Dignitaries from Across the Globe Call for Regime Change in Iran
By Staff Writer, Iran Probe
Tuesday, 4 July 2017
Dignitaries from Across the Globe Call for Regime Change in Iran at Opposition Rally- 1 July 2017
On Saturday, July 1st, outside of Paris, a huge gathering was held, where tens of thousands of expat Iranians joined hundreds of dignitaries from the Arab World, the United States and Europe and stood alongside the Iranian opposition coalition National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its President Maryam Rajavi to voice their demand for a better future through regime change in Tehran, and to condemn Iran’s meddling throughout the Middle East.
Mrs. Rajavi was the keynote speaker on Saturday. She urged the international community to recognize the NCRI as representatives of the Iranian people, and to stand with the Iranian people’s call for regime change.
Maryam Rajavi said, at Saturday’s convention, “Our people want a constitution based on freedom, democracy and equality. The time has come for the international community to heed the demands of the people of Iran.”
She also highlighted the fact that the roots of Tehran’s foreign wars are found in its domestic crises. “Out of the past 38 years, the mullahs were engaged in war with Iraq for eight years, have been at war with the people of Syria for six years, and have pursued confrontation with the international community for more than ten years to build an atomic bomb. The Iranian Resistance is proud that it has stood up to the mullahs’ religious fascism in all these three spheres: It has been the flag-bearer of peace and freedom; it has been a vanguard in defending the people of Syria, and it has led the way for a non-nuclear Iran.”
Mrs. Rajavi continued, “We have welcomed the statements made at the Arab, Islamic, American Summit in Riyadh against the Iranian regime’s terrorist and destabilizing activities. Nevertheless, we emphasize that the ultimate solution to the crisis in the region and confronting groups like ISIS, is the overthrow of the Iranian regime by the Iranian people and Resistance.”
She also stated that the most important changes needed are the people’s demands for freedom and democracy, and put forward these three points:
- The NCRI must be recognized by the international community as the sole legitimate voice representing Iranian people.
- There must be an end to the policy of engagement and appeasement regarding Tehran.
- A strong position of standing shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian people’s desire for regime change must be established.
The messages from politicians and high-profile figures from the United States and Europe gave more weight to the Iranian people’s demand for regime change.
American dignitaries including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Mayor Rudi Giuliani, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Governor Ed Rendell and of dozens of other political and military officials gave their support, which represented a rare bipartisan initiative.
Former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani said, “You, I, my government and your leadership, we see Iran in exactly the same way. The regime is evil and it must go. #FreeIran.”
“I think it’s fair to say that the Trump administration has much fewer illusions about the nature of the Iranian dictatorship. I think it’s fair to say that Secretary of Defense Mattis in his years in the Central Command understands exactly who the Iranian dictatorship is…I think it’s fair to say that the National Security Advisor, General McMaster, in his years of service in the Middle East, knows exactly who the Iranian dictatorship is,” said former US presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.
Iran has experienced a series of setbacks following last month’s Riyadh Summit. That, along with the US continuing its evaluation of its comprehensive Iran policy, bode ill for the future of the regime in Tehran.
Excerpts of speeches:
The Free Iran Gathering 2017 opened with a selection of short speeches from Gibert Mitterrand, son of the late French President Francois Mitterrand, Anwar Malek, a Former Arab League observer, Linda Chavez, the Former White House Director of Public Liaison, and Sona Samsami, an Iranian community leader.
Mitterrand, who is also president of Danielle Mitterrand foundation (France Liberte), welcomed the audience to the Free Iran Grand Gathering 2017, while Samsami, the NCRI representative to the US and co-moderator of the event, said that the people in attendance are the voice of the voiceless.
Former US Senator Robert Torricelli introduces Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City.
Giulliani takes the stage and gives a speech, in which he gives thanks to Maryam Rajavi.
He said: “ We wouldn’t be here today without the leadership of Mrs. Rajavi. Thanks to her, our brothers and sisters from Camp Liberty are free.”
He also insisted that Donald Trump recognized the threat poosed by the Iranian Regime and is focused on it. Giuliani said: “The Resistance stands for freedom of religion, freedom for women, free elections, the rule of all, respecting human dignity and human rights. We need this in Iran. This is why the Resistance is the hope of Iran…. The regime will fall. We don’t know when, but I’m confident it will happen in my lifetime… We can see the world beginning to turn. It is starting to look at Iran realistically. Regime change is inevitable. It WILL happen.”
