18/06/2009
Iranian presidential elections: people deserve to be heard and have their rights respected
The Party of European Socialists expressed its concern about the legitimacy of the re-election in Iran of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, contested by rival Mir Hossein Mousavi and other moderate candidates. With 84% turnout, the Iranians showed a great commitment to the future of their country and huge interest in the political and diplomatic developments with the rest of the world.
The PES regrets and deplores the violence during the street protests. It is deeply alarming that clashes between the police and anti-Ahmadinejad protesters continued on Sunday and Monday, with seven civilians killed, radio and communications system closed down and parts of the city sealed off by the authorities. The PES demands the immediate release of politicians arrested: Mohsen Mirdamadi, general Secretary of the Front for participation; Réza Khatami, former vice-president of the Parliament, Mostapha Tajzadeh, vice-minister of Intérior; Mohsen Aminzadeh, vice-minister for Foreign Affairs; and Abdullah Ramanzanzadeh spokesperson of the Mohammad Khatami government as many other supporters of reform.
The demonstrations illustrate the widespread discontent of many Iranian citizens at the conduct of the election. The decision of the Guardian Council to recount disputed votes from Friday's presidential poll, must guarantee Iranian voters that their claims will be heard.
The authorities must increase freedom, democracy and fundamental rights in Iran, especially for women.
The PES calls for negotiations on the nuclear issue, and hopes that Iran will show a strong commitment to co-operate within the multilateral framework to which the EU and the US are parties in the near future. President Obama along with the EU showed a strong willingness to resume talks with Iran; it is now in Iran’s hands to make a move. The PES believes that this will benefit the Iranian people and help stabilize the region.
The PES expresses its support to and solidarity with the Iranian people and those who are actively engaged in favour of more democratic reforms in their country.
PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said “We hope that the outcome of these elections will not isolate Iran even further. Iranian people deserve to be heard and have their collective decision respected. The time has come for Iran to resolve its nuclear crisis by showing its commitment to find a solution.”
