Saturday
Mar202010
Latest Iran Video and Transcript: Obama's Nowruz Message (20 March)
Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 7:12 Today, I want to extend my best wishes to all who are celebrating Nowruz in the United States and around the world. On this New Year’s celebration, friends and family have a unique opportunity to reflect on the year gone by; to celebrate their time together; and to share in their hopes for the future.
One year ago, I chose this occasion to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to offer a new chapter of engagement on the basis of mutual interests and mutual respect. I did so with no illusions. For three decades, the United States and Iran have been alienated from one another. Iran’s leaders have sought their own legitimacy through hostility to America. And we continue to have serious differences on many issues.
I said, last year, that the choice for a better future was in the hands of Iran’s leaders. That remains true today. Together with the international community, the United States acknowledges your right to peaceful nuclear energy – we insist only that you adhere to the same responsibilities that apply to other nations. We are familiar with your grievances from the past – we have our own grievances as well, but we are prepared to move forward. We know what you’re against; now tell us what you’re for.
For reasons known only to them, the leaders of Iran have shown themselves unable to answer that question. You have refused good faith proposals from the international community. They have turned their backs on a pathway that would bring more opportunity to all Iranians, and allow a great civilization to take its rightful place in the community of nations. Faced with an extended hand, Iran’s leaders have shown only a clenched fist.
Last June, the world watched with admiration, as Iranians sought to exercise their universal right to be heard. But tragically, the aspirations of the Iranian people were also met with a clenched fist, as people marching silently were beaten with batons; political prisoners were rounded up and abused; absurd and false accusations were leveled against the United States and the West; and people everywhere were horrified by the video of a young woman killed in the street.
The United States does not meddle in Iran’s internal affairs. Our commitment – our responsibility – is to stand up for those rights that should be universal to all human beings. That includes the right to speak freely, to assemble without fear; the right to the equal administration of justice, and to express your views without facing retribution against you or your families.
I want the Iranian people to know what my country stands for. The United States believes in the dignity of every human being, and an international order that bends the arc of history in the direction of justice – a future where Iranians can exercise their rights, to participate fully in the global economy, and enrich the world through educational and cultural exchanges beyond Iran’s borders. That is the future that we seek. That is what America is for.
That is why, even as we continue to have differences with the Iranian government, we will sustain our commitment to a more hopeful future for the Iranian people. For instance, by increasing opportunities for educational exchanges so that Iranian students can come to our colleges and universities and to our efforts to ensure that Iranians can have access to the software and Internet technology that will enable them to communicate with each other, and with the world without fear of censorship.
Finally, let me be clear: we are working with the international community to hold the Iranian government accountable because they refuse to live up to their international obligations. But our offer of comprehensive diplomatic contacts and dialogue stands. Indeed, over the course of the last year, it is the Iranian government that has chosen to isolate itself, and to choose a self-defeating focus on the past over a commitment to build a better future.
Last year, I quoted the words of the poet Saadi, who said: "The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence.” I still believe that – I believe it with every fiber of my being. And even as we have differences, the Iranian government continues to have the choice to pursue a better future, and to meet its international responsibilities, while respecting the dignity and fundamental human rights of its own people.
Thank you. And Aid-e-Shoma Mobarak.
tagged Barack Obama, Iran, Iran Elections 2009, Nowruz, Saadi in Middle East & Iran
Barack Obama, Iran, Iran Elections 2009, Nowruz, Saadi in Middle East & Iran
Reader Comments (18)
He nailed it!
How about helping the 5000 Iranians stranded in Turkey by granting them Visa to U.S.? That would be a good start to match words with deeds.
[...] Videobotschaft von Barack Obama zu Nouruz [...]
I'll bet the regime got their panties all up in a twist over this one because of SL's statement it is unislamic. To bad for the regime most Iranians treasure this holiday!
I agree with Megan (post 2) re the Iranian refugees stuck in Turkey.
I read recently that the Iranian government was going to reduce the number of students allowed to study in England. So relaxing student visa restrictions for Iranians is probably something you don't want to announce out loud, and I think it's something the US should have started doing quietly a long time ago.
I'm glad Obama sent another message, though. It keeps the pressure up.
[...] sehe ich, es gibt sie, die Folgerede, hier. Und jetzt wissen wir’s [...]
If there are any Iranians inside Iran that see this message, I'd like to know what you think about Obama's message (positive/negative/neutral/suggestions). It's difficult and dangerous to ask people on the telephone, so it would be nice to have an idea what people think......
