending on its lifeline respects these rights and freedoms. from Tehran. And even as it continues I also remain committed to prevent- to supply terrorists across the region ing Iran from developing a nuclear with money, weapons and resources, the weapons program and providing them people of Iran suffer under a repressive re- to non-state actors. Yours is a noble gime with absolutely no respect for basic cause and it is very important that we OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO human rights and no economic invest- OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO continue the dialogue on this matter. I ment in their welfare. hope it is a productive gathering, and I Sen. Robert Menendez, Your support was critical last year Sen. John Boozman, wish you all the best of luck. New Jersey Democrat when I introduced the bipartisan Counter- Arkansas Republican ing Iran’s Destabilizing Activities Act of Sen. Boozman is Chairman of the Good afternoon, Salam, Dorood. I am 2017. Our bill not only holds Iran account- Thank you very much for ask- Senate Appropriations subcommittee pleased to have the opportunity to address able for its ongoing ballistic missiles ing me to speak at this event, and I on Military Construction and Veterans the organization of Iranian American development and continued support for apologize that I am unable to make Affairs, and Related Agencies. communities of the United States. Every terrorism, it expands the scope of human the gathering in Paris, France, on June day, you highlight the plight of Iranians rights and arms embargo violations eli- 30, 2018. As you know, I am an active
TMENT who remain silent under an oppressive, gible for sanctions. member of the Iran Human Rights
AR brutal regime. And I share your vision Thank you for coming together and and Democracy Caucus, which aims for a brighter future for Iran. A future in making your voices heard. I will always to shed light on the efforts of the which all Iranians live lives without fear support justice and human rights, peace and enjoy a government that incredibly and security and above all else, the rights represents the will of Iranian citizens, of all Iranians to fundamental freedoms. respects human rights and commits to many others have continuously stood abiding by the rule of law. Sen. Menendez is the Ranking Member on up for the freedom of the Iranian peo- Around the region with Russia’s the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. ple, I know that there is still much we support, Iranian leaders are seeking to can do to demand change. Advocates such as you make it clear to all that the Iranian people have had enough and taken to the streets to protest their gov- are eager for reform. ernment on several occasions, including It is tragic that the people of your this week. Even as the regime tries to homeland have had to endure numer- D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON stifle their voices, you have relentlessly ous abuses of fundamental human supported freedom for the people of rights and freedoms in recent decades. Iran. The Iranian American community Thanks to efforts such as yours, the Y T H E W of Georgia has been a major part of that challenges facing Iranians have been effort. Your commitment, hard work brought to international attention. I AR E D B and support of this cause have not gone commend each of you for all you have unnoticed. done to strengthen ties among the re-
T P R EP My message to you today is simply gime’s opposition and for all you have I hear you and I appreciate so much all OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO done to fight for a government that your efforts. Having served in the United represents the interests of its people. States Foreign Relations Committee and Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, Please know that I will always remain now in the Armed Services Commit- Maryland Democrat a friend of the Iranian people and be tee, I am committed to doing all I can their champion in the U.S. Senate. AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
to advance and defend basic freedoms I would like to extend a warm | OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO in human rights for Iranians and oth- welcome to all attending this year’s Sen. Cardin is the Ranking Member ers around the world. You have been a free Iran convention held in Paris. The on the Senate Small Business and Sen. David Perdue, crucial part of this effort, and I know you well-being of the Iranian people is a Entrepreneurship Committee, and Georgia Republican will continue to be in the future. Again, critical issue to me, and that is why Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign thank you for all you do. I am pleased that this event exists to Relations subcommittee on Western Welcome to the 2018 International spread awareness and build support Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Convention for a Free Iran. You repre- Sen. Perdue is Chairman of the Senate for change in Iran. Civilian Security, Democracy, Human sent Iranian American communities Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry In the decades since the revolu- Rights, and Global Women’s Issues. across the entire country. subcommittee on Nutrition, Agricultural tion of 1979, millions of Iranians have
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday For years, you have worked to expose Research, and Specialty Crops, and serves struggled under the weight of an op- the Iranian regime’s systemic human on the Senate Armed Services Committee. pressive and hard-line regime. While 6 rights violations. This year, Iranians have I am proud that the United States and BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR A FREE IRAN ‘America stands in solidarity’ with a free Iran Excerpts from video messages by Members of Congress
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO
Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Ted Poe, A S PECI AL R EPO New York Democrat Texas Republican
I stand with those in Iran who seek OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO For many years, MEK has been in the a more prosperous and peaceful future. forefront of calling out this despicable The United States stands with you. I regime. Madam Rajavi, you are a hero to look forward to a day when the people House Minority Leader many, including my daughters and my T P R EP of Iran have the greatest say in their own Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat granddaughters, and I have always been government, their laws and their future. proud to stand with you. The cause of AR E D B And I look forward to one day walking Hello, it is my pleasure to send my warm regards to advocates and friends to a freedom in Iran is just and righteous.
in a free Iran. free Iran. This year, the world has watched men and women bravely stand up for Y T H E W their rights in peaceful protests across the country. Their courage and determina- Rep. Poe is Chairman of the House Rep. Engel is the Ranking Member of tion inspires all to recommit to our shared mission, to build a democratic, free and Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. non-nuclear Iran. America stands in solidarity with every Iranian man and woman Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP and child as they fight for the right to speak freely without fear of persecution.
House Minority Leader Pelosi represents the 12th Congressional District of California and has served in Congress since 1987.
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Republican THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Together we send this message to the people of Iran. As you take to the streets to protest the brutality and corruption of the mullah dictatorship, we are on your AR TMENT side. Freedom will prevail in Iran. The people struggling there have the support
of people throughout the world... You | Thursday • July 19 • 2018 are also making sure that institutions and plans are made and available so that when the mullah regime collapses, there will be an Alternative, where people with democratic ideals and a concept of freedom will be able to put these things in place to replace the mullah OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO dictatorship.
