ONWARDS TO FREEDOM IN IR AN BIPARTISAN VOICES CALL FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE

A Special Report Prepared by The Washington Times Advocacy Department and the Organization of Iranian American Communities – U.S. Iranian dissidents call for regime change

By The Washington Times whom also voiced support for the plight of Saturday’s rally was a marathon that She also referred broadly to a “resis- the National Council of Resistance of Iran. included more than nine hours of speeches tance” movement that she claimed has Yet the most vitriolic remarks at the and musical performances. The National grown inside Iran during recent years even LE BOURGET, France | Tens of thousands rally, which occurred Saturday, came from Council of Resistance of Iran has come to as the government has cracked down on of supporters of a dissident Iranian opposi- the American delegation, which included be known during more recent years as per- opposition. tion group filled a vast convention hall here former governors Bill Richardson and Tom haps the only dissent group on the planet “Despite the intensification of the sup- over the weekend to call for the downfall Ridge, former George W. Bush adminis- with enough money and political juice to pression over the past couple of years, we of Iran’s theocratic government. tration U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton rally tens of thousands of supporters in have witnessed a growing interest among The massive and boisterous event, — and included a presentation of video the heart of Europe each June behind a the Iranian people, especially women and which occurs annually in this town just statements from several current members collective call for the overthrow of Iran’s youth, toward the Iranian Resistance,” north of Paris, was led by the controversial of Congress. Shiite Islamist government. Mrs. Rajavi said. “The opposition to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, a Mr. Gingrich stoked the crowd by la- No one disputes that the National Coun- regime is expanding. The Resistance’s network inside Iran is much more active in terms of organizing strikes, protests, sit-ins and other protest acts inside the country and even inside prisons. The Resistance has had numerous achievements in this regard.” She also pushed back against charac- terizations of the National Council and its various affiliate organizations as acting like a cult. “The source of these allegations is the Iranian regime’s intelligence ministry,” she said. “The regime’s lobbies in the West paint the Iranian opposition as a ‘cult’ or ‘terrorist group’ lacking popular support. By doing so, they want to perpetuate the notion that there is no other alternative for Iran except dealing with the ruling religious dictatorship. “I have said repeatedly that we are not

t m ent fighting to obtain power in Iran,” Mrs. Ra- ar javi said. “We are not even fighting for a share of power. We are fighting to create a y Dep

c situation where the people of Iran are able a to freely elect the people they choose. I oc and our movement will certainly support anyone who is elected through the ballot box in the course of free and fair elections monitored internationally.” PHOTO: TME On a separate front, the National Coun- T i m e s A dv ton cil leader said that state political freedom France-based umbrella group for Iranian menting the Obama administration-backed cil has influence — some even describe it and human rights have only worsened in exiles that brought dozens of former U.S., nuclear deal. The accord went into effect a as the largest Iranian dissident group in the Iran since the inking of last year’s nuclear European and Middle Eastern officials year ago this week and saw many economic world. But the organization’s persistence deal. together to speak out on its behalf. sanctions on Iran lifted in exchange for an and tactics have given it a double-edged “The pace of executions has intensi-

Y Th e Wash in g A bipartisan clutch of Americans, in- agreement by Tehran to curtail its long- reputation even among some of Iran’s fied,” she said. cluding former House Speaker Newt Gin- disputed nuclear program. Western critics. While the Obama administration lifted grich, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, The “dictatorship” in Iran “cannot be National Council leader Maryam Rajavi many economic sanctions on Iran under AR E D B former FBI Director Louis Freeh and a host trusted,” Mr. Gingrich said, adding that headlined Saturday’s rally with a demand last year’s nuclear accord, the State De- of others was on hand. “the agreement made with it is insane.” that Washington abandon the Iranian partment has continued to list the nation But perhaps the most eye-opening Mr. Bolton went even further. “There is nuclear accord and take a far more aggres- as a state sponsor of terrorism, and inter- speech came from a key figure of the Saudi only one answer here: to support legitimate sive posture toward Tehran. national sanctions remain on the Islamic royal family, whose posture toward Iran’s opposition groups that favor overthrow- Mrs. Rajavi has led the movement since Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). leadership has grown increasingly tense ing the military theocratic dictatorship in its founder — her husband, Massoud Ra- But Mrs. Rajavi suggested the remain- during the year since world powers put Tehran,” he said. “Let me be very clear: It javi — went into hiding in 2003. In an email ing sanctions were irrelevant. in place a major nuclear accord with the should be the declared policy of the United interview ahead of the rally, she said par- She criticized, for instance, the prospec- ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

Islamic republic. States of America and all its friends to do ticipants “represent the voice of millions of tive agreement that has made headlines | Prince Turki bin Faisal Al-Saud, the for- just that at the earliest opportunity.” Iranians who are being oppressed in their recently between Boeing and the gov- mer longtime Saudi intelligence chief, drew Both men appeared on stage with Mr. country and who seek regime change and ernment in Tehran, asserting that if the loud cheers and applause from the Iranian Richardson, a Democrat, who said he was the establishment of a democratic, pluralist deal goes through, planes made by the dissident crowd when he exclaimed that he “proud to be here with Speaker Gingrich and non-nuclear government based on the American aerospace giant “will directly too wants the government in Tehran to be and Ambassador Bolton,” and told the separation of religion and state.” or indirectly be used by the IRGC” and overthrown and that their “fight against the crowd that American “Democrats and “Their expectation of the next U.S. “will facilitate the regime’s activities for regime will reach its goal sooner or later.” Republicans are together here fighting president, as with other Western leaders, sending forces and arms to Syria and other In a sign that Arab frustration toward with you.” is to abandon the policy of appeasement, countries in the region.” Tehran reaches far beyond Saudi Arabia, All three were flanked by multiple which emboldens the Tehran regime to This article is excerpted from a staff

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday Prince Turki was preceded on stage by a movie screen-size displays carrying the intensify the suppression of the Iranian report that appeared in The Washington delegation of several other former and cur- slogan: “Free Iran. Our Pledge: Regime people while continuing the policy of ex- Times on July 11, 2016. 2 rent officials from 12 Arab nations — all of Change.” porting terrorism to the region,” she said. The Iranian people will eliminate the dictatorship

the dictatorship is coming together to as a threat to civilization. important act of citizenship... that you end the regime and bring freedom back What you are doing by being here — are making a difference, that you are part to Iran. by bringing all of these delegations who of history, and that with your contin- We are in the middle of an election ued commitment you are winning the campaign in America, and the nature of argument. the Iranian dictatorship is a big key issue We are in the middle of And that’s part of what having in that election. There are no moder- an election campaign Prince Turki Al Faisal meant. The fact ates in the dictatorship. The dictatorship that he would come here is a tribute to cannot be trusted. The agreement made in America, and the your commitment, it’s a tribute to your with it is insane. Giving money to the nature of the Iranian involvement. And so I want you to know leading state sponsor of terrorism makes dictatorship is a big key that the message I will take home to no sense, and every single day, when issue in that election. America is that there are thousands and they rejected the U.N., the dictatorship thousands of Iranians who are prepared, has said to the West, “We’ll sign anything There are no moderates who are ready, who are committed and you want. It just has no meaning. Give us in the dictatorship. The who believe that we can truly bring PHOTO: TME the money.” They have methodically out- dictatorship cannot be democracy to Iran. Newt Gingrich maneuvered the diplomats of the United Let me say for the years we’ve been States and European countries. trusted. The agreement Mr. Gingrich, a Republican, is former together, the times we have met both We have an obligation with your made with it is insane. speaker of the House of Representa- here and in America, it is a particularly help to communicate one key fact — tives and former U.S. representative of great honor to have the opportunity to with support, with encouragement, come from all around the world, by get- Georgia’s 6th Congressional District. follow Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, with a systematic effort: The people of ting the news media to pay attention to These excerpts are from remarks he who being here sends such a powerful Iran will rise against the dictatorship, the importance of your cause — I want gave at the July 9 rally in Paris. signal that everyone who is opposed to and we will eliminate the dictatorship each of you to know that being here is an War criminals ‘should be treated’ as such A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP I also want to congratulate the next year, and next year will be the last made by the Iranian intelligence com- resistance on the size of this crowd. year we’re here, because the year after munity to blow up the Jewish center I do want to thank the State Depart- next year we’re going to be having this in Buenos Aires in Argentina. These ment. I’ve had a lot of harsh words for convention in Tehran. people are war criminals and they the State Department over the years We’ve heard a lot about it, and I’m should be treated as war criminals. on the issue of keeping their word to not going to go through all the statis- We want somebody who just hap- the people now at Liberty and before tics, but not only have they murdered pens to be here, with a 10-point plan in

