The international community is reacting to the anti-regime protests that have continued unabated in Iran since Friday.
On Sunday, November 17, the White House issued a statement in solidarity with the Iranian people: “The United States supports the Iranian people in their peaceful protests against the regime that is supposed to lead them. We condemn the lethal force and severe communications restrictions used against demonstrators. Tehran has fanatically pursued nuclear weapons and missile programs, and supported terrorism, turning a proud nation into another cautionary tale of what happens when a ruling class abandons its people and embarks on a crusade for personal power and riches.”
In a tweet, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized American support for the Iranian people’s protests.
“As I said to the people of Iran almost a year and a half ago: The United States is with you,” he said.
Germany on Monday called on Iran’s regime to respect the legitimate protests that are taking place.
“It is legitimate and deserving of our respect when people courageously air their economic and political grievances, as is currently happening in Iran,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer told reporters.
“The Iranian government should respond to the current protests with a willingness to engage in dialogue,” she told a press conference, adding that Berlin was following the events “with concern.”
“We urge the government in Tehran to respect freedom of assembly and expression.”
The French Foreign Ministry separately said it was “closely following” the protests in Iran.
France reiterates the need “to respect freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest,” a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Monday.
Senator Tom Cotton also voiced his support for the Iranian people’s uprising.
“The Iranian people are tired of the regime ignoring their basic needs while funneling vast sums to terrorists throughout the Middle East. We must stand with the brave protestors demanding accountability from the ayatollahs,” he said.
In addition, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus condemned the Iranian regime’s latest measures of cutting off the internet.
“The U.S. stands with the long-suffering Iranian people as they protest the latest injustice by the corrupt regime in power. We condemn the attempted shutdown of the internet. Let them speak!” she said.
Richard Grenell, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, called for joint U.S./EU measures to provide internet access to the Iranian people as a method to support this nation’s call for freedom.
“We have the technical ability to turn the internet on for the people of Iran. And ensure it is free of government blockers. Europe and America should do it together” he said.
Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi had called on the United Nations Security Council, UN Secretary-General, UN Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other related international organizations to strongly condemn the crackdown on protesters by Iran’s regime and take responsive action.
Source » ncr-iran