Rep. Rohrabacher is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Photo: TME Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats. Photo: TME 7 BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR A FREE IRAN Democracy, equal rights ‘belong to all people’ Excerpts from video messages by Members of Congress
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. Tom McClintock, California Democrat Texas Democrat Tennessee Democrat California Republican
We stand with solidarity with the I want to express my commitment and I strongly support a free Iran that is I strongly support the Iranian brave Iranians fighting for this new my support of a secular, democratic, non- democratic, secular and non-nuclear. people’s resistance and I stand behind
TMENT chapter. Your fight is our fight… I nuclear Republic of Iran as addressed; The Iranian people deserve a govern- President Trump’s strong word of back-
AR want to commend Madam Rajavi for and Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan. ment that respects their fundamental ing and encouragement… The Iranian continuing her advocacy for democ- I believe that democratic change within rights and freedom, including freedom people need more than our good wishes racy, women’s rights and minority Iran is within our reach. I believe under of speech and assembly, gender and — and the time has come to act and the rights in Iran. Democracy and equal- the leadership of Madam Maryam Rajavi, religious equality… Your courage is an time has come to stand tall with the free- ity are not just principles we hold our friend, the leader of this great cause, inspiration to me and all members of dom movement of Iran. here, they are rights that belong to all who’s been working to bring about a tol- Congress, and I will stand with you and people — and we hold these ideals erant, non-nuclear Iranian republic based hopefully visit a free Iran. Rep. McClintock is Chairman by showing our support for the brave on the separation of religion and state and of the House Natural Resources protesters in Tehran and Mashhad and respect for human and dignity of all Irani- Rep. Cohen is the Ranking Member on subcommittee on Federal Lands. across Iran. ans... I believe that freedom is coming. the House Judiciary subcommittee on The Constitution and Civil Justice. Rep. Sherman is Ranking Rep. Jackson Lee is the Ranking Member Member of the House Foreign of the House Judiciary subcommittee Affairs subcommittee on on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON Asia and the Pacific. Security, and Investigations. Y T H E W AR E D B T P R EP AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
| Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday
8 Photo: TME Photo: TME BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR A FREE IRAN People of conscience everywhere stand with Iran’s people Excerpts from video messages by Members of Congress
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Danny K. Davis, Rep. Mike Coffman, Rep. Paul Gosar, California Democrat Illinois Democrat Colorado Republican Arizona Republican
From here in Washington, D.C., to I bring greetings to you to Maryam The rallies you sponsor and host, As a U.S. Representative, I want to A S PECI AL R EPO all of you in Paris, I want you to know Rajavi and the people’s movement for a like Free Iran Paris 2018, are a vital express heart-filled gratitude for your that I stand in solidarity with you in free and democratic Iran... Fortunately, show of free speech of the despotic efforts to seek regime change in Iran… your fight for freedom, democracy and I was able to be with you in 2016, and I Iranian regime. I encourage you to America supports you... human rights in Iran... I am especially can tell you that the people of the 7th continue to stand up for free speech, moved by the courage of Iranian District of Illinois were also with you democracy and true political change in Rep. Gosar is Chairman of the House women who are taking to the streets, then and they are with you now. I leave Iran… I look forward to working with Natural Resources subcommittee on T P R EP even though it means putting them- you with the words of Frederick Doug- you and supporting your efforts. Energy and Mineral Resources. selves at risk. But they are not alone. lass when he said if there is no struggle, AR E D B The images of their struggle are being there is no progress. Rep. Coffman is Chairman of the
shared across the world, and people of House Armed Services subcommittee Y T H E W conscience everywhere are standing Rep. Davis is the Ranking Member on Military Personnel. with the people of Iran... of the House Ways and Means subcommittee on Human Resources. INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP Rep. Chu serves on the House Committees on Ways and Means and Small Business. THE WASHINGTON TIMES AR TMENT | Thursday • July 19 • 2018
Photo: TME Photo: TME Villepinte, France, June 30, 2018 - Young girls hold sign, “I am the one who will overthrow Villepinte, France, June 30, 2018 — Young Photo: TME the mullahs.” woman holding up sign, “All for the Uprising.” 9 BIPARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR A FREE IRAN We support a ‘democratic, secular and non-nuclear Iran’ Excerpts from video messages by Members of Congress
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO Rep. Doug LaMalfa, Rep. Brian Babin, Rep. Barry Loudermilk, Rep. Ken Buck, California Republican Texas Republican Georgia Republican Colorado Republican I am coming to you today to talk to We must hold tyrannical mullahs I have long been an advocate for a free, In 2017 and into 2018, thousands of you about supporting a free Iran, one accountable for the immeasurable democratic, non-nuclear Iran and hope Iranians stood up against the oppressive
TMENT with a democratic-elected government atrocities that they have committed. We that we will soon see great progress in ac- regime that uses brute force to silence
AR process, one that respects men and must continue the fight for a free Iran complishing these goals…..You, the Iranian dissident voices and remains one the women, one that will not seek to prolif- together. Madam Rajavi’s proposed plan people, are the ones who will bring real world’s leading financiers of terrorism. erate in the nuclear race, one that will, for the future calls for the abolition of change in your country, and we stand with I thank you for having the courage to indeed, give Iran back the individual Sharia law and freedom of speech and you and support your non-violent protests stand up to the Iranian regime, to call responsibilities and liberties it used to religion, equality and a non-nuclear Iran. for freedom, peace, and prosperity. for freedom… have before, one that was so prosper- This is the Iran we all dream of… ous… What NCRI is doing I support, and Rep. Barry Loudermilk serves on Rep. Buck serves on the House that will help turn the tide and bring Rep. Babin is Chairman of the House the House Committees on Financial Committees on Judiciary and Rules. about a form of government that is fair Science, Space and Technology Services; Administration; and to the people and one that is tailored to subcommittee on Space. Science, Space and Technology. fit what the people of Iran need.
Rep. LaMalfa is Chairman of the House Rep. Raul Ruiz, Natural Resources subcommittee California Democrat D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON on Indian and Insular Affairs. I am heartened by the ongoing protest in Iran calling for a free, secular, Y T H E W nuclear-free Iranian democracy and an end to the dictatorship of the current re- AR E D B gime. I thank the organization of Iranian American communities for the work to
T P R EP achieve this vision for a free Iran. To- gether, we can make this a reality.
Rep. Ruiz serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
| OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday
10 Photo: TME Photo: TME Photo: TME Claims of future chaos ‘not true at all’
new battle. I’m in complete agreement with Maryam Rajavi when she was talking of the very fantastic perspec- tive of democracy and freedom. And when she explained that there will be no chaos [in the event of regime change]…. Some of your enemies are attacking you ... [saying that] if there is an uprising, a rebellion, a revolution in Iran, it will be followed by chaos — it is not true at all. These people [here] certainly have listened to Madame Rajavi’s program… I repeat, we are all in agreement to be with you, to follow you, to back you on Photo: TME the very clear program to get rid of the mullahs … and to prepare and set up and build up a real democracy. ‘People want
Former French Minister of Foreign Photo: TME Affairs Bernard Kouchner, M.D., is democracy, founder of Medecins Sans Frontieres Dr. Bernard Kouchner and the expression of the American (Doctors Without Borders) and Medecins peace’ people and the Canadian people. We du Monde (Doctors of the World). Don’t believe that there is any dif- are all in agreement, we are all with ference between the European people you. We are all on your side for the Philippe Douste-Blazy
I would like to turn our thoughts to (Tirana), in other words, to my friends A S PECI AL R EPO in Ashraf. Your efforts, our commitment, and the United Nations support, shel- Italian lawmakers, many more hail tered you… The situation in Iran is chang- ing. Yes, the Iran situation is no longer in favor of extremists. Yes, the wind is rising Iran’s resistance in favor of people. Yes, people don’t want T P R EP factions in power. People want democ- friends of this criminal regime. From opportunity exists than an active, racy, peace, without corruption. AR E D B his golden exile, the son of the last and strong support to the Iranian resis-