at Ashraf. And the State Department 2,500 of their own people in the last Iran, to support people of all religions. AR E D B still has a long way to go. We still have three years under the supposed mod- We want in Iran what you are asking about a little over a thousand pe ople erate Rouhani, but they have helped for, which is a secular government that in g Y Th e Wash who are political prisoners held in Iraq murder 250,000 Syrian civilians by respects Christians, as well as Muslims PHOTO: TME — supposedly our ally whom we’re supporting the Butcher of Damascus, as well as Zoroastrians, as well as Jews. Howard Dean giving billions of dollars to every year Bashar al-Assad. We appreciate Madame Rajavi — and for some reason we can’t seem And let me remind my Americans Mr. Dean is a medical doctor, former and all of you for the opportunity to to get these folks out in a timely way. at home that this is not just a matter of governor of Vermont and former chair- find common ground. And I hope we But at least we have made progress something that is going on in Iraq or man of the Democratic National Com- ton T i m e s A dv can do that more after this coming since the last time we were here. And Iran.... Rafsanjani and Khamenei were mittee. These excerpts are from remarks election. I very much hope that we are here in the room when the decision was he delivered at the July 9 rally in Paris. THE WASHINGTON TIMES oc a c Iranian freedom has worldwide support y Dep ar t m ent Bill Richardson States — they’re all here. The movement The world must stand with the Iranian grows; you’ve grown enormously. people and demand the end of the human

Was that a great speech by President- Can there be change in Iran, and can rights violations and suppression in Iran. | Thursday • July 14 • 2016 elect Rajavi? [applause with YES] Was that you be the agents of change? [applause Iran should remove their forces from a huge accomplishment, a huge message, with YES] Can the mullahs be the agents Syria. And we should stand behind the by having a member of the Saudi royal of change? [No!] You know, they continue men and women at Camp Liberty. Free family here? [applause] their support of terrorism, they continue Iran. In America, Democrats and Republi- the executions and human rights viola- cans are fighting each other in the election. tions, they continue to help Bashar Assad Mr. Richardson, a Democrat, is a former But today, Democrats and Republicans in Syria. There are no internal reforms in governor and congressman from New are here with you. And you have so much Iran. Will you be the democratic alterna- Mexico, a former U.S. ambassador to the support from around the world, from par- tive in Iran that will bring human rights United Nations and a former U.S. energy liamentarians, from leaders from Africa, and freedom and democracy? [applause secretary. These excerpts are from his Asia, Europe, Latin America, the United with YES] remarks to the July 9 rally in Paris. PHOTO: TME 3 ‘It’s time to say enough’ to human rights abuses

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY); I intend to introduce legislation that dialogue on this matter. Chairman, Senate Democratic will hold the regime accountable for Policy Committee: its blatant support of terrorism… We Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC); Member all know Iran’s leadership deliberately Armed Services Committee: To all of those gathered in Paris arms and trains Iraqi Shia militias to today attending this conference call- destabilize Iraq; they’re backing a dic- I am deeply troubled by the escala- ing for a free and democratic Iran, I tator in Syria who drops barrel bombs tion of human rights violations in express my solidarity with you... The on his own people; and they’re backing Iran and the fragile situation in Iraq, Iranian culture is an amalgam of tradi- a rebel movement in Yemen that re- which places your loved ones at Camp tions with ancient and unique roots. So fuses to consider any political process Liberty in grave danger. Fortunately, many people in that nation are hard- that could end the civil strife. through strong bipartisan support in working, well-educated, and family- The fact is Iran is interested in Congress, we are making some prog- oriented people. But for too long, the working with us only to the extent that ress to ensure the safety and security Iranian regime has not reflected the it protects its interests in pursuing its of the brave men and women at Camp qualities and desires of its people... If hegemonic goals in the region. Liberty. only the Iranian people could be set Let us hope and pray that, inshal- free from the awful regime they have, lah — God willing — the work we they would be a beacon of strength not are doing will improve the safety and Official Government Photo only in the Middle East and Central security of the MEK members at Camp Sen. John McCain (R-AZ); Asia, but to the whole world. Liberty. For that, we stand in solidarity Chairman, Armed Services today. Committee: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ); Member Foreign Relations Sen. John Boozman (R-AR); As you boldly call for democracy Member Appropriations and human rights in Iran, the Ameri- Committee: can people stand with you in your We come together to demand that Committee: fight against violence, oppression and the people in Camp Liberty live in As you know, I am an active mem- terrorism in Iran. Your display of unity safety and security — no longer the ber of the Iran Human Rights and

t m ent is an inspiration to our nation and its targets of terrorist acts... Democracy Caucus, which aims to ar people, who like you, sacrifice blood shed light on the efforts of the Iranian and treasure in pursuit of freedom. people to bring change and democracy y Dep

c Unfortunately, the nuclear agree- to their country. I am disturbed by the a ment has not tempered Iran’s behavior rising number of human rights viola- oc nor has it improved human rights tions in Iran and the fragile situation in conditions in Iran. Instead, this danger- Iraq, which endangers your loved ones OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO ous agreement has empowered Iran at Camp Liberty. Camp Liberty is not only a humani- to be more aggressive in its malign tarian issue, it is a symbol of hope and activities and hegemonic ambitions in inspiration to young people in Iran. T i m e s A dv ton the region, all while receiving tens of A spirit of defiance and resistance is billions of dollars in sanctions relief.... alive and well at Camp Liberty, thanks We must do more to counter the dan- to the brave men and women who live gerous threat that Iran’s actions pose. there, and it is especially important We must resolve to stop the spread of that this spirit continues to thrive. We

Y Th e Wash in g radical terrorism and we must stand must do everything we can to ensure united with our friends at this danger- that these brave people are safe and ous hour. secure while they remain at Camp AR E D B Liberty, and to hold the government of Iraq accountable for their actions. Official Government Photo Since the implementation of the I’m heartened that foreign govern- Iran nuclear agreement in July of last ments, U.S. officials, UN representa- year, Iran’s military and intelligence tives, and Iraqi leaders recognize the operatives have stepped up their importance of the security of the destabilizing activities across the people of Camp Liberty… But, clearly, Middle East, sowing sectarian ten- ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

the danger is real…We were reminded sions and increasing their influence | OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO of it again in the attacks on Camp Lib- in places like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, erty on July 4th... The U.S. remains committed to Yemen and Bahrain. Clearly, this must I call on Iraqi officials to do every- democracy, human rights, civil liber- stop, and this is exactly what your thing in their power to prevent further ties, and the rule of law, and supports event is about. It is about enacting attacks... and be part of a safe, secure, the Iranian people in their calls for a real and positive change and bringing rapid resettlement process. Let’s not democratic government that respects democracy and freedom to the people forget the role the MEK leadership these rights and freedoms. I also of Iran. played in exposing the duplicity of the remain committed to preventing Iran Tehran regime… and the important from developing a nuclear weapons

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday work you are doing to raise awareness program. Yours is a noble cause and it Official Government Photo 4 of Iran’s nuclear program… is very important that we continue the Unite in support of a free, democratic Iran

