In letters to their Foreign Ministries, the parliamentarians expressed concern at the possibility of a compromise with the mullahs' regime to prevent the adoption of a strong resolution against the regime in exchange for receiving economic concessions.
"We are very concerned about policies of certain EU countries, suggesting a softer approach vis-a-vis Iran. Beyond some words, there has not even been a single indication of any real change in the policies and behaviour of the Iranian regime," the British MPs wrote.
In their letter to the Swedish Foreign Minister, the parliamentarians in Sweden declared, "Human rights are not to be compromised." They asked the government of Sweden "not to demonstrate any leniency towards the mullahs' regime so long as there is not sufficient evidence that the situation of human rights had improved in Iran." They stressed in their letter: "Stoning to death, beating of prisoners, and unfair trials continue... A footage shot by the regime which revealed a stoning procession in Iran was broadcast by the Swedish Channel 4 TV. In this program the representative of Amnesty International stressed that despite the election of a new president, everything remains in words not in action."
At the same time, 20 NGOs issued a declaration saying "pinning any hope on reform by this regime" is but "a mirage." They added that placating policies "only embolden the mullahs in continuing suppression and terrorism." The non-governmental organizations said in their statement: "Khatami's ascension to power has made no difference in the daily plight of Iranian women. The Iranian regime's refusal to join the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women on the pretext that 'the convention's underlying spirit' which calls for equality of men and women is against the fundamentals of the regime, vividly shows this regime's incompatibility with international mechanisms and norms. This decision was made by the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution headed by Khatami." The declaration concludes that "the only appropriate response of this Commission to the behavior of the mullahs' regime vis- a-vis the most fundamental rights of the Iranian people and international rules and regulations of human rights is to adopt a firm policy without any political and economic considerations. This would entail passing a strong resolution which includes the above-mentioned cases of violations of human rights in Iran. "
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
April 9, 1998
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