discredited ruler of Iran speaks against tance for a regime change in Iran. Former French Minister of Foreign Affairs Y T H E W the only and truly democratic resis- Philippe Douste-Blazy has also served tance, which is the PMOI. Is it a family Giulio Terzi served as Italy’s Minister of as U.N. Under-Secretary-General on revenge? Is it anger because of the Foreign Affairs between 2011 and 2013. innovative financing for development. INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP fight for democracy and freedom that the Mujahideen have always pursued against the dictator first and the mullah regime after? We refuse to fall in this new trap of the regime. ‘We want to be the real allies’ A large part of Italian society is con- vinced that being with you is to be on The time for dictatorship in Iran has the right side of history. Thirty-eight come to an end, and in reality, there is Italian senators have issued a declara- a democratic alternative, the National THE WASHINGTON TIMES tion of support of the Iranian people Council of Resistance of Iran. For 38 Photo: TME for the uprising, for the resistance years, the NCRI has endured all the against the regime, and for the fight challenges and has overcome all dif- Giulio Terzi for freedom and democracy. Let me ficulties. This Council has shown that it quote just a couple of sentences of that can resist against the regime. It is very AR TMENT We bring our unswerving support declaration, which says it is nearly four well organized and is in a position to to you, Madame Rajavi, and to all decades that the religious dictator- bring together all those discontented
freedom fighters in Iran in the fight for and freedom -lovers who are still not |
ship ruling Iran has been denounced Thursday • July 19 • 2018 regime change in Iran. We are here to for its continuous and gross violation organized. The 10-point plan of Mrs. tell you of our profound admiration for of human rights. More than 120,000 Rajavi presents a transparent program the values you are defending, not only Iranian defenders of democracy have to the world. This shows us the reality in the interest of the Iranian people been arbitrarily detained, tortured and that this resistance has a clever, sincere but in the interest of all humanity. Our executed. More than 30,000 political and heroic leader who does not deviate unconditional support to President- prisoners were massacred in the De- Photo: TME from her goal of fighting for the freedom elect Rajavi and to PMOI is even more cember of 1988, and those perpetrators of the Iranian people. We want to be the determined now that a desperate and must be brought to justice. Matrin Patzelt real allies of this movement. failing theocracy is trying to pro- Americans and Europeans need to mote also Reza Pahlavi Jr., the son of [bring] their common will and fun- I salute and admire all those brave Matrin Patzelt is a Member of the a dictator, the last shah of Iran; they damental values together to prove people who go to the streets and say let’s German Bundestag from the Ruling are trying to promote him among the their commitment, and no better end [this regime.] Christian Democratic Party. 11 Photo: TME Villepinte, France (June 30, 2018) — NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi (center), with dozens of senior former and and current officials from Europe, the United States, and Canada at the Free Iran Grand Gathering. TMENT
AR The regime’s overthrow is certain, Iran will be free Maryam Rajavi The persistence of the uprising and the protest movement Speech by Maryam Rajavi at the despite maximum suppression Resistance’s Grand Gathering The second sign that the era of the Paris, June 30, 2018 regime’s overthrow has arrived is that for the past six months the Iranian EXCERPTS people have waged an uprising and a My fellow compatriots, protest movement despite the imposi- D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON Dear friends, tion of maximum suppression, despite Elected representatives, honorable the so-called “suicides” of the detainees dignitaries from across the world, in the mullahs’ prisons, and despite the Y T H E W daily arrests and executions designed to Greetings to all of you and to my intimidate the public. AR E D B dear compatriots in Iran and all over the The workers at Haft-Tapeh sugar world. The first thing that must be said cane factory resumed their uprising.
T P R EP today is that the flames of the auspicious Then the workers at Ahvaz steel factory and liberating uprising are again rising and farmers in Isfahan rose up. Wor- in Tehran and across Iran. shipers in Isfahan turned their backs on Indeed, the flames of the protests Khamenei’s Friday prayer leader and cannot be extinguished, and they will chanted: “My back to the enemy and continue to soar without respite, indicat- facing the nation.” AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON Photo: TME
ing a constantly expanding and deepen- Isfahan Province was still on | ing uprising. edge when our Arab compatriots in The thunderous voices of rebellious the volcano of change and the regime’s First, owing to the presence of the Khuzestan, especially in Ahvaz, rose youths in various cities represent the overthrow in Iran has emerged. The Resistance movement, the charade up. Then came Kurdistan as the lengthy beating heart of a nation immersed in triumph of Iran’s democratic revolution, billed as the existence of a “solution” strike in Baneh aroused everyone’s the euphoria of a free Iran. without the sheikh (mullahs) and the within the religious fascism has become admiration. Then, on the roadmap to I have come here to reiterate what Shah, are now looming on the horizon. null and void. overthrow, a new role model emerged: you seek: The time has come for the Through their uprisings and relying on The rebellious population and youth Kazerun, the city of uprising, fire and regime’s overthrow. Victory is certain, resistance units, the Iranian people are have rejected both factions of the regime. blood, with audacious women, who and Iran will be free. employing the leverage they need to These are the same fearless youth who alongside their brothers and rocks in
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday topple this regime. have chosen the path of fighting on, going hand, repelled the heavily armed enemy The leverage for the overthrow How and where can we discover these on the maximum offensive, and waging 12 Since the January uprising, the tip of realities? resistance regardless of the cost. » see Rajavi | C13 the very development the mullahs have fueling the uprisings. As Massoud Rajavi reform within the clerical regime and the R a jav i feared the most is now a reality: that said, “If Iran stands, the world will stand return of the monarchy. From page C12 is, the link and relationship between with us and by our side.” Now, if one can topple this regime the fury of the deprived and oppressed A euphoric generation thirsting for without an organization and leadership, on the one hand and the organized freedom has risen up. Those taking part without overcoming thorny trials, and forces, imitating the resistance we saw Resistance movement on the other. All in the uprising joined by resistance units without paying the price and making at Camp Ashraf. regime leaders and junior and senior of- have now charted a new territory. Rise sacrifices, we say: Please, go ahead, At that moment, the uprising ac- ficials have repeatedly confessed to this up and walk along this path. Join hands don’t delay. celerated. The strike by toiling truck If one can restore the people’s drivers and owners in 285 cities and sovereignty without a history of fight- in 31 provinces shook the regime to its ing against two dictatorships; without foundation for 12 days. drawing boundaries against dictatorship, Teachers, retirees, defrauded inves- subordination and dependency; without tors, and workers of hundreds of manu- waging a nationwide resistance and offer- facturing units rose up day after day. ing a galaxy of martyrs; without challeng- And last week, the Tehran bazaar rose ing the principle of the velayat-e faqih up and ignited an uprising in Tehran and phony regime “moderates,” we say: and other cities. Please, go ahead, don’t delay. Iran revolted once again, with all its If one can topple the mullahs without children, with all its nationalities and challenging Khomeini over the unpatri- ethnicities. otic Iran-Iraq war, forcing an end to the Truly, where is the destination? The inferno of that war, and discrediting the answer is: A free Iran, through the eradi- regime’s slogan of “liberating Qods via cation of all the facets of dictatorship Karbala”; without compelling Khomeini and plundering policies, and by bringing to accept the ceasefire by launching 100 down Khamenei from power. military operations by the National Lib- eration Army of Iran, which captured the An explosive and irreversible situation city of Mehran and marched to the gates R A S PECI AL R EPO The third sign of the inevitable of Kermanshah; and without exposing the overthrow of the ruling religious Photo: TME regime’s nuclear weapons, missile, chemi- fascism is that social tensions and Villepinte, France, June 30, 2018 — Mrs. Rajavi pays homage to 120,000 martyrs fallen cal and microbiological programs and economic crises — especially high for freedom in Iran. facilities, yes, go ahead and don’t delay. prices, unemployment, poverty, and If one can leapfrog a 50-year history inequality — have reached a critical overnight and create real change in Iran mass. Everyone senses the explosive while dreaming about foreign support, state of society. And the mullahs can we say: Go ahead, the ball is in your offer neither a solution nor are willing court. or able to resolve the problems. But let me say this: Such a fantasy T P R EP The velayat-e faqih (absolute clerical is only possible through an Iraq-like rule) lacks all legitimacy. Khamenei’s occupation, or in other words through a standing has plummeted dramatically. foreign intervention. The aftermath of AR E D B The regime has run out of cash. The this scenario is already known.