Tom Ridge The Ayatollah and his handpicked clear and specific platform to bring a leaders have been throwing the great democratic Iran to existence, and I’m In response to the Iranian regime’s country of Iran to the wind since 1979. proud to join you and Madame Rajavi brutal crackdown on the 2009 public Now is the time — today, and at this in support of that goal. protest, your beloved Iranian poet and place — for the world to recognize This extraordinary organization, patriot, Simin Behbahani wrote the fol- that since the behavior of the leaders under the steady hand and inspiring lowing: “Stop this extravagance. Stop the reckless throwing of my country to the wind. Stop the screaming, the The NCRI has created the single most visible, most bloodshed, the mayhem. Stop doing what makes God’s creatures mourn in credible, and most effective democratic movement tears.” [Amid] retaliation for her exer- with a clear and specific platform to bring a cise of what she believed was her civil democratic Iran to existence, and I’m proud to join right and her civic duty to challenge authoritarian evil, she courageously you and Madame Rajavi in support of that goal. observed the following: “You may wish to have me burned or decide to stone in Tehran won’t change, it’s time to leadership of Mrs. Rajavi, has resisted me, but in your hand, match or stone change the leaders. Now is the time the regime’s murderous efforts to will lose the power to harm me.” for free democratic societies to unite silence, no yet exterminate, the op- Photo: TME in support of a free Iran, a democratic position. And we all know that all of Iran, a republic based on universal their tools of repression — stones or suffrage, the guarantee and protection matches — have lost and will continue of civil and human rights, the separa- to lose the power to harm or quash this tion of church and state, the rule of movement toward democracy. No question: law and peaceful coexistence with its neighbors. Mr. Ridge is a former secretary of The NCRI has created the single the U.S. Homeland Security Depart- You will see a free Iran most visible, most credible, and most ment and former govenor and member effective democratic movement with a of Congress from Pennsylvania. free Iran. I believe that we’ll achieve that A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP one day; thanks to your commitment and the leadership of Maryam Rajavi. There’s no question in my mind that we will live to see a free and prosperous Iran again. I also wanted to tell you that our commitment to the wonderful people in Camp Liberty is as strong as it has ever been.

The United States gave you a commit- AR E D B ment, and I believe that we have a legal obligation as well as a moral obligation to in g Y Th e Wash protect the safety of the residents of Ashraf who are now in Liberty. We, the American friends of the MEK will keep the pressure on to make sure that we do it without any further bloodshed. OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO I want the residents of Liberty to know ton T i m e s A dv that what you did in Ashraf and what you’re Ed Rendell doing in Liberty, the way you’ve conducted I wanted to say how sorry I am that I yourselves and the way you’ve stayed in could not be with you this year. But as some there under tremendous pressure has been a THE WASHINGTON TIMES of you may know I am the chairman of the beacon for people all over the world. You’ve PHOTO: TME oc a host committee for the Democratic National gained the admiration and respect of not Former Rhode Island Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, a Democrat, and Linda Chavez​, c Convention here in Philadelphia, which is only the people in America but throughout chairman of the Center for Equal Opportunity and a Republican who served in the y Dep going to be held in a few days. the world. Reagan administration, both presented a bipartisan, 10-point statement at the Free But I wanted to tell you that my commit- Iran Rally ​held ​ in Paris ​ on July 9, 2016. More than 30 prominent Americans signed ar t m ent ment is as strong as it has ever been — in Mr. Rendell is a former governor of Penn- the statement, which calls for a closer, stronger relationship with the people who fact, even stronger. First, my commitment sylvania and former chairman of the fighting for democratic change.​

is to all of you to help you some day see a Democratic National Committee. | Thursday • July 14 • 2016

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until Islam, was written around the year have trouble even getting on a plane to in all Iraqi cities, from Basra, where the 1000 AD. As he wrote the Shahnameh, another country. Shi’ah make up the majority, to Kirkuk, Ferdowsi was careful to avoid Arabic Iranian policies under the Khomein- where they don’t, carried banners saying influence on his vocabulary — he wanted ist regime since 1979 are constitutionally and they chanted: Iran, get out. Just this a Persian epic to be represented in undi- based on the principle of exporting the week, popular demonstrations in Abadan luted Persian prose. revolution, violating the sovereignty of chanted, leave Syria. The Iranian Revolution of 1979, which countries in the name of “supporting In conclusion, the Islamic conversa- installed the powerful yet polarizing vulnerable and helpless people.” This tion is richer with the Iranian voice in PHOTO: TME Khomeini as Supreme Leader, was a has been the case over the years in Iraq, it — likewise, the Muslim world too new and vastly different articulation of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere, benefits from a strong, proud and influ- Remarks by High Royal Highness Iranian identity. relying on the Khomeinist regime’s sup- ential Iranian presence; however, their Prince Turki bin Faisal Al-Saud Khomeini’s claim to rule was based port of terrorism through the provision approach must be one of mutual coop- on his interpretation of the concept of of safe havens in its country, planting eration, exchange, and respect — as has hank you for inviting me to vilayet-i faqih, the “guardianship of the terrorist cells in a number of Arab coun- proven necessary in all epochs of history speak to you today. There jurists,” a Shi’ite doctrine articulated in tries and even being involved in terrorist with a strong Middle Eastern world. is a tradition that states that the late 19th century in face of a per- bombings and the assassinations of oppo- The Khomeinist regime has brought the Prophet Muhammad, ceived increasing Europeanization of the nents abroad. only destruction, sectarianism, conflict (PBUH), once gestured to- Iranian imperial elites, which gave vary- Be it in Morocco, Egypt, Palestine or and bloodshed — not only to their own wards his Persian companion ing degrees of civil authority to religious even amongst Iraqi Shi’ites and Syrian people in Iran, but across the Middle Salman and said, “Even if faith were near the Pleiades, men from Tamong the Persians would attain it.” This tradition points to a few fun- damental truths about Persian history and identity. In the pre-Islamic world, the Persian Sassanian Empire extended from Turkey and Egypt in the west to the Indian subcontinent in the east; it was a

t m ent cultural and political force rivaling that of ar ancient China, India or Rome. Eventually, the Persians embraced y Dep

c Islam; the Persian language adopted its a own version of the Arabic script and oc borrowed heavily from Arabic vocabu- lary. The Persians of greater Khorasan, the name that the Arabs took to desig- nate the geographic area that includes present-day Iran, Uzbekistan, Afghani- T i m e s A dv ton stan and Tajikistan, were a key factor in the development of the politics of the Islamic Umma and became an impor- tant component in another Golden Age PHOTO: TME alongside the Arabs; one with far more

Y Th e Wash in g geographic breadth and cultural diversity scholars trained in Shi’ite Islamic law Alawites themselves, Iranian interfer- East. The people of Iran should no longer than before. as opposed to the westernized imperial ence is increasingly despised for the ruin suffer this humiliation. Khamenei and As Europe struggled in its Dark administrators and imperial family. it perpetuates and requires to be useful Rouhani believe that if they fix their AR E D B Ages, Khorasan produced some of the Of course, despite this isolationist and for the regime in Tehran. Elsewhere, the relationship with the big Satan, their Islamic world’s most famous scientists, interventionist foreign policy, the first regime has supported groups from Suda- problems will be solved. They should pay mathematicians, theologians and poets. and foremost victims of Khomeinism nese Islamists, to the Japanese Red Army, heed to fixing their relationship with the Al-Ghazali, the theologian, scholar have been the Iranian people themselves the sectarian armed militias of the Iraqi Iranian people. and mystic often referred to as one of — not only the political activists opposed Dawah Party, the Islamic Front for the And you, Ladies and Gentlemen, your the most important Muslims after the to his all-encompassing, authoritarian Liberation of Bahrain, Lebanese Hezbol- legitimate struggle against the Khomein- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) compan- and totalitarian ideology, but also to the lah, Hamas in Palestine and Islamic Jihad ist regime will achieve its goal, sooner ions, was from a city near Mashhad. The ethnic and religious minorities of Kurds, in Israel, the global organization of Al- rather than later. The uprisings in various ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

