- 28 December 2009
- 2 Comments
- Events in Iran, Human Rights in Iran, Iran Election 2009
Obama’s Statement on Iran
28 December 2009 Posted By Patrick Disney
From President Obama’s press statement today:
Before I leave, let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted in detentions, injuries, and even death.
For months, the Iranian people have sought nothing more than to exercise their universal rights. Each time they have done so, they have been met with the iron fist of brutality, even on solemn occasions and holy days. And each time that has happened, the world has watched with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people who are part of Iran’s great and enduring civilization.
What’s taking place within Iran is not about the United States or any other country. It’s about the Iranian people and their aspirations for justice and a better life for themselves. And the decision of Iran’s leaders to govern through fear and tyranny will not succeed in making those aspirations go away.
As I said in Oslo, it’s telling when governments fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation. Along with all free nations, the United States stands with those who seek their universal rights. We call upon the Iranian government to abide by the international obligations that it has to respect the rights of its own people.
We call for the immediate release of all who have been unjustly detained within Iran. We will continue to bear witness to the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I’m confident that history will be on the side of those who seek justice.
Thank you very much, everybody. And Happy New Year.
2 Responses to “Obama’s Statement on Iran”
The fight of the men and women pushing for their freedom is amazing. Sadly many have died but in the hopes for a better tomorrow.
The Obama administration cannot seem to make up their mind on a stance. I understand Obama is in a tough spot and I agree he should not get involved. The thing I cannot understand is why negotiate with them on anything when you are not willing to denounce or recognize the government. His foreign policy has always been solid so why waver now?
I am glad to see he has pushed his support for the support of basic human rights, but at what point does the administration completely cut ties. Overall I think he has done a decent job of staying neutral (minus holding talks with them).
It’s a difficult line indeed. Even Trita is walking that line. But what can you do when paranoia is used as a primary tool by the state.
Even the smallest statement can warped and modified to be used as propaganda to instill a sense of fear. Did Britain even say anything to receive a threat of being “slapped”?
The IRI is not a government. It’s a group of fanatical hooligans whom have outstayed their welcome.