NCRI – At a ceremony held in the city of Cuneo on the anniversary of Italy’s liberation from Hitler’s invading Nazi army, participants declared their solidarity with Ashraf City residents in Iraq, home to members of the main Iranian opposition, People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). The festivities were held in the historical Toselli theater on the initiative of Donaldo Benevelli, a former Italian resistance fighter and Chairman of the Italian Committee in Solidarity with Ashraf.
Giancarlo Boselli, Deputy Mayor of Cuneo, praised the perseverance of the courageous residents of Ashraf, saying that Ashraf is a city with people who have sacrificed everything for the sake of their country’s freedom.
Giancarlo Boselli referred to the status of Ashraf City and added: I visited Ashraf City last November. At the time, Ashraf was being protected by American forces, but its protection has been transferred to Iraqi forces since January 1. It appears that Iraqi officials are under pressure from the Iranian regime and are not able to protect Ashraf. So, these days we are seeing a siege on the city and pressures imposed against its residents. This is very disconcerting for us.
The Deputy Mayor of Cuneo added: In this memorable night, I would like to declare that we are standing on the side of Ashraf and its residents, and I want you to applaud Ashraf’s perseverance and resistance, which is a source of pride.
A number of documentaries were viewed at the session, illustrating the Iranian regime’s suppressive measures, instances of human rights violations in Iran by the regime, and the Iranian Resistance’s activities. Two Italian artists expressed their solidarity with Ashraf residents by performing songs which they had written.
Cuneo is a town of over 55,000 inhabitants, the capital of Homonymous province. More than 15,000 inhabitants of the town were killed during the partisan struggle for freedom and democratic constitution in Italy. The city during the Second World War became a symbol of resistance against fascism.
In October 2008, in an Italian Senate conference the mayor of Cuneo, gave Mrs. Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the medal of his city, and declared Cuneo as the sister Ashraf City in Iraq.
The ceremony was held on April 25, 2009
Photo: Medallion of Cuneo