legendary polymath Avicenna (Ibn Sina,) Arabs, Azaris, Turkmans, Baloch, Sunnis, Qaida and the Hizballah in the Hijaz — parts of Iran have ignited, and we in the | the greatest scientist and medical scholar Ismailis, Bahais, Christians and Jews of all for the purpose of destabilizing Saudi Muslim world stand with you, heart and of his age, the author of over 400 texts Iran against the clerical Twelver religio- Arabia and the Gulf states, so as to assist soul. We support you, and we pray to and a master of the Greco-Roman and political elite of the Revolution. sectarian and revolutionary militants in God that He guide your steps so that all Indian scholarly traditions, made time to Today, the lofty beauty of the Pleia- these countries to replace the existing components of the people of Iran get compose poetry in his native Persian. des can seem very far indeed from the governments with proxies and puppets of their rights. But even in the cosmopolitan Islamic reality of daily life in Iran. The country the Khomeinist regime. And you, Maryam Rajavi, your Golden Age, alongside Arabs, Turks and is marked not by worldliness or even by Khomeini wore the black turban that endeavor to rid your people of the others, Persian culture held some nostal- religion but by isolation; in contrast to signified his pride in his long and noble Khomeinist cancer is an historic epic gia for the purity and power of their own the travelling artists of the Sassanians Arab lineage. Today Khamenei and even that, like the Shahnameh, will remain

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday history. The poet Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, and the multilingual scholars of the Nasrallah wear it also. But the Iranian inscribed in the annals of History. or Book of Kings, an epic of Persian leg- Islamic Golden Age, many famous and leadership’s meddling in Arab countries The above are excerpts from Asharq 6 ends and history from the dawn of time well-respected Iranian artists today is backfiring. The recent popular protests al-Awsat, July 9, 2016. Camp Liberty: Symbol of ‘hope and inspiration’ to youth in Iran

thousands have been killed [and] thou- of Iran but with the oppressive regime. sands have been tortured in Evin prison. We’re all going to keep fighting until It doesn’t have to be this way. we have freedom and independence Recent reports found that, under for the people of Iran. Just recently, the President Rouhani, the government of people at Camp Liberty were harassed Iran has incarcerated hundreds of politi- and attacked. We need to put a stop to cal prisoners and prisoners of conscience that. That must end as well. while executing nearly 1,000 people last So let me conclude by saying, I wish year. That’s why my colleagues and I in you all again a very, very good conference. Congress continue to press for sanctions My heart is with you, and we will keep on senior Iranian officials involved in fighting for a free and democratic Iran. these human rights abuses. Some of you also have family and friends who have Rep. John Lewis, Georgia been murdered or maimed by Iranian Democrat: government proxies in Iraq for too long. Official Government Photo I grew up in rural Alabama, but OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO House Minority Leader Nancy in 1955, only 15 years old, I heard of and support the resolution of Foreign Pelosi, California Democrat: Martin Luther King Jr., heard of Rosa Affairs Committee, House Resolution Parks. And in 1957 at the age of 17, I met 650, supporting the residents of Camp Greetings to the friends, supporters Rosa Parks, and next year I met Martin Liberty, and calling for more international and advocates gathered for the 2016 Paris Luther King Jr., and I got involved in help, to make sure their human rights are Rally for Democracy and Freedom in the American civil rights movement, respected. Iran. Freedom-loving people everywhere and I have not looked back since. have a moral obligation to protect human Rep. Brad Sherman, California rights. This international gathering hon- Democrat: ors that responsibility. We must champion the building I want to commend the MEK for the blocks of peace and prosperity and free- critical role it played in exposing the Ira- A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP dom of speech, religion and the press in nian regime’s nuclear weapons program. Iran and around the world. I’m proud to Following the attack on Camp Liberty last say that my state of California is home year, my colleagues on the House Foreign to more than a half of all Iranian-Ameri- Official Government Photo Affairs committee and I passed a resolu- cans. Their energetic contributions make It is time to say enough, and that’s why tion about demanding the safety of the America more American. the Foreign Affairs Committee passed MEK residents of Camp Liberty. Women, students and minorities all House Resolution 650. This critical resolu- We did this to make it clear to the gov- have a valuable role to play in moving tion publicly pushes back against the Iraqi ernment of Iraq how serious this issue is AR E D B Iran forward. Their persecution must government’s failure to effectively protect and its need to fulfill its obligations under end. This gathering is important to the residents of Camp Liberty and calls international law. The current Iranian in g Y Th e Wash advancing the cause of human rights and for their immediate resettlement. We must regime is not only an existential threat to freedom. The United States is committed continue to push back against the Iranian OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO the U.S. allies in the Middle East and the to achieving progress in the international government abuse of human rights at I want to just salute each and every peace of the world, but is also a defiant community in this respect, and the Iran home and abroad, and I thank you. one of you for standing up, for speak- proliferator of terrorism and extremism… Nuclear Agreement signals a new era of ing up, for finding a way to get in the security and stability in the region and Rep. Eliot L. Engel, New York way. And I want more than ever for ton T i m e s A dv around the world. Democrat: each and every one of us to look deep Until the contributions of all Iranians are within and recommit ourselves to valued in Iran, we still have work to do. I admire everyone at this gathering peace, to nonviolence, to patience, and Thank you for your work and leadership, because you are fighting for freedom in the way of love — and be hopeful, be THE WASHINGTON TIMES thank you for your service, and thank Iran. So I want everyone to know that I optimistic and never, ever give up. And oc a you for your commitment to democracy. believe that the United States and a free never, ever give in. You must keep the c Iran could be, and should be, natural faith and keep your eyes on the prize. y Dep allies; the quarrel is not with the people Rep. Edward R. Royce, California ar Republican and Chairman Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, t m ent of the House Foreign Affairs Florida Republican:

I wanted to say a special note of greet- | Committee: Thursday • July 14 • 2016 ing to all of you who are at the 2016 Paris Our committee remains focused on rally for freedom and democracy in Iran. the threat posed by the radical regime in I stand in solidarity with you, and we call OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO Tehran. This is a threat you know all too attention to horrible human rights abuses I remain committed to ensuring that well — stripping the rights of the Iranian occurring in Iran each and every day. Iran does not get nuclear weapons. That’s people has been a consistent policy of I want you to know when I went with why I broke with my own political party this brutal regime since it seized power. Speaker [John] Boehner to the region and opposed the recent Iran nuclear deal. Over the past three and a half decades, last year, I raised the problem of Camp I am sure that the Iranian regime will thousands of Iranians have been taken Liberty and the egregious human rights cheat on that deal and we will then move from family and friends and convicted violations against those residents with forward with new sanctions which will of vague charges without due process, every public official with whom I met. force a new policy and hopefully a new often in closed trials. As we know, tens of OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO That is why I am so proud to pass regime in Tehran. 7 PHOTO: TME Mrs. Rajavi with delegations from Albania, Algeria, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Morocco, Nepal, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Turkmenistan.​

Excerpts of remarks by revenues were poured into the inferno Maryam Rajavi of the Syrian war. Dozens of political President-elect of the National Iranian people and business delegations visited Tehran, where they found a bankrupt, unstable Council of Resistance of Iran and totally corrupt system. t m ent reject the turban, The country’s economy was sup- ar cannot find any words capable of posed to be fixed. But instead it plunged describing the trust you are be- into recession more than ever before. y Dep

c stowing on me other than to say The banking system is in ruins and fac- a that I am humbled and that your whether it is tories closed down like autumn leaves. oc outpouring of emotion is a re- The regime wanted to improve its minder of the great responsibility relations with the rest of the world, that you have put on my shoulders. white or black but instead expanded its intervention Every single day and night, my in neighboring countries. As a result, mind is preoccupied with the hope and at least six regional and neighbor-