Revolutionary Guards and the unpopu- Over the past 40 years, all those aspir- Y T H E W lar Bassij forces have been facing defec- ing opponents who were nonetheless tions. The masquerade of “moderation” unwilling to pay the price have had op- designed to preserve the regime has portunities to test their luck. But the hard INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP now been unmasked. And the regime in realities and real experiences have shown its entirety is drowning in the abyss of that this dark and evil regime will neither internal feuds and bickering. be reformed nor turn “green” or “velvet.” The overthrow of this regime inevi- The collapse of the tably requires a willingness to pay the appeasement policy necessary price, it requires the practice The fourth sign of the phase of the re- of honesty and sacrifice, it requires gime’s overthrow is that, internationally, an organization and a sturdy political the mullahs have lost the most important Photo: TME alternative, and it requires the organiza- THE WASHINGTON TIMES backer of the policy of appeasement, tion of resistance units and an army of namely the United States. The interna- fact. This is their way of admitting that with them and heed their call for a free liberation. tional shield safeguarding the regime the regime’s rule is nearing its end. Iran; declare your readiness. Nevertheless, as Massoud Rajavi said has fallen by the wayside. The mullahs Indeed, the regime is on the brink of This is the Iranian nation’s fight to in the context of evaluating the January have practically lost their JCPOA. The overthrow. capture the entire country and take back uprising: “We are not in competition with AR TMENT avalanche of successive sanctions is Prior to this, in 2013, following the Iran from the occupiers, the mullahs. anyone seeking to assume power. On hitting them hard, undercutting their massacre of 52 PMOI members at Camp the other hand, and most certainly, no
ability to engage in warmongering and Ashraf, when several residents were The overthrow of this regime | one can compete with the PMOI when Thursday • July 19 • 2018 adventurism in the region. An arms and taken hostage, Massoud Rajavi an- requires resistance units it comes to practicing honesty, sacrifice oil embargo, which was demanded by nounced the roadmap for creating 1,000 These days, an industry of concocting and paying the price.” the Iranian Resistance since four decades Ashrafs (resistance units) inside Iran so phony alternatives has become prevalent ago, is now in the process of being some- that the organization that leads the upris- in the political arena, of course copying National Solidarity Front to what implemented. ing could be linked to the arisen people and pasting aspects from others. And this overthrow the religious dictatorship of Iran. Accordingly, units and councils in itself is another sign of the phase of the Sixteen years ago, the Iranian Resis- The blood of martyrs and for the national resistance became the tip regime’s overthrow. But the crux of the tance adopted a plan called the National suffering of those detained of the spear of the strategy for upris- matter is how they are going to actually Solidarity Front for the Overthrow of the fuel the fire of the uprisings ing and overthrow in Iran’s risen and bring down this regime in practice. This Ruling Religious Dictatorship and de- The fifth and most important indica- revolting cities. This is how the blood of question is especially relevant, as the clared that it was prepared to cooperate tion that the mullahs’ regime has en- the martyrs and the suffering of those de- blood of the martyrs has permanently tered the era of being overthrown is that tained since June 20, 1981 until today, are and historically blocked the path to » see Rajavi | C14 13 TMENT R AR
Photo: TME Villepinte France, June 30, 2018 – Over 100,000 Iranians and their supporters from five continents attended the Free Iran 2018 Rally.
alternative, which rejects the mullahs’ revived. This is the aim of our Resistance In lockstep with the uprising, R a jav i rule or any form of dictatorship. and the raison d’être for the NCRI. every single second making From page C13 On this path, the first step is to But the Iranian regime has benefitted sacrifices advances the uprising transfer sovereignty to the people of the most by denying the wherewithal of I call upon all of you to provide Iran. By relying on the Iranian people this Resistance and this alternative and practical support to the uprisings. All D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON with all forces who want a republic, who and a popular social base, one can avert by using Western appeasers to suppress Iranians, wherever they are, can help are committed to the complete rejection chaos and insecurity and safeguard the this movement. and advance the uprising. Also, you, the of the velayat-e faqih regime and who integrity of Iran and Iranians, rendering Therefore, as far as Iran is concerned, Iranian youth, who are present here, can Y T H E W struggle for a democratic, independent it a proud nation. without recognizing the Resistance and do a lot. This is our collective commit- Iran, based on separation of religion and According to the NCRI’s program, the right to resist, the damages that the ment and our collective pledge to the AR E D B state. following the regime’s overthrow, a policy of appeasement has so far inflicted Iranian nation to place everything at the Over the past four decades, the NCRI, provisional six-month government will on the Iranian people cannot be rectified. service of the uprisings, giving it all we
T P R EP beyond typical political rhetoric, has be formed whose primary task is to form As we have always stated, and I reiter- have and making sacrifices on all fronts paid a heavy price in blood and treasure a constituent assembly through free ate here, the task of overthrowing the re- in order to advance the uprising. for each and every one of its declara- elections on the basis of popular, direct, gime, bringing about democratic change Literally, every single one of us will tions, ratifications and commitments. equal and secret ballot. This constituent and establishing a free Iran rests on our be with the uprising every moment and We call for the establishment of a assembly must draft the constitution of own shoulders and those of the Iranian every second of every day. society based on freedom, democracy, the new republic within two years and people. At the same time, we would wel- From the depths of the dark night AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
and equality, which has clear demarca- put it to popular vote. It must also set come any retreat by the mullahs because A rose blossoms | tion lines against despotism and depen- up the principal institutions of the new 1,000 chalices of poison would ultimately Winter will no doubt pass, and dence as well as gender, ethnic and class republic based on the people’s vote. serve the interests of 1,000 Ashrafs (resis- The harbinger of spring, thousands of discrimination. We have defended and tance units). roses in hand, will certainly follow will continue to defend gender equality; The violated sovereignty of the Today, the brave youth of Iran have Hail to freedom the right to freely choose one’s attire; Iranian people must be revived completely dedicated themselves to the Hail to the people of Iran separation of religion and state; autonomy We believe it is possible to eradicate task of sustaining the uprising. I hail the Hail to all of you. of nationalities; equal political and social high prices, poverty, unemployment, courageous women of Iran who are lead- rights for all citizens of Iran; abolition of shantytowns, water shortages and envi- ing the way everywhere. I also hail the This excerpt is from the speech given the death penalty; and freedom of expres- ronmental calamities. But, before any- young people and members of resistance by Maryam Rajavi at the Grand
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday sion, parties, the media, assembly, unions, thing else, the trampled political rights, units who, even while in captivity, insist Gathering of the Iranian Resistance associations, councils and syndicates. specifically the right to sovereignty of on declaring their PMOI identity, which in Paris on June 30, 2018. 14 This is the image of the democratic the Iranian people, must be restored and terrifies the regime. #FREEIRAN2018 The Alternative A S PECI AL R EPO T P R EP AR E D B Y T H E W INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP THE WASHINGTON TIMES AR TMENT | Thursday • July 19 • 2018
15 ‘You have many friends’ who want a new Iran
prime minister John Howard, with Nobel gathering shows, from all around the Peace Prize recipient David Trimble, and world, who want a new Iran. An Iran many others, supporting the American governed not by the hatreds of the past, decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear but by the people’s aspirations for their deal. We stick by our principles: freedom, future. Keep up the fight. democracy, justice, human rights, human equality, and human dignity for the Former Canadian Prime Minister people of Iran. Stephen Harper is Chairman of the ...You have many friends, as today’s International Democrat Union. ‘We must not ignore the people of Iran’
find a moderate faction within the regime in Tehran. This conciliatory approach has failed, and it has been nothing short Photo: TME of appeasement. We must not ignore the people of Iran, and we must not ignore Stephen Harper state sponsor of terrorism. We passed leg- their desire for change. Over the past six islation to allow victims to sue the regime months, the people of Iran have shown Thank you for your long battle for a for its atrocities. And, friends, we closed great courage in protesting on the streets free and democratic Iran. For 10 years, the Canadian embassy in Tehran and told in more than 140 cities. They are des- the government I led chose a course the mullahs to get out of Canada. perately fighting for regime change. And in foreign policy guided by freedom, The mullahs’ prisons continue to friends, it is time to stand with the people
TMENT democracy and justice, human rights, overflow with people jailed not for their of Iran and to give them our full support.