Former U.S. ambassador to the UN, John Bolton takes the stage and gives a speech, in which he clarified that President Trump’s administration is totally opposed to the regime in Tehran.
John Bolton declared: “The 1979 Iranian regime will NOT reach
its 40th birthday.”
John Bolton declared: “The 1979 Iranian regime will NOT reach
its 40th birthday.”
An important voice from the Arab World made a significant statement. “The Iranian people are the first victims of Khomeini’s dictatorship,” said Turki Faisal, former Saudi ambassador in the United States and United Kingdom. “Your effort in challenging this regime is legitimate and your resistance for the liberation of the Iranian people of all ethnicities, including Arabs, Kurds, Baluchis, Turks and Fars of the mullahs’ evil, as Mrs. Rajavi said, is a legitimate struggle.”
That the Middle East is united in its position against Iran’s aggression, was proven by the participation of numerous Arab delegations that included many former and current officials from more than a dozen regional countries. These delegations represent of hundreds of millions of people, and their speeches reflected that they’ve had enough of the Iranian regime’s support for terrorism. After four decades of Tehran’s meddling across the region, these nations are supporting the NCRI platform, and are advocating for regime change.
That the Middle East is united in its position against Iran’s aggression, was proven by the participation of numerous Arab delegations that included many former and current officials from more than a dozen regional countries. These delegations represent of hundreds of millions of people, and their speeches reflected that they’ve had enough of the Iranian regime’s support for terrorism. After four decades of Tehran’s meddling across the region, these nations are supporting the NCRI platform, and are advocating for regime change.
Senator Torricelli introduces Joe Liberman, former US Senator and former Vice-president candidate.
Liberman takes the stage and gives a speech, in which he praised the people at the gathering for sending a message to both the Iranian Regime and the people of Iran.
He also noted that one day the truth about the 1988 massacre will be fully know and those responsible will be held to account.
Liberman takes the stage and gives a speech, in which he praised the people at the gathering for sending a message to both the Iranian Regime and the people of Iran.
He also noted that one day the truth about the 1988 massacre will be fully know and those responsible will be held to account.
SenatorTorricelli introduces Newt Gingrich, Former US Presidential candidate and Speaker of the House.
Gingrich takes the stage and gives a speech in which he praises the Trump administration for their attitude towards the Iranian Regime and praises the Resistance for the valiant fight for freedom.
He said: “Iran must be free. The dictatorship must be destroyed. Containment is appeasement, and appeasement is surrender.”
He said: “Iran must be free. The dictatorship must be destroyed. Containment is appeasement, and appeasement is surrender.”
He continued: “The right to happiness to be free is an American concern. Freedom is not safe anywhere as long as dictatorships are in a position to threaten freedom… In America, we want to win this fight because everywhere is in danger until the dictatorship ends.”
Senator Torricelli introduce Jack Keane, former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
Keane takes the stage and gives a speech, praising the Trump administration for righting the wrongs on US policy towards Iran, and promised the Trump would deal with the Iranian Regime as he has with Russia and North Korea.
Keane takes the stage and gives a speech, praising the Trump administration for righting the wrongs on US policy towards Iran, and promised the Trump would deal with the Iranian Regime as he has with Russia and North Korea.
He said: “The Trump administration brings great hope after the disastrous policies of Obama administration.”
He predicted that the US Government would soon designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
He predicted that the US Government would soon designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
The USA Congress Delegation takes the stage and a selection of short speeches are given from Members of the United States House of Representatives, Ted Poe, Tom Garrett Jr., and Robert Pittenger.
Poe said: “We are in a fight for freedom – the most important thing. One day soon we will see freedom and democracy in Iran.”
He called on the people of Iran to take to the streets in peaceful protest and the international community to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity; promising to make it a reality in the US.
While Garrett and Pittenger insisted that the US Congress would stand united with the freedom loving people of Iran.
Poe said: “We are in a fight for freedom – the most important thing. One day soon we will see freedom and democracy in Iran.”
He called on the people of Iran to take to the streets in peaceful protest and the international community to designate the IRGC as a terrorist entity; promising to make it a reality in the US.
While Garrett and Pittenger insisted that the US Congress would stand united with the freedom loving people of Iran.
Ms.Chavez introduces Rama Yade, the Former Secretary of State for Human Rights of France, and Ingrid Betancourt, former Presidential candidate of Colombia and former hostage.
Betancourt reminded us that the Iranian Regime, like Daesh, are not Muslims.