T i m e s A dv ton I Religious tyranny must be toppled anticipation that I will one day be able ing governments severed their rela- to fulfill this responsibility, a respon- tions with the regime. In the end, they sibility that I have to you, the Iranian staged a sham election and resorted to people, to history and to God Almighty. In the year since the nuclear accord, many of the massive propaganda about the victory I have come to convey the words of sanctions were lifted and oil exports increased. But of illusory moderates. But the result Y Th e Wash in g those who have not been heard, those the generated revenues were poured into the inferno was the continuation of the Supreme who are the decisive force in Iran; the Leader’s domination over both Assem- words of those who have been op- of the Syrian war. Dozens of political and business blies, which Khamenei engineered and AR E D B pressed, but whose resolve will change delegations visited Tehran, where they found a to which Rafsanjani consented. Indeed, the face of Iran. In this endeavor, I rely bankrupt, unstable and totally corrupt system. this is the reality of masquerades about on your determination and conviction moderation and reform in Iran. and I want you to know that I rely on themselves among the wreckage cre- Syria... He ultimately retreated or in Today, Iranian workers say that and need each and every one of you. ated by the velayat-e faqih system. the very least temporarily abandoned Rouhani’s administration has imposed One year has passed since the sign- Indeed, both factions failed in the nuclear weapons program. But the the most repressive policies against ing of the nuclear agreement between subduing a profoundly discontented crisis engulfing the regime could not be workers. Artists and musicians say that world powers and the velayat-e faqih society. In 2011, near the end of Mah- contained. To the contrary, it was exac- the scale of restrictions and pressures ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

regime (absolute clerical rule) in Iran. moud Ahmadinejad’s tenure, Khamenei erbated, pushing the regime deeper into in the three years of Rouhani has been | The events of the past year can realized that his regime was in peril. To the quagmire of the Syrian war. unprecedented since the revolution. be summed up by the following: Ali save it, in his own words, he turned to Simultaneously, the Rafsanjani-Rou- Our Kurdish, Arab and Baluchi Khamenei’s faction failed to find a way the United States through “a reputable hani faction sought to portray itself as compatriots, as well as the followers of out of the crisis engulfing the entire regional intermediary” and expressed the savior of the regime through the slo- other religions — especially our Sunni regime. The faction led by (former readiness to abandon the nuclear gan of moderation. They assumed that sisters and brothers — say that they regime president) Hashemi Rafsanjani program. after the nuclear deal all doors would have been subjected to repression and and Hassan Rouhani, who viewed this In September 2013, as the news instantly be opened for the regime, en- discrimination as never before… The agreement as a ladder on which to of the nuclear talks was being made abling them to find a way to contain the number of executions each year is two climb, fell headfirst instead. public, Khamenei ordered the massa- protest movement inside the country. to three times the figure during Rou-

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday Western governments and corpo- cre of Camp Ashraf residents, engaged In the year since the nuclear accord, hani’s predecessor. rations that were dreaming of seeing in back-channel deals and resorted to many of the sanctions were lifted and 8 a golden city in Iran instead found slaughter to save Bashar al-Assad in oil exports increased. But the generated » see RAJAVI | C9 reach that goal more quickly. To achieve The Iranian Resistance stands with We offer a solution that presents the R A JAV I a free and just republic in Iran, we do the brother nation of Syria and its brave only effective, the most indispensable and From page C8 not expect any miracles to happen. Nor combatants. It is honored to act as the the most attainable option: the right of do we expect any coincidental or chance voice of solidarity between the two the Iranian people to overthrow the reli- occurrences in our favor. Our entire asset nations. gious dictatorship and attain freedom and In other words, neither the deception base consists of the Iranian nation and its In confronting us, the mullahs and democracy. This must be recognized. about moderation nor the hoopla about vanguard children. Daesh are reading from the same script. This solution does not only benefit the the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action We are full of hope because we have Both espouse a similar reactionary ideol- Iranian people. It also amounts to a break- (JCPOA) has succeeded in opening doors a history that has supplied the backbone ogy, which is diametrically opposed to through for the region and for the world. for the regime. Even if the international needed to achieve freedom; because our the pristine teachings of Islam. They have Many elected representatives of people community had provided the regime nation has within it the capacity to pro- a similar modus operandi when it comes throughout the world as well as senior with the greatest opportunities, Tehran duce major change, and because we have to barbarity and savagery. They need to U.S., European, Australian, Canadian, would still remain feeble and incapable of an organized movement that has built a rely on one another to survive. For this Asian and Middle Eastern personalities resolving the crises engulfing it. bridge to the future through its sacrifice reason, so long as the regime’s occupa- and dignitaries — who support freedom Owing to explosive public discon- and resistance. tion of Syria, Iraq and Yemen continues, and democracy in Iran and the security tent, the regime is constantly gripped by fundamental instability. Additionally, it has come face-to-face with a capable and vigilant alternative force. It is aware that this very alternative has the ability to steer crises in the direction of over- throwing the entire regime. Looking at what transpired in the past year, we can ascertain three fundamental realities: First, both factions failed to find a way to preserve the regime. What is more, why should the Iranian people jump from the frying pan into the fire? The Iranian people reject the turban, whether it is white or black. The velayat- e faqih regime must be overthrown in its entirety. The second reality is that because of the Iranian people’s simmering desire for A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP freedom and their readiness to fight on, the overthrow of the religious dictator- ship is possible and within reach. The third reality is that a real solution stands out, which entails that no other solution exists within the ruling religious dictatorship itself. As a result, the solu- tion offered by the National Council of AR E D B Resistance of Iran, namely the overthrow PHOTO: TME of the ruling theocracy, is the most vi- in g Y Th e Wash able one. of, and protection for, the residents of This solution is underpinned by the Liberty — proudly attest to this reality. existence of a democratic alternative. It is Throughout history, no obstacle and a solution based on the Iranian society’s no barrier, however impenetrable and simmering state and readiness. The fortified, has succeeded in hindering this suffering that political prisoners endure mandate. And in this light, the ruling re- ton T i m e s A dv after staging lengthy hunger strikes ligious dictatorship cannot withstand the exemplifies this resistance. power of the Iranian people’s Resistance. Our nation’s workers are flogged and Indeed, a new era will dawn in Iran; a teachers are given long prison terms, society based on democracy, separation THE WASHINGTON TIMES but they refuse to give up and continue of religion and state, and gender equality oc a to fight. Our nation’s young women and will blossom. c men are being arrested and humiliated To achieve this glorious objective, we y Dep every day, but they continue to defy have chosen to resist. We have chosen to the mullahs’ impositions. Mothers are resist anywhere and in any form to bring ar t m ent imprisoned and endure a multitude of the ideal of freedom to fruition. We have pressures, but they continue to demand chosen to resist so long as oppression

justice. The combatants of freedom in | and tyranny persist. And we are honored Thursday • July 14 • 2016 Camp Liberty, Iraq, are shelled, and face PHOTO: TME and proud to have made this choice. death by attrition because of hardships We will not relent until the day when and a crippling siege, but they refuse to International stakeholders assumed we cannot confront Daesh effectively. freedom, democracy and equality roar like surrender, symbolizing resistance against that the nuclear deal with Iran would Regrettably, the notion of practical a powerful torrent from Azerbaijan to Balo- the ruling regime. This demonstrates our bring tranquility and calm to the region. coordination with the terrorist Quds chistan and from Khorasan to Khuzestan. movement’s endless prowess. Our nation But, instead, it rained down barrel bombs Force is being justified on the pretext We will not relent until the day when has arisen to secure its liberty even if it and 70,000 Revolutionary Guards on of confronting Daesh. I warn that any Iranians of all persuasions and divergences means “plucking it out of the dragon’s the people of Syria. It resulted in ethnic silence vis-à-vis such an approach or any can join hands to hoist the flag of victory, mouth.” cleansing of Sunnis by the terrorist Quds collaboration with the mullahs would the flag of a free and democratic Iran. Today, therefore, the question is not Force in Iraq. And it led to the spread of enable them to commit genocide and to These excerpts are from Mrs. Rajavi’s whether the ruling theocracy will be extremism under the banner of Islam in infringe upon the national sovereignty of remarks to the July 9 rally in Paris. overthrown. The question is how we can the whole region. countries in the region. 9 Victory means change of regime in Tehran

