President Barack H. Obama
The White House
Dear Mr. President,
Your election as the President of the United States
of America has opened a new and promising chapter in the history of the USA and
created a strong wave of enthusiasm and hope across the world.
We, members of the "Iranians for Peace" (IFP), a
network of individuals and associations inside and outside Iran, are dedicated
to promoting a better understanding of Iranian culture and society. Exploring
the current nuclear crisis, with the objective of enabling both sides to
envision a solution, has been one of our goals. We are advocating for a solution
that is not imposed by force, by sanctions or by military intervention leading
to frustration, humiliation and hatred but one that pays due regard to the
dignity, pride and aspirations of the Iranian people. Such a solution must
respect the sovereignty, the security and the national interests of Iran so that
it can last, be productive in the complicated political situation of the Middle
East and contribute to the cause of peace and prosperity in the region. Last but
not the least, this must be a solution based on actual facts and not mere
suspicion, and based on the spirit and the letter of the international treaties
ensuring fairness of treatment in comparison to cases of other countries.
A solution of this kind may seem too hard and
cumbersome to achieve, but it is commensurate with the expectations that your
election has created. Yes, you can do it.
Iran's nuclear program is currently under the
"Safeguards Agreement" and inspections of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) within the framework of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). But,
because of the one-dimensional policies of the US and some of its European
allies, Iran has been denied the cooperation mandated by the NPT. Left to their
own devices, Iranians have to work in isolation, paving the way for
misunderstanding and suspicion.
We think a proper solution can be reached only by initiating a
direct dialogue with the Iranian authorities. If carried out in good faith from
both sides, this dialogue can lead to political settlement of various issues
inhibiting US-Iran relations. We therefore welcome your statement about Iran on
January 27 in which you said: "It is important for us to be willing to talk
to Iran, to express very clearly where our differences are, but (also) where
there are potential avenues for progress."
We believe that a definitive and lasting solution of
the crisis should, of necessity, include the establishment of a
nuclear-weapon-free zone for ALL the countries in the Middle East, as voted for
by the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The recent
turmoil in Gaza and the tragic death of large numbers of innocent civilians,
indiscriminate devastation and sufferings of the Palestinian people has
illustrated once more, how volatile the situation is in the Middle East. The
existence of nuclear weapons in that region may lead to a catastrophic scenario.
Furthermore, steps should be taken to bring the
countries that have not joined the NPT to adhere to this treaty and submit all
their nuclear activities to the safeguard system of the IAEA, in order to remove
the de facto discrimination that has resulted regarding the non-proliferation
objectives. Short of achieving this, the NPT would lose its purpose and, as a
consequence, would be less and less respected by those countries that have
joined the treaty.
Finally, we must concede that the possession of
nuclear weapons by a number of countries is a potential threat to the humanity
as a whole. If the NPT is to be respected by all nations in good faith, the
nuclear weapon countries should engage, with determination, in the process of
implementing their commitments under the article VI of the NPT. This would lead
to total nuclear disarmament to the benefit of future generations bound to live
on this planet.
The way the Iranian nuclear issue is being handled
at present is unfair, inefficient and counter-productive. Your administration
will be in a propitious position to change the course of action and formulate a
solution worthy of the values you are representing.
Hoping that this letter will receive your special
attention, we remain,
Respectfully yours,
|
Akbar Etemad
Co-chair |
Fatemeh Keshavarz
Co-chair |
www.iraniansforpeace.net
info@iraniansforpeace.net
About Iranians for Peace: Across
geographical borders, linguistic, religious, and racial difference, we stand
with our peace loving brothers and sisters in the world. Innocent Iranians, who
have tasted the brutality of Saddam's chemical weapons first hand, are our
witnesses and our allies. So is any person who has been affected by war in any
distant corner of the globe. In the immediate sense, we demand that the
US-Israel/Iran standoff be resolved peacefully and unconditionally through
immediate and direct negotiations. In the long run, we will stand together to be
torch-bearers for a peaceful solution to all the world conflicts. To us peace is
not a distant goal. It is the way itself ...and every step we take on that way.
... Payvand News - 01/28/09 ... --