She said: “This movement is a movement of resistance by Muslims, for Muslims. They have rejected the mullahs’ version of Islam.”
Betancourt reminded us that the Iranian Regime, like Daesh, are not Muslims.
She said: “This movement is a movement of resistance by Muslims, for Muslims. They have rejected the mullahs’ version of Islam.”
Rama Yade said: “The 1988 massacre was a crime against humanity… There will be no peace without justice.”
She told the Resistance that the must not give up their fight and encouraged the French government not to concede, lest they risk French values.
The Canadian delegation takes the stage and John Baird, former Member of the Canadian House of Commons and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, makes a speech.
Baird said: “The people of Iran demand and deserve better than the religious fascism ruling Iran...The money spent by the regime on nuclear weapons and terrorism is being stolen from the Iranian people... The policies of appeasement let the people of Iran down.”
Baird said: “The people of Iran demand and deserve better than the religious fascism ruling Iran...The money spent by the regime on nuclear weapons and terrorism is being stolen from the Iranian people... The policies of appeasement let the people of Iran down.”
The Delegation of Italy and San Marino takes the stage and Giulio Terzi, the Former Foreign Minister of Italy makes a speech, in which he made a passionate appeal for the freedom of Iran.
He said: “It is now that change can happen. Change will come soon.”
He warned the international community against forgetting the 1988 massacre, in which 30,000 political prisoners, mainly members of the MEK, were murdered. He insisted that those responsible must be brought to justice.
He also warned against doing business with Iran.
Terzi said: “Governments rushing to do business with Iran are misinformed and ill advised. Our leaders should look first and foremost to the Iranian people.”
He also warned against doing business with Iran.
Terzi said: “Governments rushing to do business with Iran are misinformed and ill advised. Our leaders should look first and foremost to the Iranian people.”
Three speakers from the USA; Tom Ridge, Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Mukasey, Former Attorney General of the United States, and Louis Freeh, former Director of the FBI.
All three paid tribute to the sacrifice of the Iranian people, especially the MEK, in their speech.
Mukasey said: “We will remain eternally grateful to the people of Albania for making the people who were in Camp Ashraf safe.”
Mukasey said: “We will remain eternally grateful to the people of Albania for making the people who were in Camp Ashraf safe.”
Louis Freeh said: “The people of Ashraf are heroes.”
Senator Torricelli introduces Ed Rendell, the former Chairman of the US Democratic Party and former Governor of Pennsylvania.
Rendell takes the stage and makes a speech in which he assessed that a free Iran, ruled by Maryam Rajavi would mean peace and security for the Middle East and an Iran that puts human rights at the centre of its democracy.
He also paid tribute to the Iranian Resistance and the MEK.
He said: “[I have] never felt prouder and more accomplished in his public career that freeing the people of Ashraf...We have fought for freedom in America. We know the struggle and we are behind you. “
Rendell takes the stage and makes a speech in which he assessed that a free Iran, ruled by Maryam Rajavi would mean peace and security for the Middle East and an Iran that puts human rights at the centre of its democracy.
He also paid tribute to the Iranian Resistance and the MEK.
He said: “[I have] never felt prouder and more accomplished in his public career that freeing the people of Ashraf...We have fought for freedom in America. We know the struggle and we are behind you. “
The German Delegation takes the stage and Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth, the former President of German Bundestag, and Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, the former Minister of Justice, make a speech.
They acknowledged the plight of those MEK members who were relocated to safety in Albania in 2016, saying that they had not suffered in vain.
They continued by praising Maryam Rajavi and the Iranian Resistance (NCRI and MEK).
They said: “Rajavi spreads the light of enlightenment. She is the hope for those who want to live in peace together. She is committed to a peaceful liberation of Iran.”
They acknowledged the plight of those MEK members who were relocated to safety in Albania in 2016, saying that they had not suffered in vain.
They continued by praising Maryam Rajavi and the Iranian Resistance (NCRI and MEK).
They said: “Rajavi spreads the light of enlightenment. She is the hope for those who want to live in peace together. She is committed to a peaceful liberation of Iran.”
The French Delegation takes the stage and a selection of short speeches are given from Martine Valleton, the Mayor of Villepinte, D. Lefevre, Senator Alain Néri, and Michèle de Vau Covler.
Valleton expressed hope for the victory of the Resistance and for a Free Iran, while Néri reaffirmed his support and the support of French dignitaries for the Iranian Resistance.