AR human equality, and human dignity. The crimes but for their consciences. And the Today, we join Madame Rajavi, a woman same values that someday soon will be executioners work relentlessly. Women of great courage and of great determina- embraced in Tehran. and girls are still treated as property, tion. And we gather in Paris to stand with But that is not Iran today. Iran is ruled not people. Religious minorities are still Photo: TME the people of Iran, to support them in by a regime of cruel and tyrannical mul- repressed. And as much as the mullahs their quest for freedom, for equality, and lahs that represent the opposite of the best repress them, the protests for change rise John Baird for democracy. Today, we join with the of human values. That is why our govern- in the streets, and they will keep rising people of Iran to deliver a simple message ment took a strong stand against the re- until the regime is gone. Madame Rajavi, friends, it’s a great to the mullahs: It’s time to end the repres- gime. We sponsored annual resolutions at The 2015 nuclear deal has not moder- honor and a great privilege to once again sion and corruption, it’s time for change, the United Nations against Iran’s human ated the regime. It has made it more join and to stand in solidarity with all of it’s time for the mullahs to go. rights abuses. We used sanctions to cut belligerent than ever, and, friends, that you and with the people of Iran. We come off the flow of funds to the Revolutionary is why I was proud to sign a letter that together to support the people of Iran Former Canadian Minister of Foreign Guard and other regime entities. We for- appeared in the New York Times with in their great struggle. For years, far too Affairs John Baird also served as a Member mally listed the regime as an international my good friend, John Baird, with former many Western governments have tried to of the House of Commons in Canada. D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON
Y T H E W ‘Your cause resonates far beyond’ your borders AR E D B and Liberty.... I’m proud that, through instead of war. Yes, I join you in the com- How impressive, this platform of
T P R EP many United Nations efforts, I was part mon hope and determination that change hope. History tells us it can take a long of that long-lasting effort to let justice in Iran is within reach. time to make justice happen. History has prevail. And I thank Albania for setting Your cause is not only the cause for also demonstrated time and again that an example that should make many other the future of Iran and for the future of a principle of justice is stronger, more European countries blush. free Iranian citizens. Your cause responds unbreakable, indeed, than the practice I salute the movement that never gave to a global concern about rivalry for of repression that can be broken. It only AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
up, never surrendered, and continues regional and religious dominance, about takes the will of the determined people | to advocate the cause of democratic destruction of peaceful societies, about who won’t give up, won’t surrender. And change.... export of terror, and most of all, about this is the will that I see in your aspira- Together with so many others from so denying countless young people — men tion for change in this gathering of peace- Photo: TME many national and political backgrounds, and women — a decent life in peace ful protests. Our common wish is that I join you in reaffirming our common and prosperity. Your cause resonates Iran will once again be a beacon of trust, Ad Melkert hope and determination that fanaticism far beyond the borders of your land as a a haven of stability and coexistence, and and expansionism will end, that ulti- goal for justice, democracy, and respect an inspiration to the world. This is the day that we celebrate and mately oppression implodes by its own for human rights, as a universal call. It’s reaffirm our common resolve. It is the contradictions, that free minds will never part of a universal drive to have the voice Ad Melkert is a former Special
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday annual celebration of the end of the hor- cease to demand the right to free speech, of citizens prevail over the guns of the Representative of the U.N. Secretary- ror that kept so many of your brothers and that all Iranian citizens will enjoy military and all those that seek to hide General for Iraq and former leader 16 and sisters in captivity in Camps Ashraf a good life as they’re longing for peace behind them. of the Dutch Labour Party. We Brits want ‘same freedoms’ for you
with each and every one of you in your battle. And I’m sure that our message of a free and democratic Iran will echo all the way to Tehran and other cities and towns across Iran, shaking theoc- racy to its core. So this year, I have the honor to be here with an even larger delegation from Britain than last year. We represent not only the UK Parliament in a cross-party fashion, but also Scotland, the Law So- Photo: TME ciety of England and Wales, the unions, academia in the UK and Scotland, as well as religious leaders. You know many U.N. should of us on this stage, as we have been sup- porting the NCRI and promoting democ- hold Iran racy and human rights in Iran for many years. Our delegation this year consists of over 50 prominent people…. accountable Madame Rajavi, dear friends, we are here to say we stand with you and the Roger Godsiff Photo: TME Iranian people as you strive for a better future. And we will continue to support I join my colleagues from all the other Sir David Amess British delegation to take part in this you until Iran is free. parties in Parliament who are represented rally to free Iran…. We Brits want here today to stand in solidarity with you Madame Rajavi, ladies and gentle- the Iranian people to enjoy the same Sir David Amess is a Member of and the brave people of Iran who have men, it is a huge privilege for the freedoms that we do…. We stand united Parliament in the United Kingdom. risen up against the ayatollahs and their murderous, authoritarian regime. The time for a change of policy towards Iran A S PECI AL R EPO is long overdue. United Kingdom and our colleagues in the European Union should NCRI’s 10-point plan achievable join with the United States in recogniz- ing democratic aspirations of the people of Iran and the desire for freedom and Dr. Matthew Offord by her. The plan offers the people of democracy. European leaders must now T P R EP Iran a free democratic and secular Iran recognize the mullahs’ regime for what it Earlier this year, we saw in Iran based on freedom of speech, freedom of is. It’s a terrorist regime which exports ter- AR E D B what I thought was a glimmer of hope religion, and respect for religious ethnic rorism through Hezbollah…. It can never
as thousands of people rose up against minorities, gender equality, rule of law, be a partner for peace in the Middle East. Y T H E W the regime. Today, we have to be the and peaceful coexistence in the world. The United Kingdom and the EU must voice and the hope and the glimmer So today our voices must go out through recognize the NCRI and Madame Rajavi’s of hope for those very same people. the media, our word through social 10-point plan for the future of Iran. And INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP Those people like ourselves who want media, and let the mullahs know that they must also initiate a process of ac- an alternative to the mullahs and the there is a plan and there is an alternative countability at the U.N. to hold the regime supreme leader’s rulings, people who to their regime… and its leaders to account for decades of want peace, safety, security, and stabil- human rights abuses and for the massa- ity…. I commend Madame Rajavi for Dr. Matthew Offord is a Member of cring of thousands of political prisoners. her 10-point plan for showing the world Parliament in the United Kingdom. and the mullahs that not only is a plan Roger Godsiff is a Member of Photo: TME available but that it can be achieved Parliament in the United Kingdom. THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Iranian women are standing bravely AR TMENT
Theresa Villiers dictator.” I have huge admiration for their Let us all hope that one day Mrs. Rajavi
