Attending the rally of the supporters of the Iranian Resistance in Munich on February 17, former German Minister of Defense Dr. Franz-Josef Jung embraced the activism and efforts of the rally participants and criticized the Munich Security Conference organizers for inviting the former dictator’s offspring.
In his speech, Mr. Jung discussed the ongoing protests in Iran, which have lasted for five months, and the Iranian people’s desire for freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. He made note that the Iranian regime has been disinvited from this year’s conference due to the protests among other reasons, but he called the invitation of Reza Pahlavi a wrong decision. The former German Defense Minister argued that without a clear condemnation of the Pahlavi dynasty’s past actions, Reza Pahlavi should not participate in the conference. The speaker also expressed support for NCRI President-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi‘s 10-point plan for democracy in Iran and stated that he stands firmly for these values.
Below are the remarks of former German Minister of Defense Dr. Franz-Josef Jung
I greet all participants here in Munich who are standing against the clerical regime in Iran. The Munich Security Conference is attended by senior politicians and economists as well as social groups including the American Vice President.
Iran has been a topic of this conference for many years, in particular, due to the threat the regime poses to international security. But also the discussions include [Iranian] nuclear weapons. That means that Iran should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and the violent crackdown on the protests in Iran are also part of the discussions. Through the protests that have lasted 5 months, the Iranian people have made it clear, that they do not want any form of dictatorship in Iran.
This also includes Shah’s dictatorship, which ended in 1979. Unfortunately, this was followed by the dictatorship of the mullahs, who have been brutally oppressing the Iranian people for 44 years.
The nationwide uprising of the Iranian people for 5 months has caused a rethink at the Munich Security Conference. The Iranian regime has been disinvited to attend this year’s event. The move against the brutal dictatorship in Iran is warmly welcomed.
Though we object to the invitation of Shah’s son Reza Pahlavi for this year’s conference. The Iranian Resistance sees this as an affront to the protesters who have been 5 months risking their lives on the streets of Iran.
The Pahlavi dynasty came to power in a coup and was responsible for numerous massacres all across Iran.
Without a clear condemnation and distancing from this dictatorship, Reza Pahlavi should not participate in the Munich Security Conference. Furthermore, Reza Pahlavi has repeatedly confirmed that he needs the Islamic Revolutionary Guards and the Basij militias to secure his claim to power.
The IRGC is responsible for the brutal crackdown on Iran’s uprising and is on the United States terrorist list. They are the main factor in the deaths of hundreds of men, women, and children. This cannot be the new beginning in Iran.
Iran needs freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
This includes Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan which is the democratic alternative. I stand firmly by your side for these values and I wish you all the best.
