On July 1, the National Council of Resistance of Iran hosted hundreds of former world leaders and legislators at its headquarters in Auvers-sur-Oise, on the outskirts of Paris. One of the renowned speakers of this gathering was Janez Janša who had extended his support for the Iranian Resistance since 2021, while he was the Prime Minister of Slovenia as well as the interim President of the European Union.
Once again, during his speech, Prime Minister Jansa vowed to remain committed to the cause of a free and democratic Iran while stressing “being in power or in opposition, my principles are always the same.”
Below is the full text of PM Janez Janša’s speech:
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished participants of the Free Iran World Summit 2023.
First of all, allow me to extend my warmest greetings to the President of the National Council of the Resistance of Iran, Mrs. Mariam Rajavi, the bravest woman in the world. It is truly remarkable that the Iranian people’s Resistance against the misogynistic regime is led by a Muslim woman who advocates for a secular, democratic Republic. Congratulations.
Madam President, your unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom is an inspiration to all of us. Once again, I emphasize what I have reiterated on numerous occasions. The people of Iran deserve democracy, freedom, and the protection of their human rights. It is incumbent upon the international community to provide unwavering support to their aspirations. I am very glad that this is happening today.
As we gather here today, the world’s attention may be drawn to pressing issues in various regions, such as the Russian aggression in Ukraine. However, it is essential that we raise greater awareness of the severity of the situation in Iran. The Iranian regime’s human rights violations must not go unnoticed, and we must hold them accountable.
Being a political prisoner myself, I call on the world governments not to forget the families of the 30,000 political prisoners who tragically lost their lives during the 1988 massacre. I reiterate my steadfast support for their cause for justice and accountability to the establishment of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry into this massacre.
For over three decades, the world seemed to have forgotten about the victims of this massacre. It is time for that to change. The United Nations Commission for Inquiry holds paramount importance in shedding light on the horrific events of 1988. The families of the victims yearn for this commission to finally deliver justice and closure. This is particularly critical considering that the president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, has been accused by Amnesty International of crimes against humanity for his role in this massacre.
Equally important to notice the resilience and bravery of the organized opposition Resistance Units in Iran, who risk their lives to confront the brutal force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They deserve our support and admiration for their unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.
Change in Iran is inevitable because the people of Iran do not want this regime. They have shown through their slogans and actions that they reject all forms of dictatorship and tyranny.
This is crucial to recognize that Iran has a democratic alternative. In this regard, I call upon Western democracies, particularly European countries, to impose comprehensive sanctions on Iran’s regime and blacklist the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.
I think that it is through these actions that we can demonstrate our solidarity with the Iranian people and their aspirations for freedom. The 10-point plan articulated by the National Council President, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, deserves all our support. Its commitment to free elections, freedom of assembly and expression, abolition of the death penalty, separation of religion and state, autonomy for Iran’s ethnicities, and a non-nuclear Iran is in full line with democratic values.
I will remain personally committed and engaged on these pressing issues. You can always count on my unwavering understanding and support. Being in power or in opposition, my principles are always the same.
In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to all of you for your dedication and unwavering commitment to the cause of a free Iran. Together, let us continue to pursue justice, freedom, and human rights for the Iranian people.
Dear friends, not so far in the future, we see each other at a similar gathering in liberated Tehran, the capital of free and democratic Iran. Thank you very much.
