Thursday, February 11, 2010

Catherine Ashton Expresses Her "Concern" Over Iran

Catherine Ashton, "High Representative" of the EU, issued the following statement today concerning events in Iran:

"On the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, which for many in Iran should symbolise progress in fundamental freedoms and rights, the European Union notes with great concern that a large number of Iranians have been prevented for [sic] expressing their views.

The EU is also concerned by reports that opposition leaders have been subjected to violence and intimidation and may have been arrested.

The scenes of violent repression today are part of a pattern over the past few months. Violent crackdowns on those calling for the fundamental right to freedom of expression and assembly have cost the regime the trust of its own people, as well as that of the international community.

The determination shown by protestors on Iran's streets clearly demonstrates the strength of their desire for democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU reiterates its support for them.

The choices this regime is making vis-à-vis its people and the international community are the wrong ones. No amount of inflated rhetoric can hide that. The regime is letting its own people down; and they deserve better."

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/112858.pdf

The EU notes its "great concern"? If so, why, for the love of heaven, are EU member states not bringing this matter before the UN Security Council on an emergency basis?

A "large number of Iranians have been prevented for [sic] expressing their views"? I have news for you, dearest Catherine: in recent days, the Ahmadinejad regime has been busy arresting and executing them.

Yes, the Ahmadinejad regime is "letting its own people down" and Iranians "deserve better" - I am sickened by this wilting language - and what, if anything, do you intend to do about this, Catherine?

On the other side of the pond, what does President Obama have to say about this situation? Meanwhile, nothing. USA TODAY reports:

"The Obama administration is keeping a close eye today on Iran".

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/02/obama-white-house-eyes-celebration-in-iran/1

How reassuring! In accordance with the now famous "Obama Doctrine" of appeasing enemies and enfeebling friends, Barack is busy watching. That should have Ahmadinejad and his henchmen trembling in their pants!

2 comments:

  1. Obama is also keeping an eye on the domestic Asian carp issue-one that,in the goverment's opinion, needs a long term study. The reality is that a significant domestic fishing industry is obviously at risk,the problem has been expanding for years,evidence of the species domination clear to all.
    The facts in the mid-east are just as obvious,the outcome just as sure.Unchecked aggressive behavior of any kind will have the same devastating result,one vastly more costly in all regards to deal with in the future.
    Precious little comfort in knowing that we have merely an observer onboard....If he can't take a stance on a non native,invasive, fish species,God help us.

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  2. I find the next paragraph the most perplexing:
    "The determination shown by protestors on Iran's streets clearly demonstrates the strength of their desire for democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. "
    How is it possible that "determination" alone shows "desire for democracy and human rights"? Did they say that they need democracy and human rights? As far as I know, they did not. They have nothing against ruling of mullahs and Islamic republic and Islamic laws in general. They have nothing against discrimination of minorities.
    Somehow, Europeans believe that Iranians (unlike some other people) are inherently good and freedom loving and humane. If only they had a little more democracy, everything would be fine!

    I find it hart to accept this position. I still do not see any difference between the sides in Iranian conflict. The fact that one side is in power and is wrong does not make another side right.

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