courage and their determination. is able to put into effect her 10-point plan, | Thursday • July 19 • 2018 I’m proud to be standing shoulder to These women are brave enough to and finally we will see an Iran that is free shoulder with so many other elected rep- protest and stand up against the manda- of the brutal repression of the mullahs, resentatives from around the world who tory dress code imposed on them by the free of the cruelty and human rights abuse have gathered here to show support for regime. They’re brave enough to chal- to which it’s been subjected for far too the Iranian people and their struggle for lenge the legal system that treats them long, and free at last to pursue a demo- justice and for freedom. I want especially as property and not people. And they’re cratic future where men and women have to highlight the Iranian women who are brave enough to stand up against all of the an equal chance to follow their dreams, risking so much to be part of a move- oppression of human rights to which they make their own choices, and succeed in ment that is calling for change and reform are subject. They are prepared to stand up whichever field of life they want to. Photo: TME and democracy. These are women who for their right to equality and dignity, even bravely stand in the face of repressive if this could lead to harassment and the Theresa Villiers is a Member of security forces and shout, “down with the risk of reprisals from a brutal regime. Parliament in the United Kingdom. 17 ‘Your future will be our future’
Parliament. The group of friends for a Free Iran has been there for many years. Every one of 751 members of the Euro- pean Parliament belongs to this group. Just a few months ago, more than 200 members of the European Parlia- ment supported a resolution in support of democratic change in Iran, in sup- port of people who demonstrated even yesterday for the freedom, dignity, and social and human rights… I think the moment has arrived to understand that we have to end the hope that butchers can become more human and civilized. Photo: TME As freely elected members of Parlia- ment from all around Europe, we have one choice — to support the freedom, We understand restoration of freedom and dignity for Photo: TME Iranian people. your struggle As I said, common future. Your future Tunne Kelam 10 years ago when it was situated in Iraq. will be our future — to live in freedom, It is important to know that this is Ashraf survived, thanks to solidarity dignity, and solidarity. Ben-Oni Ardelean our common fight. It’s not only for free- and support. And today, there are 1,000 dom of Iran, but for the dignity and soli- ashrafs in Iran itself. And it’s our job to Tunne Kelam is a Member of We are here on the podium with some darity of all of us, all European states, all support them. European Parliament from Estonia. our brothers from Moldova. We come the states in the world. I visited Ashraf We here represent European from Romania, two former communist countries, and we very much understand what is going on in Iran right now because we lived under those conditions. When people were murdered, when people were
TMENT taken from their homes during the night
AR ‘We are with you in every step’ and brought into the prison, when people were arrested all over Romania — so Ingrid Betancourt To the thousands and thousands of many who suffered during the time, in- women leading the protests — mothers, cluding my family. That’s why we are here Since last December 28th, we are daughters, wives, sisters of the martyrs to say very frankly that we very much witnessing how Maryam Rajavi has of the 1988 massacre — to the young understand what is going on right now been delivering what she promised. people of Iran throwing stones, burn- in Iran, and we very much support you Here in this same forum some years ago, ing the dictators’ portraits, attacking the as an opposition… We all want to enjoy she announced a thousand Ashrafs to stronghold of the corrupt regime of the democracy, and we all want to support topple the corrupt theocratic dictator- mullahs, to the 80 million Iranians held human rights, and we all want to support ship in Iran. And that is happening right hostage by the Iranian tyrants, we are what’s going on here because we believe now. Maryam Rajavi’s determination with you in every step. We are with you that we have to be a free society.... I want has brought this thousand Ashrafs to inch by inch in the path to democracy. right now to encourage you to keep going life inside Iran. But it is the courage, the We are with you in every heartbeat, in on... because we are the ones to be on the D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON sacrifice paid with blood, and the love of every cry, in every tear, in every wound, right side of the society in our days. those who are fighting in the streets in with you until you are finally free. all the provinces, in all the capitals, and Ben-Oni Ardelean is a Member of Y T H E W Photo: TME also in Tehran, that will bring this upris- Ingrid Betancourt is a former Senator Parliament in Romania and Vice ing to victory. in the Republic of Colombia. Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies. AR E D B T P R EP The resistance has shaken regime ‘to its core’
Lars Rise resistance. And most of all, the extraor- 100,000, confirms the quality of this AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
dinary leadership of Mrs. Maryam Ra- movement. And we enjoy bipartisan | We are here as a delegation of Swe- javi. We have seen that the resistance international recognition and support den, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and is in fact the strongest democratic op- from the United States, from Europe, Norway, and we even have our vice position any country has abroad today. and Arab countries. With all the dif- president from our Parliament. We All of this shows that this movement is ferent plots carried out by the regime admire each one of you, the thousands a powerful alternative to the religious against our movement, all the efforts of brave women and men who took dictatorship in Iran. This movement to produce false information about part in the uprising in Iran lately. The has the capability of bringing not only what they called insignificant work, it uprising was organized by the resis- democracy and human rights to Iran shows how much the regime fears its tance, as we know, and has shaken the but also peace and tranquility to the alternative. Photo: TME Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday regime to its core. We have witnessed region, including security for Europe. the strong and impressive organization, Such a gathering like this, organized Lars Rise is a former Member 18 the efficiency and capabilities of the with the participation of more than of Parliament in Norway. ‘Our choice is to help you’
Pandeli Majko
We in Albania don’t speak your language. But I hope that we under- stand very well each other from another language, the language of the heart. And this is the reason we are making a differ- ence in such difficult times for Iranian people…. Having the horse doesn’t means that you are a knight. Having boxes to vote — this does not mean that you are free to vote… Helping Assad that killed his people with chemical weapons or helping Iranian people that are in need — our choice is to help you. And this is the reason that 3,000 Iranians are sheltered in Albania. They are in our faith, and Albanian faith is a word large, Photo: TME like world. We are waiting to see you soon back in Tehran.
Former Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Only Majko also served as Albania’s Defense Photo: TME Minister and a Member of Parliament. ‘dream for
‘We remember your heroes’ being free’ A S PECI AL R EPO
Anna Elžbieta Fotyga who are responsible for massacres in lasts forever Iran to justice. Invincible people of Free Iran, I really We support ordinary people of Iran, Fatmir Mediu T P R EP salute you. I salute your great leader, those who live there in your beautiful Maryam Rajavi. We in European Parlia- country in most difficult circumstances. Many people ask why Albanians AR E D B ment, we in most of the EU member We really admire their courage, their re- offered to help our friends from Iran.
