Ahead of Major International Gathering of Iranians in Paris on June 22, 'Onward to Freedom', British Lawmakers Back Iranian Resistance and Express 'Deep Concern' for Dissidents in Iraq
LONDON, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Majority members of both Houses of the British Parliament have given their support to the Iranian Resistance and the long-suffering residents of Camps Liberty and Ashraf in Iraq.
The statement issued by parliamentarians comes ahead of a major gathering of Iranians in Paris on June 22, to call for democratic change in Iran.
The event in Paris, 'Onward to Freedom', will be attended by several hundred dignitaries and lawmakers from around the world. It is expected to be attended by tens of thousands of expatriate Iranians from all over the world.
The statement calls for prosecution of Iranian human rights violators and the overthrow of the regime-which has already been severely weakened by disqualification of Hashemi Rafsanjani from the election and a purge of the Supreme Leader's opponents.
Lawmakers in Westminster went on to back Iranian Resistance leader Maryam Rajavi's 10-point plan for the future of Iran after the terrorist dictatorship is overthrown.
They wrote: "We condemn the systematic violation of human rights in Iran and are strongly disturbed by the regime's secret nuclear programme and its terrorist involvements in the region and the world."
"Iranian people and the international community desire democratic change in Iran in 2013. We strongly support the 10-point plan proposed by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, and urge our government to do so."
"We call on our government and the UN Secretary General to refer Iran's human right dossier to the Security Council and call for prosecution of the perpetrators of crimes against humanity in Iran."
The statement also condemned the deadly missile attack on Camp Liberty on February 9 which left eight dead and more than 100 injured.
It added: "We are deeply concerned by the security of the Iranian refugees at Camp Liberty, Iraq, who are members of the main Iranian opposition."
"The most urgent issue is the security of the residents in Camp Liberty who could face similar tragedies at any moment."
"We urge the UNHCR to immediately return them to Camp Ashraf, their home of 26 years, which is much more secure against such attacks, being 80 times larger than Liberty prison, from where they can be transferred to third countries."
Maryam Rajavi's 10-Point Plan Platform for Future Iran
1. In our view, the ballot box is the only criterion for legitimacy. Accordingly, we seek a republic based on universal suffrage.
2. We want a pluralist system, freedom of parties and assembly. We respect all individual freedoms. We underscore complete freedom of expression and of the media and unconditional access by all to the internet.
3. We support and are committed to the abolition of death penalty.
4. We are committed to the separation of Church and State. Any form of discrimination against the followers of any religion and denomination will be prohibited.
5. We believe in complete gender equality in political, social and economic arenas. We are also committed to equal participation of women in political leadership. Any form of discrimination against women will be abolished. They will enjoy the right to freely choose their clothing. They are free in marriage, divorce, education and employment.
6. We believe in the rule of law and justice. We want to set up a modern legal system based on the principles of presumption of innocence, the right to defense, effective judicial protection and the right to be tried in a public court. We also seek the total independence of judges. The mullahs' Sharia law will be abolished.
7. We are committed to the Universal Declaration of Humans Rights, and international covenants and conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture, and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women.
8. We recognize private property, private investment and the market economy. All Iranian people must enjoy equal opportunity in employment and in business ventures. We will protect and revitalize the environment.
9. Our foreign policy will be based on peaceful coexistence, international and regional peace and cooperation, as well as respect for the United Nations Charter.
10. We want a non-nuclear Iran, free of weapons of mass destruction.
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