Iran Policy Summit Calls for Sanctions to Hold Regime Accountable

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Online conference by the NCRI – September 18, 2020
Online conference by the NCRI – September 18, 2020

By Jubin Katiraie

On the eve of the UN General Assembly summit, on 18 September 2020, the Iranian opposition (NCRI) and its supporters in the USA and other countries around the world hold a conference about the latest situation in Iran and the ruling regime. The key points of the conference were the necessity of the sanctions on Iran, as the continuing of the arms embargo of the regime to protect the people of Iran as well as the people of other countries in the Middle East, auditing the regime for its global terrorism and human rights violations, especially to preventing the regime to be able to execute more people, with a high priority the execution of arrested people and youths in the last protests in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Prominent political figures and members of parliament from various countries (the United States and Europe) spoke at the conference.

Rudy Giuliani, former Mayor of New York at the conference said: “The regime is showing every indication that they’re on their last legs. Everyone knows they are a regime of terror. From the late 1970s until now, every year has been terror and slaughter. They have the worst record in killing their own people. But they continue to receive support from countries that should know better.

“For too long, the United States was sympathetic to Iran. It seemed to be a priority to keep a dangerous nuclear agreement. Why? There is no reason for it. Nor is there any reason for European governments to not support sanctions against the regime.

“The regime is killing people. They are a regime that is desperate, and the best indication is that they are striking out hard. The situation is getting worse in Iran. They recently executed wrestling champion Navid Afkari for protesting. He was protesting the barbarity of the regime. Mostafa Salehi was executed for the same charge.”

David Jones, British MP and former Secretary of State of Wales about the situation in Iran said: “Iran is at a pivotal moment in its history. The people of Iran demand genuine democracy and regime change. The regime responds with repression, execution, and torture. The regime resorts to terrorism against the Iranian opposition. They continue to defy international opinion, including the global outcry to stop the execution of wrestling champion Navid Afkari.”

US General James Jones about the regime’s terrorism said: “There’s no question that Iran is the number one supporter of terrorism in many parts of the world. There is no question their ultimate goal is to develop nuclear weapons. This regime has identified itself as the enemy of the people.”

Pandeli Majko former Prime Minister of Albania: “Iran has turned the Middle East into a battlefield. The aggravated economic situation in Iran could have consequences. In this situation, we should be cautious and prepared. It is clear that any vacuum left by the West will be filled by Iran. This could elevate the status of Iran in the Middle East.”

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, about the regime’s human rights violations said: “It is an absolute necessity that we hold the regime’s officials to account for their crimes against humanity. There is no outrage the regime will not commit. They tortured a confession out of Navid Afkari and they executed him. We must hold them to account for this crime.”

And about the regime’s terrorism, he added: “Iran’s regime continues to finance terror and endangers the security of us and our allies. The snapback denies the regime resources and slows the nuclear program. Iran has consistently been in violation of nuclear restrictions before, during, and after the negotiation of the deal.”

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen: “The government in Tehran continues to commit gross human rights violations in Iran and in the region. It has destabilized countries and prevented peace across the Middle East. At home, peaceful activists and human rights activists are arrested and tortured.”

Joseph Lieberman, former U.S. Senator: “We have tried everything to change the behavior of the regime of Iran. It’s time for a conclusion. The regime will not change. We must change the regime in Iran. That is what we mean when we say freedom for the people in Iran. Sanctions must be extended. We must convince our allies in Europe to join us.”

Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the US House of Representatives: “The dictatorship is getting more and more desperate and the public is getting more and more unhappy. The fact that the killing of Soleimani did not result in an explosion of terrorist action is indicative of the mullah’s power waning. But we still have a distance to go until we reach a free and peaceful Iran.”

Ambassador Robert Joseph: “The Resistance Units are the true beacons of freedom. You have endured suffering at the hands of the regime for standing up for democracy and a secular republic. Your sacrifices and your success will inspire the next generation in Iran.”

Sheila Jackson Lee, member of the U.S. House of Representatives: “I rise to be able to support the fighters in Iran for human rights, and to stand with those like Madam Rajavi, who want human rights and the fights against the abuses, the horrible abuses that people are facing in Iran who just simply want justice, equality, and human rights.”

Fatmir Mediu, leader of the Republican Party: “The people want life and freedom, they don’t want nuclear bombs. The regime is massacring the people. We should think about what we can do about that. Iranian people are against terrorism. It’s important that everyone knows what the Iranian regime is doing in Albania, in the Middle East, and around the world. It’s time to stand for the right thing.”

British MP Bob Blackman:

“In the coming days, world leaders will gather for the UNGA. There should be three pressing issues regarding Iran:

– Extending the UN arms embargo on Iran

– Reimposing international sanctions on the regime. Allowing the regime to legally buy sophisticated weapons will not bring about peace in our lifetimes. Appeasing the theocratic leaders in Tehran will not bring about moderation or reforms.

-Time to hold Iran’s regime accountable. The international community must establish an independent inquiry into the 1988 massacre of political prisoners.”

Brad Schneider, member of the U.S. House of Representatives: “Your activism and engagement on this issue are critical as our democracies hold the Iranian government accountable for its egregious human rights record.

In recent protests against the government over the past 18 months, as many as 1,500 protesters have reportedly been killed for their activism. The Iranian people deserve our support in recognizing the 1988 massacre and other tragedies of the past and their voices deserve to be heard today, as the Iranian people continue to voice their opposition to the Iranian regime.”

Read More:

Iran: A Society That ‘Will Undergo Major Changes’