Former Attorney General of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, whom you all government. And we’re willing to do Michael Mukasey: know and love. Unfortunately, he could that until the residents of Camp Lib- not be here today because of a death of erty — and what a terrible name for a I can’t begin these remarks without a very close friend of his and of mine. prison — have left and until we achieve telling you what an enormous privilege it is to be here with you and also to witness, as we all did, the appearance That fight, unfortunately, is going to have and the speech of Prince Turki al Faisal to include fighting not only the mullahs but of Saudi Arabia. That was not only an important achievement, it was a historic also sometimes our own government. achievement, and it is your achieve- ment. And as you heard from him, it is But he wanted me to tell you that he is complete victory. And complete victory Mrs. Rajavi’s achievement as well. And very much in the fight. And that he will means not only them leaving, it means it shows how important and how strong remain in the fight until it ends success- a change of regime in Tehran; it means the support is for you and how much it fully for you and for us all. the victory for you and for all of the Ira- is growing all over the world. That fight, unfortunately, is going nian people, and really for all freedom- I’m really here to speak, not simply to have to include fighting not only the loving people in the world. on my own behalf, but also on behalf mullahs but also sometimes our own PHOTO: TME

Madame Rajavi — a ‘constant anchor and beacon of hope’

Former FBI Director bombing of the Khobar Towers in Louis J. Freeh: Saudi Arabia. Twenty years ago this The policy of my week, 19 Americans and dozens You know, so much changes and so country, unfortunately, of Saudis were killed by the Saudi much remains the same. A short time has not dramatically Hezbollah, which was trained by the ago we were here trying to rational- changed. We have led IRGC; their passports they received

t m ent ize why the United States government in the Iranian embassy in Damascus;

ar would put this democratic movement an absolutely insane the bombers were trained in the Bekaa on a foreign terrorist list. Absolutely agreement with a terrorist Valley. y Dep

c insane. That has changed, and it was a regime with respect to One thing that has remained con- a product of your work and your inspi- stant, and we are very fortunate and

oc our nuclear safety. ration, your faith, the struggle of those lucky and proud that it’s been con- of your brothers and sisters in Iraq. U.S. sailors are stopped and their ship stant, is the bravery, the leadership, The policy of my country, unfortu- is captured by IRGC. They’re held the dedication, the sacrifice that you nately, has not dramatically changed. at gunpoint — and we discipline the have all made in the spirit of freedom. We have led an absolutely insane sailors for dereliction of duty! And Madame Rajavi, thank you for T i m e s A dv ton agreement with a terrorist regime This week marked the 20th an- being a constant anchor and a beacon with respect to our nuclear safety. niversary of the IRGC Hezbollah of hope and faith for all of us. Official Government Photo Y Th e Wash in g

AR E D B Activists for freedom, rights found in prison

Pastor Saeed Abedini were represented in prison. I am happy that today we I have hope the day will come Hail to resistance and freedom. can celebrate a future when the people of Iran will be able I salute my dear friends and your for Iran, a free future and to choose their own leaders… the great and beautiful enthusiasm. people of Iran have the right to live My presence here shows that all glorious future. It has not freely. ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

resistance is victorious and steadfast, I go back to the eloquent words of | happened yet, but I am amen. hopeful that right now we Maryam Rajavi which she said today, I am happy that today we can and I really enjoyed these words, celebrate a future for Iran, a free can begin to celebrate this when she said, we will attain freedom future and glorious future. It has not future with happiness. even if it entails plucking it from the happened yet, but I am hopeful that mouth of the dragon. right now we can begin to celebrate political prisoners, those who were Excerpted from remarks at the Free this future with happiness. in our ward, those who were activists Iran Rally. I remember the moments I spent for female rights, child’s rights, work- with my dear friends from the PMOI, ers’ rights, political and prisoners of

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday from other political groups, and to conscience, Sunnis, etc. It is interest- be here and be the voice of those ing that all the various groups of Iran 10 PHOTO: TME Standing for freedom against ‘a misogynist regime’

Former Homeland Security and an oppressive regime, you in the proud to stand with the women of this Adviser Frances Townsend: face of dogmatism stand for freedom. movement, with the women in Camp Liberty. When I think of the rise of It’s incredible to me that Rouhani, acid attacks against women in Iran, the “moderate,” the man who claims I look out at the women meant to intimidate and silence them, to be a moderate leader, in his three here today and I am I say I am proud to be your voice and I years in office is responsible for 2,500 so proud to stand with stand with you. executions, more than any other leader You here today, those in Camp in Iran in the last 25 years. And can you the women of this Liberty and in Ashraf before them, you imagine the U.N. sanctioned him for movement, with the are the future of Iran. You are the voice the execution of children? It doesn’t women in Camp Liberty. of Iran. Tehran hears you today and the get much worse. And so your work, the world. work of Mrs. Rajavi, and the principles You stand for gender equality, Mrs. Excerpted from remarks at the Free that you all stand for here are increas- Rajavi, against a misogynist regime. Iran Rally. ingly important. You have suffered for that. I look out In the face of violent extremism at the women here today and I am so PHOTO: TME Speak truth to power, as poet Ferdowsi wrote

Kerry Kennedy, and Iraq, freedom fighters in Syria, and in violation of the dress code. Recently human rights activist: dissidents, journalists, protesters, ethnic special forces known as the promoters of and religious minorities, and human virtue (and preventers of vice), the mo- We are here today because we believe rights defenders in Iran. rality police, attacked with batons those A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP in freedom. We stand in solidarity with The largest group the mullahs target who dared protest against these policies. the Iranian people. We stand against It is time to free Iran. the mullahs who have caused untold Ferdowsi was the greatest Iranian terror to your beloved country with Heaven’s vengeance will poet. When he turned in the manuscript their oppression and reign of terror. The not forget. Shrink, tyrant, that took 35 years to write and the king mullahs denied the people of Iran the from my words of fire, abused him, he spoke truth to power. pride of their extraordinary heritage, a He wrote, “Heaven’s vengeance will not

heritage admired across the globe. and tremble at a poet’s forget. Shrink, tyrant, from my words of AR E D B So today in recognition of the great ire.” Today let us all take fire, and tremble at a poet’s ire.” Today gifts of the great land of Iran, it is time let us all take up Ferdowsi’s call. Let the up Ferdowsi’s call. in g Y Th e Wash for the mullahs to live up to the legacy of mullah tyrants tremble and shrink as we respect for freedom and human rights, makes up fully half the population of join with the people in Iran and speak PHOTO: TME which are the legacy and the proper the country and that is women. There truth to power. It is time to free Iran. inheritance of the Iranian people. The has been a horrific increase in acid mullahs target refugees in Camp Liberty attacks against women perceived to be ton T i m e s A dv THE WASHINGTON TIMES oc a

Only mullahs benefited from nuke deal c y Dep Ambassador John Bolton: the Assad regime in Syria with other The fact remains that Iran got 70,000 regular forces from the revolu- tangible benefits by the lifting of the ar t m ent We meet at the first anniversary of tionary guards and militias and para- economic sanctions that benefit the the Vienna nuclear deal and as was military troops. It continues to fund mullahs directly and those who have

entirely predictable, the hopes that that and arm Hezbollah and Hamas, and it’s favor with them. They don’t benefit the | Thursday • July 14 • 2016 deal would bring peace and stability to aiding the Houthis in Yemen. average people of Iran. They benefit the Middle East and the wider world The proposed sale of Boeing aircraft the rulers. have been proven to be mere illusions. from the United States, for example, So I say again, there is only one an- Iran has changed neither its policies demonstrates the error of the Vienna swer here: To support legitimate oppo- nor its behavior in the years since deal. The military uses of that Boeing sition groups that favor overthrowing Vienna. equipment are as plain as can be. the military theocratic dictatorship in The oppression inside Iran contin- German intelligence has published a Tehran, and it should be the declared ues. Tehran’s drive for hegemony in the comprehensive report that shows that policy of the United States of America region continues unabated. It’s mak- the mullahs are still trying to get sensi- and all of its friends to do just that at ing what’s left of Iraq into a satellite tive nuclear technology only applicable the earliest opportunity. of the ayatollah’s regime. It is aiding to a nuclear weapons program. PHOTO: TME 11 Iranian people eager for freedom