Valleton expressed hope for the victory of the Resistance and for a Free Iran, while Néri reaffirmed his support and the support of French dignitaries for the Iranian Resistance.
Senator Torricelli introduce Bernard Kouchner, the former French Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and co-founder of Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
Kouchner takes the stage and gives a speech, praising the Resistance for its commitment to gender equality, freedom. and separation of religion and state.
He said: “[That] is what makes the movement successful and stand out.”
Kouchner takes the stage and gives a speech, praising the Resistance for its commitment to gender equality, freedom. and separation of religion and state.
He said: “[That] is what makes the movement successful and stand out.”
The British Delegation takes the stage and Sir David Ames MP and Theresa Villiers MP make a speech each.
Ames praised the work of the Resistance forces and promised to stand with them, advising Maryam Rajavi that she had the full support of the British delegation.
He said: “The Iranian Resistance is the only democratic alternative to the theocratic regime.”
He finished by calling for a Free Iran.
Villiers said: “The Iranian regime is a source of evil in the world. We want a brighter future for the people of Iran.”
Ames praised the work of the Resistance forces and promised to stand with them, advising Maryam Rajavi that she had the full support of the British delegation.
He said: “The Iranian Resistance is the only democratic alternative to the theocratic regime.”
He finished by calling for a Free Iran.
Villiers said: “The Iranian regime is a source of evil in the world. We want a brighter future for the people of Iran.”
Delegation of the European Parliament and Belgium. Els Van Hoof, a Belgian MP, makes a speech expressing concern for violation of rights of women and minorities in Iran and voicing support for Maryam Rajavi and the Iranian Resistance (NCRI/MEK) for their view of a future Iran.
Els van Hoof hails the MEK for the leadership of women in the organisation.
Els van Hoof hails the MEK for the leadership of women in the organisation.
The Syrian Delegation takes the stage and Nasr Hariri, Former member of the People's Council of Syria from Daraa, and Suhair Alattasi, the leading female secular activist in the Syrian opposition, each give a speech.
Their speeches made clear that the Iranian people support the overthrow of the Regime and called for others to support it to.
They said that the heroic people who are standing in the face of the Iranian regime are sacrificing everything and noted that they would continue to fight for freedom for Syrians and Iranians.
Their speeches made clear that the Iranian people support the overthrow of the Regime and called for others to support it to.
They said that the heroic people who are standing in the face of the Iranian regime are sacrificing everything and noted that they would continue to fight for freedom for Syrians and Iranians.
The Palestinian Delegation takes the stage and Walid Asaf, the Palestinian Authority's Chairman of the Commission Against the Wall and Settlements, gives a speech, declaring the Palestinian Delegation’s support for the Resistance.
Asaf said: “With our efforts, we will not let the Iranian regime dominate the region. We will establish the dream of the Iranian regime: liberty and democracy….The path to democracy requires time and effort and sacrifice. But we will have victory.”
The Delegation of Athletics and Youth are welcomed on stage and Wrestling Champion Moslem E. Filabi gives a speech, hailing the people of Iran who have effectively cornered the Regime with their calls for justice. The Delegation of IranianYouth are welcomed on stage and Hanifeh Khayeri gives a speech
The Delegation of Specialists are welcomed on stage and Professor Firouz Daneshgari gives a speech declared support for the ten-point plan of the Iranian Resistance presented by Maryam Rajavi.
The Delegation of Specialists are welcomed on stage and Professor Firouz Daneshgari gives a speech declared support for the ten-point plan of the Iranian Resistance presented by Maryam Rajavi.
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER SPEAKS TO OVER 100,000
AT PRO-DEMOCRACY #FreeIran RALLY
CHARLOTTE – Earlier today, Congressman Robert Pittenger spoke to over 100,000 people at the pro-democracy “Grand Gathering of Iranians for #FreeIran” rally in Villepinte, France.
CHARLOTTE – Earlier today, Congressman Robert Pittenger spoke to over 100,000 people at the pro-democracy “Grand Gathering of Iranians for #FreeIran” rally in Villepinte, France.
Click here for full video of Congressman Pittenger’s speech to over 100,000 people at an Iranian pro-democracy rally in France.
“When our forefathers met 241 years ago, they pledged their lives, their fortune, their sacred honor, for a Declaration of Independence, for a new America. Yes, from that, we found Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, and that’s what we want for Iran today,” said Congressman Pittenger (NC-09), who serves as Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare and Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance.
