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PACE adopts resolution on situation in Iran

25 June 2009 13:37 (UTC +04:00)

APAâ€™s Europe bureau reports that the developments in Iran were condemned.

Document 11968 prepared by GÃ¶ran Lindblad (Sweden) says that since 13 June 2009, Iran has been the scene of the biggest popular upheaval since the 1979 revolution.
â€œMassive protests following the announcement of the results of the presidential election which was held on 12 June, calls for annulment of the vote by the opposition supporters and the reaction of the authorities, who have used violence against peaceful demonstrators, detained hundreds of them and imposed severe restrictions on the freedom of expression, raise the utmost concern about possible future developments. Whereas an independent and credible investigation should clarify all concerns about irregularities and the contested results, the principal concern at present is the human rights situation in Iran and the use of force and violence against peaceful demonstrations. The only way to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation in Iran, as well as stability and peace in the region, is through democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law. The Assembly stands ready to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Parliament of Iran and the democratic forces in Iran as well as the civil society,â€ the report says.

The Assembly urges the Iranian authorities to refrain from using force and violence against peaceful demonstrators, release the people detained during the peaceful demonstrations of the last few days, release the politicians and their families, and the journalists detained following the demonstrations, lift the restrictive measures imposed on freedom of expression and in particular, stop closing opposition media and stop sanctioning and expelling foreign journalists.
â€œThe Assembly urges the Iranian authorities to allow an independent and credible investigation into the alleged irregularities in the election process, initiate a meaningful dialogue in the internal political process, respond in a positive way to the new approach of the United States administration and establish a dialogue with the international community with a view to mutual confidence building. The Assembly calls on all sides of the Iranian politics to refrain from any form of violence to achieve political goals and to privilege dialogue.â€

Moreover, the Assembly calls on Council of Europe member and observer states to intensify contacts with the Iranian authorities with a view to conveying the concerns of the international community and establish an enhanced political dialogue.
â€œPACE wants Europe to show EU-approved position and to play an active role in solving the crisis.â€

EU had condemned use of force in Iran, urged Iran to hold dialogue with the international community.

The Assembly stands ready to contribute to efforts aimed at building confidence and promoting democratic values by engaging in a dialogue with the Iranian Parliament and the democratic forces in Iran as well as the Iranian civil society.

The resolution was adopted.