But just when we think there is no The regime cannot reform, neither change.... Those of you who have come hope for the region, we return to Paris. from within or from out; it must be here, who have joined your parents and When we wonder where we’re going overthrown by the people of Iran. grandparents, who are fighting for the to get the energy to rebuild the Middle future of a country whose people des- East, we return to Paris. When we perately want freedom understand the wonder where we’re going to get the most important power that you have ideas to build the Middle East back in your hands — your telephone, your better, we return to Paris. We return voice, the call of freedom, Madame Ra- to you! javi’s message, Prince Turki’s message, The future will reward those who the message of the delegations that are govern based on not what they are try- here. ing to prevent, but what they are trying We believe that change is just to build, based on the foundation that around the corner. Let us understand is here in Paris, the ideas that you that the Iran nuclear agreement is not have embraced, the determination and a license to empower the ayatollahs in inspiration that you have shown to see Iran; It is a license for you to destroy this struggle through to the end. the government in Iran. PHOTO: TME Former Canadian Foreign Former New Jersey Senator Minister John Baird: Robert Torricelli: PHOTO: TME To those who have stood in Camp The great struggle of our genera- Liberty, to those who have lost their tion is the struggle against terrorism, We must pressure the regime from lives, Iranian children will remember and the regime in Tehran is by far the all directions; retain and impose new your names for a thousand years. You biggest state sponsor of terrorism in sanctions for its ballistic missile activi- will deliver a free Iran. the world. Over the years, billions of ties and for its support of terrorism; Across Iran tonight, on the internet, dollars have left Tehran to sow fear, stop all economic transactions with the on small computers or in handheld violence, death and destruction. From IRGC related entities; counter Iran’s radios, the people of Iran by the thou- Assad’s war against his own people, to presence and its influence in the region sands listen to our words. And here’s a Jewish community center in Buenos economically, diplomatically, and

t m ent Aires, from a plot to assassinate the when necessary, militarily; highlight

ar Saudi ambassador in Washington, to Iran’s abysmal human rights practices. arming Hezbollah with missiles target- And most important, we must support y Dep

c ing civilians in Israel, we must call the those who seek to tear down this bar- a mullahs out on it. PHOTO: TME baric regime and in its place establish oc The people of Iran suffer each and a democratic, secular and non-nuclear every day under this regime... We Iran will rise again as a country to Iran. You, the Iranian Resistance, are must call out this slick public rela- be admired, not feared; as a country to the vehicle for this historic change. You tions campaign for what it is: a lie. We be supported, not contained; as a coun- are the future of Iran. have so many allies in the fight against try that unites, not divide the region; as T i m e s A dv ton this brutal regime. But you know who a country that believes that the people, Ambassador Marc Ginsberg: our biggest ally in this struggle is? that you, should be empowered, not Friends, it is the people of Iran. Make oppressed. We support you and let me I want to talk to the young people, no mistake whatsoever that the people assure you, you inspire us. the most important people here who of Iran do not support this regime and for the next generation are going to

Y Th e Wash in g they want to see it overthrown. Each Robert G. Joseph, former carry the message of a free Iran. I want and every one of us need to stand in undersecretary for arms control solidarity with the people of Iran and PHOTO: TME AR E D B come together and state clearly that and international security at the the notion that Hassan Rouhani is a State Department: what they need to know. The greatest moderate or is a reformer, simply put, assembly of free Iranians in the world is a fraud. The intensity that I feel from this are in this room right now. massive gathering of freedom fighters One day you will remember you Former Undersecretary of State is overwhelming, as is your demand were in this room when a coalition, P.J. Crowley: for freedom. As Madame Rajavi has which begins in America and Canada, pointed out, and others have stated, it’s stretches across Europe and North ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

For many years those of us here on been a year since the nuclear accord Africa, now has a new anchor and a | stage have been coming here to show was concluded and the regime of mul- powerful voice: The Kingdom of Saudi our solidarity for the people of Camp lahs in Tehran is even more dangerous Arabia has joined our ranks and it will Ashraf and Liberty. The recent rocket than before. never, never be the same. attack in Baghdad just reminds us of Have no doubt that the regime And finally, every person in this the urgency of moving them to safety. retains its option of having a nuclear room needs to stand and applaud and When we are here next year in Paris, weapon at the time of its choosing. It thank the people of Albania for tak- we can celebrate the fact that all of the is using billions of dollars to support ing a stand for the people of Liberty. residents, will finally be out of harm’s terrorism ... to support the proxy wars PHOTO: TME Thank you, thank you, Albania. Thank way… God bless Albania. in Yemen, in Lebanon, in Iraq and else- you for standing up...The world will

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday As the existing order disintegrates, where. It’s also using that same funding all of the young people to stand up and never forget. putting the Middle East back together to continue to brutalize the people of join me and say, “We will prevail!” 12 again will be the work of a generation. Iran and to deny them their freedom. You, my friends, are the agents of Violence was planned for Baghdad neighborhoods

Retired Air Force General a report that was filled with lies and mul- Chuck Wald: lahs’ propaganda. I wrote a letter to the president of Human Rights Watch and I always like to say three things. Num- said I was so confident that the people of ber one, it’s time for Iran, the mullahs in resistance at Camp Ashraf were dedi- Iran, to become accountable to the rest of cated to freedom, that I offered that my the world. Number two, the mullahs who own daughter should go there. I feel so run the IRGC need to stop sponsoring strong that the heroes who are now at and paying for terrorism, both in Syria Camp Liberty are freedom fighters and and Lebanon, and in Yemen and the rest will be remembered when Iran becomes of the world. It’s time for them to become free that they were the vanguard, that I accountable to the rest of the world. And would be honored if my own wife went three, it’s time for our people in Camp to Camp Liberty today. Liberty, all of them, to go to Albania or other places where they can have their Retired U.S. Army Col. freedom. So I will tell you now that we Wes Martin: You are the true defenders of liberty ... To the residents of Camp Liberty, you are Photo: TME the true heroes — despite all the ground Retired General George Casey, Photo: TME and rocket attacks, despite the logistics former chief of staff of U.S. blockade, despite the Iraqi Government towards those activities. Since the imposing hardships, you remain firm. Army: nuclear agreement, that $16 billion can be You are the beacon of light in a graphic In my early days in Iraq it didn’t multiplied by a factor of ten. region that has been overcome by the take me long to figure out that the We can anticipate much more disrup- darkness imposed by fundamentalists. A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP United States and Iran had diametri- tive activity, not less on the part of the cally opposed objectives. We were Iranian military. So what’s the answer? seeking to empower a democratically What is likely and what must happen elected Iraqi government that re- for there to be change is revolution. And spected the rights of all ethnic and sec- you people represent that effort. What I tarian members of Iraqi society. Iran would say to the representatives of the didn’t want a country like that on its western nations who are here today is borders. They bought political power that unlike 2009, when the revolution AR E D B by giving money to Iraqi politicians starts, we have to get behind your effort and political parties. They bought for it to succeed fully. in g Y Th e Wash public support by giving economic aid, Photo: TME particularly in the south of the coun- Brig. General David Phillips: try, and they continuously fomented stand with all of you and what our world sectarian violence. needs more today than ever is leadership Madame Rajavi, members and friends It is Iran’s support for training and and I have to commend Madame Rajavi of the Iranian Resistance, and most equipping the Shia militia in Iraq that for that leadership. importantly, those of you who are still at ton T i m e s A dv allowed the level of sectarian violence Camp Liberty, I have the distinct honor to be sustained through 2006 and 2007 Retired Gen. James Conway, to get to know you at Camp Ashraf. In and it continues into today. Because 2004 the Human Rights Watch published