states, in whole Europe, we really admire solve to make their country free, and we We have suffered, as you are suffering, Y T H E W her efforts to bring justice, to bring pros- stand by you in European Parliament. for 50 long years under a dictatorship perity, and most of all to bring freedom with people that were led by greed and to her own people. We remember your Anna ElŽbieta Fotyga is a Member of hate for their own people. The same INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP heroes, and believe me, we stand by you European Parliament from Poland and is happening today in your country: Photo: TME in promoting truth and bringing those former Foreign Minister of Poland. greed, hate, imprisoning and killing have replaced humanity and love of freedom. Poverty has replaced prosperity. Des- peration has replaced happiness. Since the end of 2017 and nowadays, ‘Iran will be free, democratic and Iran’s people are standing up for their freedom and their liberty, and we are here to support them. THE WASHINGTON TIMES governed by rule of law’ Many brave men and women in your country have stood up. Many have sac- rificed their lives. But they do not need Marcin Swiecicki recent months, after all this persecu- just the words of sorrow. They need the tion, they are not ready even to have a ones that believe in freedom and liberty, AR TMENT I came from Poland, from a country dialogue with their own society. Instead democracy and stand up to do their part. where brave people with imagination or- of dialogue, they are sending them to No power lasts forever. No man lasts
ganized the workers’ movement, Solidar- prisons… torturing them, killing them. So forever. Only one thing lasts forever: the | Thursday • July 19 • 2018 ity. This movement, despite repression, it is time to drop illusions and to organize dream for being free. Dream for happi- despite martial law, brought freedom, de- support for the Iranian opposition. ness for our lives, our families, and our mocracy, and rule of law to Poland. I do U.S. and EU should coordinate their children. The firm belief that what was believe that you can have the same. You support for Iranian resistance and given by God cannot be taken by man. have Maryam Rajavi, a great leader. You prepare and help to bring change. I am Liberty will never perish. So never give have your National Council of Resistance sure that you will win, and Iran will be up. Never, never, never give up. of Iran that also seems to be prepared free, democratic and governed by the for democracy. There will be no chaos. rule of law. Albanian Republican Party There will be transition to democracy Chairman Fatmir Mediu has served and rule of law. Former Polish Minister for Foreign as Albania’s Minister of Defense and Photo: TME I could read that there are moderate Economic Relations Marcin Swiecicki Minister of Environment, Forests people in Iran ready for dialogue. After also served as Mayor of Warsaw. and Water Administration. 19 1 2
Among the#FREEIRAN2018 tens of thousands of people who attended the June 30 Grand Gathering of Iranians were delegations of attendees from numerous nations. These delegations included (1) Great Britain, (2) French Parliamentarians, (3) French Mayors, (4) European, (5) women leaders form several nations, (6) Albania, (7) Syria, (8) Arab, (9) Palestine, (10) Romania, continued on next page (11) Iranian Scholars, and (12) Iranians Americans-Europeans. TMENT AR
3 4 5 D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON Y T H E W AR E D B T P R EP Photo: TME The three MCs for the event: from left, Alex Taylor, 6 Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad, and Anette Burgdorf 7 AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
| Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday 20 8 9 10 Each one can be a ‘center of rebellion’ Pariya Kohandel dictatorships of the monarchy or the theocracy. Hail to the centers of rebellion; our We will fight to ensure that the Ira- hearts beats with theirs, and they are at nian people have a free choice, and today the forefront of the nationwide uprisings. this fate is in the hands of each and every I came out of Iran three years ago, one of us. and there are some here who exited the We are proud to have Maryam Rajavi country in the past few months. as a woman leading this alternative. She After 30 years of vilification in history has been the mullahs’ nightmare for all books at schools and propaganda on these years. city walls and public places, and after 39 Each one of us can be a center of years of spreading lies against the most rebellion, a rebel seeking to overthrow powerful opposition against the mullahs, the regime. we are still here, more than ever before, and today we have gathered here to tell Pariya Kohandel, whose father has been the tyrant Khamenei: Look where we’ve imprisoned by the Iranian regime for his gotten. Yes, you have failed to separate affiliation with the Mujahedin-e Khalq, the MEK from their beloved compatriots. Photo: TME left Iran three years ago to join the op- We have made a pledge that we will Villepinte, June 30, 2018 - Several dozen Iranian activists who were involved in the anti- position movement. She was 11 years old fight until the end and until we regain government protests and have recently left Iran, attended the #FreeIran2018 rally to when security forces arrested her father. our homeland Iran, an Iran without the express support for the Iranian people. Pariya Kohandel is at the podium. A S PECI AL R EPO
Golestan Province, north Iran – Activists holding up pictures of Mrs. Rajavi, voicing support for the Free Tehran, Azadi Square, Free Iran, Qom, activists posting pictures of T P R EP Iran Rally in Paris. Uprising with Resistance Units, Join us Mrs. Rajavi. in Villepinte, France on June 30, 2018. AR E D B Y T H E W INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP
Mashhad, northeast Iran – Vakil Tehran, Officer holding up placard, Resistance units hold a banner in Tehran: Free Iran, Uprising with Resistance Units Until THE WASHINGTON TIMES Mosque, activist holding up placard Free Iran with the logo of the support of FreeIran2018 Rally. Victory. in support of FreeIran2018 Rally. FreeIran2018 Rally. AR TMENT | Thursday • July 19 • 2018
11 12 21 ‘We are the countless’
ruling regime has entered a new phase prisoners, we pay homage for all those following the January 2018 nationwide who made the ultimate sacrifice to sow uprising. The Iranian regime is believ- the seeds of resistance and persever- ing in themselves to change the ruling ance. The thought of honoring the system and participate in shaping their Iranian people’s movement in Iran own future. It can be said with utmost without the rule of the theocracy is certainty that the people are seeking magnificent. We, as the Organization of change not through any change within Iranian People’s Fedayeen Guerrillas, the ruling establishment nor through a member of the Iranian Resistance, a foreign military intervention, but by hope that we can hold this gathering in relying on their own struggle and resis- a free, prosperous, and democratic Iran tance. Those who raise the specter of next year. As Mrs. Maryam Rajavi said, Iran becoming another Syria are either victory will come. We are the count- inadvertently ignoring the reality of less — and will unite and organize to struggle of Iran’s men and women or bring about the overthrow of the cleri- Photo: TME have specific interests in maintaining cal regime. the status quo. The result would be Zinat Mirhashemi prolonging the clerical regime’s hold Zinat Mirhashemi is editor of Nabard-e on power. Khalq, published by the People’s Fedayeen Photo: TME The reality is that the face-off On the anniversary of the June 20, Guerrilla Organization of Iran. between the Iranian people and the 1981, the day of martyrs and political Support full Oppressors will never equality of be welcomed Iran’s men TMENT R
AR Council of Resistance of Iran is the democratic alternative to the clerical and women organized and democratic alternative regime. Except for freedom fighters in to the regime, and no one else can play Iran and in Kurdistan, no other ... party Michèle de Vaucouleurs that role. We have heard from some can speak on behalf of the people of people speaking about the remnants of Kurdistan, who will never welcome A year ago, when newly elected the Shah’s regime as being the alter- anyone who has oppressed the people and I spoke to you, France had just native. The people of Kurdistan will of Iran. experienced a great political change. never welcome dictatorship. The town Without doubt, this regime will be This year, your country has gone into Photo: TME of Baneh, the home of Mamusta Ostad overthrown, and all of us will return to a great upheaval with the popular Jalal Hosseini, the founder of Khebat a free Iran. uprisings that shook the country last Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini organization, will never welcome an January and continue across the coun- oppressor. We, as Khebat Organization Kak Baba Sheikh Hosseini is try calling for the end of the religious In the view of the Iranian Kurdis- and a large part of the people of Kurdis- Secretary-General of the Iranian dictatorship ... and in recent days at tan’s Khebat Organization, the National tan, re-emphasize that the NCRI is sole Kurdistan’s Khebat Organization. the grand bazaar of Tehran and other D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON major cities… With my colleagues of different political sensibilities, we support the ideal and the hope of a Y T H E W true democracy for Iran that would put an end to the death penalty cruelly
AR E D B ‘We assure you we will applied by this regime. [We support] a true democracy respecting the separa- T P R EP work together’ tion between religion and the state, true democracy ensuring full equality between women and men. That is why and the Yemeni people. the same as happened in Iran 40 years we invited President Maryam Rajavi to We are confident that the heroic ago when the Khomeinists controlled the National Assembly to listen to her Iranian people and President Maryam Tehran. The success of it is mentioned analysis and support her initiatives for AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
Rajavi, the a symbol of determination, only the spawning of small terrorist a free and democratic Iran. | will prevail in the near future. We have organizations such as the Houthis, As a woman politician, I welcome all the will and uphold the principles Hezbollah and others, the popular the prominent role of women in the of truth, law, peace, stability, love and uprisings in Iran and the liberation of Iranian resistance, and I salute the development, and tomorrow we will Hodeidah coincide, and these promises courage of these women who defy the Photo: TME see it soon. We assure you that we will of hope and victory are coming. regime’s repressive forces to support work together to curb and stop the bla- the aspirations of the Iranian people Amb. Riyadh Yaseen tant interference of the Iranian regime. Amb. Riyadh Yaseen is the and their determination to see the era The deterioration of the infrastructure Yemeni Ambassador to France of democracy in Iran. It is an honor for us to be with you and the humanitarian situation that my and former Foreign Minister.
Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday in these historic days and to convey country has suffered since the coup Michèle de Vaucouleurs is a Member of to you the greetings of His Excellency of the militias and its control by force, the French National Assembly from the 22 President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi violence, killing and threats, is exactly Ruling Democratic Movement Party. Statement by 33 Former Senior U.S. Officials & Dignitaries in Support of Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point Plan for the Future of Iran
Signatories:
Amb. J. Kenneth Blackwell Col. (Ret.) Wesley M. Martin - Former U.S. Representative, - Former U.S. Military United Nations Human Rights Commander for Camp Ashraf, Commission Senior Antiterrorism Officer – Iraq, U.S. Army Amb. Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr. - Former Special Envoy and R. Bruce McColm - President, Assistant Secretary of State Institute for Democratic Strategies Col. (Ret.) Thomas V. Cantwell - Former Col. (Ret.) Gary Morsch, M.D., Commander for Camp Ashraf, M.P.H. - Former Senior Medical U.S. Army Officer at Camp Ashraf, Iraq, U.S. Army Reserve Glenn L. Carle - Former Deputy National Intelligence Hon. Michael Mukasey - Officer for Transnational Former U.S. Attorney General Threats, National Intelligence Council Brig. Gen. (Ret.) David Phillips - Former U.S. Military Photo: TME Gen. (Ret.) George W. Casey, Commander for Camp Ashraf, Jr. - Former U.S. Army Chief of U.S. Army Villepinte, France, June 30, 2018 — Mrs. Rajavi receives statement of support from the American delegation. Staff and Commander of Multi- National Forces – Iraq Amb. Mitchell B. Reiss - Former Special Envoy to the
EXCERPTS: Linda Chavez - Former Northern Ireland Peace Process A S PECI AL R EPO Assistant to the President For The National Council of the Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its principal constituent, the MEK, have long embraced democratic Public Liaison; Chairman of the Hon. Edward Rendell Center for Equal Opportunity - Former Governor of values. The resistance movement has demonstrated its widespread roots within Iranian society. Pennsylvania, former Chairman Gen. (Ret.) James T. Conway of the Democratic National We, the American Delegation to the 2018 annual rally for a Free Iran, are proud to stand with colleagues from all over the world - Former Commandant U.S. Committee and the many friends of the NCRI, whose members have firmly stood for decades against religious dictatorship, enduring heavy Marine Corps T P R EP personal costs. At a time when partisanship is shaping American politics, we are united in bipartisan solidarity, speaking with one Amb. Bill Richardson - Former Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula Governor of New Mexico, voice and reflecting our common American values and principles as we join the call for liberty, justice and an end to repression - Former Deputy Chief of Staff former U.S. Secretary of Energy AR E D B for the people of Iran... Here is our vision for an American policy toward Iran: for Intel, Surveillance, and and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Reconnaissance, U.S. Air Force For too long, the world has turned its back on the Tehran regime’s brutal denial of the Iranian people’s basic rights. We stand Hon. Tom Ridge - Former Y T H E W with Iran’s citizens in calling for legitimate, accountable and honest government that serves the people. Hon. Louis J. Freeh - Former Governor of Pennsylvania, Director, FBI former U.S. Secretary of
Homeland Security INGTONASH TIME S Speci al Section s D EP The protests that arose across 142 cities and towns in Iran, beginning in December 2017 and have continued since then, are Hon. Newt Gingrich - Former a plea for freedom from a captive nation... We stand with the 80 million citizens of Iran in their call for dignity and freedom... Speaker of the U.S. House of Prof. John Sano - Former Representatives Deputy Director, National For years many of us have attended the annual rally, and some of us stay in frequent contact with the NCRI, a relationship Clandestine Service, CIA Amb. Marc Ginsberg - Former that has drawn criticism from some in the U.S. With this experience and exposure to the NCRI, we can clearly see that much of U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Prof. Ivan Sascha Sheehan - the American press and foreign policy community, in downplaying the NCRI’s true agenda, popularity, level of organization, and Executive Director, School of support among Iranians, are either uninformed or coloring their reporting to avoid incurring the regime’s disfavor. Repeated state- Hon. Rudy Giuliani - Former Public & International Affairs, ments this year by the Supreme Leader and other regime figures clearly affirm the NCRI’s role inside Iran enabling the people to New York City Mayor, University of Baltimore communicate, organize and remain informed despite regime efforts to police the information domain and suppress dissent. We Presidential Candidate Hon. Eugene Sullivan - Retired THE WASHINGTON TIMES call upon the media and foreign-policy expert community to report accurately on the popularity, size, organization and above all, Gen. (Ret.) James L. Jones Chief Judge for U.S. Court of the political agenda of the NCRI, summarized in Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan for the future of Iran. - Former U.S. Marine Corps Appeals for the Armed Forces Commandant, NATO We believe that much of the commentary in the U.S. about “regime change” obscures the right, the potential, and the capacity Commander, National Security Prof. Raymond Tanter - of the Iranian people to resist tyranny and to govern themselves well if given the chance. We see no need for, nor do we recom- Advisor to the President Former Personal Representative of the Secretary of Defense to AR mend consideration of, foreign military intervention; indeed, no one is calling for this. The NCRI has rejected the idea of foreign Amb. Robert Joseph - Former Arms Control Negotiations TMENT intervention, stressing that ending this regime’s repressive reign is the task of the Iranian people. We do not assume that change in Undersecretary of State for Iran would lead to war or chaos, given the national pride and aspirations of this population. On the contrary, we believe that demo- Arms Control and International Hon. Robert Torricelli -
Security Former U.S. Senator for New |
cratic change in Iran would do more than any other single event to enable stability and calm the fires of extremism in the region. Thursday • July 19 • 2018 Jersey Hon. Patrick Kennedy - Our delegation is going to Paris this year to support the NCRI, firmly believing that the current regime is vulnerable to the Former U.S. Representative for Frances M. Townsend - popular movement seeking an end to tyranny and corruption. The NCRI and its principal constituent, the MEK, have long em- Rhode Island Former Homeland Security braced democratic values. The resistance movement has demonstrated its widespread roots within Iranian society, its resilience Advisor to the President in the face of unimaginably difficult circumstances, its impressive organizational prowess, and its ability to expose secrets that Hon. Joseph I. Lieberman Tehran is determined to keep from the Iranian people and the world at large. This organization has spent years preparing for a - Former U.S. Senator for Gen. (Ret.) Charles F. Wald - Connecticut Former Deputy Commander of calm and genuinely democratic transition of power to the elected representatives of the Iranian people — whomever the people U.S. European Command, U.S. may choose in the fullest exercise of their long-deferred freedom.... Lt. Col. (Ret.) Leo McCloskey Air Force - Former U.S. Military Our vision for a bipartisan U.S. policy — one that stands for the basic rights of all Iranians, demands an end to Iran’s threats to Commander For Camp Ashraf, peace and security, and respects the people’s capacity to govern themselves competently as a free people — will only strengthen U.S. Army as these truths are finally brought to light. 23 TMENT AR D EP al SectionS TIME S Speci ASH INGTON Y T H E W AR E D B T P R EP AL R EPO A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON
| Thursday • July 19 • 2018 • July Thursday 24