The news was made public in a press conference at noon in Washington D.C. by Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Republican-Florida) and Gary Ackerman (Democrat-New York), members of the House Committee on International Relations, and Representative James Traficant (D-Ohio).
In a statement signed by 222 members of the House of Representatives, the lawmakers added that the Iranian regime directs the most active terrorist network around the globe and that despite international pressure, continues its barbaric crimes against humanity.
The signatories include 10 committee chairmen, 10 committee ranking members, 37 subcommittee chairs, and 38 subcommittee ranking members.
The statement says: "The Iranian regime has not only continued to abuse the human rights of its own people, but it has also continued to procure nuclear, chemical and biological weapons from around the world. Already, long range missiles and 'super' mortars have been used in attacks on the opposition National Liberation Army. Without immediate action, the United States could face an Iran armed with weapons of mass destruction."
The statement adds: "A clear line must be drawn between the Iranian people and the crimes of the ruling theocracy. Support for advocates of democracy such as the Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi would contribute to peace and stability in the region. This resistance has called for free and fair elections under the auspices of the United Nations and the creation of a democratic, secular, pluralist government.
"The time has come for a unified effort to isolate the Tehran regime. The United States has taken the initiative with a decisive approach. In light of the Berlin court decision and other recent developments, our European allies would do well to abandon their 'critical dialogue' and follow the United States' lead," the statement concluded.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran - Paris
July 23, 1997
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