former commandant of U.S. THE WASHINGTON TIMES of that equipping and training, Iran is Photo: TME also directly responsible for the deaths Marine Corps: oc a of hundreds of coalition forces and There are ominous developments c thousands of Iraqis. coming out of the Iran military that I Whether Al Qaeda, Islamic State, or the y Dep When we captured six Quds force think the world has largely missed in Iranian regime, their goals are the same operatives in a command center, on the last six or seven years. Prior to 2010, — to destroy progressive civilization and ar t m ent the wall was a large map of Baghdad. Iran exported its agenda through proxies, individual freedom. The neighborhoods were color-coded through covert and clandestine activity, Franklin Delano Roosevelt identified

by their sectarian population. And on through threats in the region. Since 2010 four freedoms: of speech, of worship, | Thursday • July 14 • 2016 the map were large arrows that showed they have become much more active in from want, and from fear. Extremists how the Iranians planned to force terms of the exportation of this ideology. wish to destroy those freedoms, yet Sunni populations out of these neigh- Their Navy is more active in the Gulf together, all of us, we stand firm with borhoods in Baghdad. than it has been really for decades. the residents of Liberty and they are our Any regime that uses terror to ac- Just this week, they are threatening inspiration. I assure the residents we are complish its political objectives is a the use of missiles throughout the Middle working hard to relieve the pressure and threat not only to its own population, East, particularly targeting Israel. There bring you out and bring you to safety. We but also to the international commu- are more than 70,000 Iranians in Syria. are firm in our commitment to Liberty nity. Change needs to come to Iran. This marks a dramatic change from what — both Camp Liberty and the liberty of it’s been. Iran has done what it has done all humanity. on an annual basis for the last 10 years with about $16 billion a year dedicated Photo: TM 13 Dictatorship threatens ‘whole peace of the world’

I know that freedom is your calling, In the face of rigged elections and a their country. Even as we talk at this it is in your heart, it is in your spirit, campaign of terrorism by the Iranian moment, we realize that not only the it is in your soul; it is in mine as well. government against its own people, the people of Iran are being oppressed ... I know that you’re seeking a govern- Iranian liberation movement has won being brutalized, but we have people ment of Iran where all can come back the admiration of the world for its val- in the desert, in Camp Liberty, who are and be peaceful with their families, iant fight for freedom and the creation vulnerable. And just to show how evil a and respect universal human rights, of a true form of a representative gov- force that they are up against, you have religious tolerance and equality for all ernment. And I can tell you the Iranian unarmed group of people in Camp citizens. You can only do it if we stand Human Rights and Democracy Caucus Liberty being shelled and being rocket- within the U.S. House of Representa- attacked by the allies of the mullahs’ tives is determined to see this happen. regime. What does that tell you? These The people of Iran can take confi- are people who threatened no one, dence that their cause is just, that they people who are isolated yet they are are not fighting alone, and that in the victimized and attacked by this vicious full measure of time just causes always regime. prevail. It’s up to us to recommit ourselves In 1776, in the darkest hours of the ... to the safety of the people of Camp OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO struggle, Thomas Paine offered these Liberty, but also in the elimination of Rep. Ted Poe, Texas Republican: words as a promise to those every- the mullahs’ regime that is the root where who struggled for their freedom. cause of these problems.... So today my I believe in law and order, where He wrote: “These are the times that best wishes to the MEK in Paris and to you do something wrong and you get try men’s souls. The summer soldier all the people in Iran who would free punished, but not in Iran. Bad guys like and the sunshine patriot will, in this themselves from the mullahs’ regime the supreme leader and his imams get crisis, shrink from the service of their that not only oppresses them but away with murder; the supreme leader country; but he that stands by it now threatens the whole peace of the world. publicly executes those who want free- deserves the love and thanks of man dom for the Iranian people. and woman. Rep. Judy Chu, California You daughters of democracy and OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily con- Democrat: you sons of Iran are here today, stand- united together and stand with Iranian- quered; yet we have this consolation ing defiantly for freedom. You have American communities, who many of with us, that the harder the conflict, I stand in solidarity with you and that fire burning inside of you, for your them are there today in Paris. We are the more glorious the triumph. What your fight for freedom, democracy desire is to live in liberty, and you have looking forward to the equality of all we obtain too cheap, we esteem too and human rights in Iran. I am so

t m ent paid the price.... Residents of Camp people, for women and the respect for lightly: It is dearness only that gives impressed by the many students, schol-

ar Ashraf were promised that if they the rule of law. everything its value. Heaven knows ars, former political prisoners, wom- move to Camp Liberty they would be how to put a proper price upon its en’s rights advocates and other leaders y Dep

c safe. That was a lie. Your friends and Rep. Tom McClintock, California goods, and it would be strange indeed who have joined together once again a family have died in Camp Liberty and if so celestial an article as freedom for this important cause.

oc Republican: Camp Ashraf; Camp Liberty is no safer should not be highly rated.” than Camp Ashraf, as it turns out that I join with my colleagues in Con- the long arms of the mullahs in Tehran gress, the half-million Iranian ex- Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, reach deep into Iraq as well. Attacks patriates in the United States, the California Republican: have already claimed the lives of 140 American people, and freedom-loving T i m e s A dv ton residents and wounded 1,300 other people around the world in sending My friends who are freedom fighters individuals and it resulted in the ab- best wishes for the 2016 International are struggling to create a freer world duction, kidnapping of seven individu- and a more peaceful world by ridding als. The Iranian government — those Iran of its mullah dictatorship — a freedom-stealing thugs — are afraid of dictatorship that oppresses the people

Y Th e Wash in g you. They are afraid of what you stand of Iran, but at the same time threatens for — freedom, liberty and justice. the peace of the world. Democracy and freedom will once AR E D B again flourish in Iran and the freedom fighters can finally return home to join their families and their countrymen and building a new peaceful Iran. Until that day, continue to stand tall, stand in defiance, stand for liberty and freedom OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO and know that your mission is righ- I strongly support your work to teous and it is just, and that’s just the establish a free and democratic Iran ECTION P R EP AL S ECTION A S PECI THE WASHINGTON TIMES THE WASHINGTON

way it is. that works with the U.S. and others to | build a safer world, not one that funds Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas terror or threatens world peace with a dangerous nuclear program. OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO Democrat: We must end this humanitarian cri- Thank you for your fights for all of Convention in Paris of all the groups sis and find a safe and permanent home those who remain in Iraq, of those who worldwide that are preparing for the for the residents there, and that is why remain in Iran, who are seeking a place liberation of Iran. From the streets of I am so pleased that House Resolution of democratic freedom. It is because ... Tehran where they have fought, to the 650, a bill that I have cosponsored to OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PHOTO of the strength of the Persian people free cities around the world where provide for the safety and security of

Thursday • July 14 • 2016 14 • July Thursday that you’re now standing in Paris, they are organizing, the Iranian people I was very inspired ... that the fol- the people living in Camp Liberty, was standing in the name of freedom and have engaged in a noble struggle to lowers of the MEK have never given recently approved unanimously by the 14 justice and opportunity. restore their liberty. up and that they plan someday to free House Foreign Affairs Committee. Photo: TME ‘We have one heart ... open for friends like you’ A S PECI AL S ECTION P R EP Former Albanian Prime Minister The Albanian government and Pandeli Majko Albanian political parties have decided all members of Camp Liberty should I have come today with friends of come to Albania. And this is the reason mine from the Albanian Parliament, that we are here, waiting with all our from the right and left wing.... friends — European and Americans, We have one heart, one heart that is wishing that soon you will be back in

open for friends like you. your country in Iran. AR E D B

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PHOTO: TME PHOTO: TME A senior delegation from the Syrian opposition addressing the Free Iran Rally in Paris. Delegations from countries in the Middle East attending the Free Iran Rally in Paris. 15 #FreeIran We are ENT m T t m ent the Future ar ar y dEP y Dep C c a a OC oc oF Iran dv s a E m T I VIctory TON T i m e s A dv ton

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