Edward/Voice of America
Iran-US ties in limbo year after Obama message
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=37929
The SL does a turn about and wishes the Iranian people well on Nowruz after saying it was unislamic a few days ago. Link: http://www.presstv.com/classic/detail.aspx?id=121288§ionid=351020101
One can only surmise he realized to try and take this holiday from the people was to much. In my mind this is yet another win for the Green Movement holding firm to values treasured by every Iranian regardless of faith. I also have to admit it is quite fun watching the SL continually try to correct mistakes of his own doing!!!
Ali Farokhmanesh hit another big 3-pointer with 34 seconds left and Northern Iowa pulled off the biggest upset in the NCAA tournament, beating top overall seed Kansas 69-67 in the second round on Saturday.
[...] of Scott Lucas (Enduring America) Posted in Featured, Foreign Policy, Iran, Media, Middle East, [...]
I got the feeling Obama is sending a message to SL telling him to drop AN.
I have mentioned in these pages before that I am no huge fan of the President or most of his policies. I didn't vote for him and, unless the Republicans put up some war mongering wacky christian right social conservative kind of guy (I am a libertarian), I won't be voting for his re-election. But, I have to give him very high marks for both Sec. Clinton's earlier Woman's Day address and for this effort. It's not an easy line to walk and they have struck a good balance IMHO.
I would also be incredibly interested to discover the answer to Edwards question above. if anybody with good internal sources - Maybe Prof Lucas or Josh - could take a stab at two parts of the same question:
1.) How widely are these messages distributed within country?
2.) What is the general reaction of the folks?
I know we may get interesting reaction and counter reaction stories from the establishment. But I am really curious as to the effect this kind of public diplomacy has on the street, especially when it is well done as this was.
Edward ,,
What do you think the Iranians think of president Obama's message ??
you know whenever an American comes to Iran for the first time, I can see a kind of wonder on their face,, because it is at that day when they realise this important fact that we have been telling all Americans for years and they dont accept ,, which is the fact that the Americans are very much under the influence of their own media and this causes for them not to see the truth of things ,,
to answer your question ,, Maybe those who protested on the streets of Tehran ( who cannot even remember the Islamic Revolution because they were not old enough or even born yet ) look up to the Americans to do something for them and they regard the US as thier savior ,, but what is actually on the minds of the Iranian nation ( the %90 who didnt attend any street protest ) who not only remember the revolution but also some 30 years before it too ( the 1953 codeta against Priminister Mosadegh which was orchestrated by the MI6 and Kermit Rozvelt of the CIA to topple Mosadegh only because to steal Iran's oil again ) they well know that if the US ever wanted to help the Iranians, it would have not helped to overthrow Mosadegh which was the only true chance that Iran had for the rule of law and democracy since its 1906 constitutional revolution thus I dont think any member of the Iranian nation would look up to the US or any foreign country for help as its been confirmed to them that this is never true ,, so although I appreciate what Obama does on a personal note but I dont think his message would be of any real significance any where in Iran ,,
[...] sich nicht in die internen Angelegenheiten des Iran ein. Barack Hussein Obama, 20.03.10 (zitiert auf Enduring America) – Es wäre schön, wenn er das auch bei anderen Staaten nicht macht. Aber Obama hat [...]
Khamenie said
>As a brief interpretation of the events in the months following the elections, I can say the enemies of the country and the enemies of the Islamic Republic concentrated all their efforts and power on defeating this Revolution from within itself.
Our nation stood against this fiendish plot and vicious act and brought the enemy to his knees with outstanding wisdom, perseverance and resolve. <
Well, where are all the foreign enemies who planned it all ? There are only iranians in prison, except for three hikers and poor Clotilde reiss who still haven't been judged.
Has he also changed his mind and decided that there are no foreign enemies ? He doesn't mention them. All is 'from within' now.. hmmmm.. strange strange
"The United States does not meddle in Iran’s internal affairs."
*********
Yeah, Obama chooses to meddle in the internal affairs of Israel's construction projects instead.
hi.
I am from Iran n I live in Iran right now.
I think this message is positive and i'm really sorry that there r big problems between these two governments! however i'm sure they can solve them if there will be will for it.
And I am very sorry that Iran's condition is like this.
but we r hopeful and patient as Mr.musavi said.we r going to make the future better,hopefully,in persian we say if God wants!we want to make it and we'll make it!
happy nowruz to all humanity!