| NIAC Lauds President Obama’s Unprecedented Norooz Message for Peace |
| Written by NIAC | |
| Friday, 20 March 2009 | |
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Contact: Emma MacKinnon
For Immediate Release
Washington DC - President Barack Obama sent an unprecedented message to the Iranian people and government on the occasion of Norooz, expressing his deep respect for the Iranian nation and civilization, as well as the contributions of Iranian Americans to the United States. Recognizing the meaning of Norooz as the dawn of a new day, President Obama expresses his wish for constructive ties between the United States and Iran, signaling his strategic intent to see an end to the 30-year era of destructive enmity. The full video message can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/nowruz NIAC lauds the President’s message, seeing it as a clear break with the policies of confrontation of the past. “This is a historic message. It will be the topic of conversation at every Norooz celebration in Iran and in America,” said Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council, the largest Iranian-American grassroots organization. “He is doing something crucial: He is sending a signal of strategic intent that America’s objective is to find constructive relations between the US and Iran, i.e. ending the destructive enmity that has existed for three decades.” Signaling this strategic intent is imperative since tactical collaboration with Iran in Afghanistan will be unlikely to achieve results unless America assures Tehran that the broader long-term objective is to find a positive relationship between the two countries. The message exhibited the President’s deep understanding and respect for the Iranian nation and civilization. Citing one of Iran’s most revered poets, Saadi, showed his understanding of what is important to and valued by Iranians. Obama’s message was focused on behavioral change, not regime change. Recognizing that Iran has a rightful place among nations clarifies that America recognizes that a country and civilization of Iran’s size cannot be isolated and contained indefinitely. “By pointing out that this role comes with responsibilities, he signals Iran that its rightful role is within reach if its policies change,” Parsi continued. “This is a significant break with the Bush Administration policies.” The President’s message continues the development of a new tone in American rhetoric, one that instills trust more than it emphasizes threats. In the case of ties to Iran, this is essential. “Mistrust between the US and Iran is overwhelming. Through this message, the President just injected a huge dose of trust and confidence. Tehran should reciprocate by declaring its positive intent and demonstrating its respect for America,” Parsi said.
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Full text of the President's message can be found below.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________________________________ March 18, 2009
VIDEOTAPED REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN CELEBRATION OF NOWRUZ
THE
PRESIDENT: Today I want to extend my very best wishes to all who are
celebrating Nowruz around the world. This holiday is both an ancient ritual and a moment of renewal, and I hope that you enjoy this special time of year with friends and family.
In
particular, I would like to speak directly to the people and leaders of the
Islamic Republic of Iran. Nowruz is just one part of your great and
celebrated culture. Over many centuries your art, your music, literature
and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place. Here in the United States our own communities have been enhanced by the contributions of Iranian Americans. We know that you are a great civilization, and your accomplishments have earned the respect of the United States and the world.
For
nearly three decades relations between our nations have been strained.
But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us
together. Indeed, you will be celebrating your New Year in much the same
way that we Americans mark our holidays -- by gathering with friends and
family, exchanging gifts and stories, and looking to the future with a renewed
sense of hope. Within these celebrations lies the promise of a new day, the promise of opportunity for our children, security for our families, progress for our communities, and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes, those are common dreams.
So
in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's
leaders. We have serious differences that have grown over time. My
administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of
issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international
community. This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek
instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect. You, too, have a choice. The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right -- but it comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization. And the measure of that greatness is not the capacity to destroy, it is your demonstrated ability to build and create.
So
on the occasion of your New Year, I want you, the people and leaders of Iran,
to understand the future that we seek. It's a future with renewed
exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and
commerce. It's a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you
and all of your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and
greater peace. I know that this won't be reached easily. There are those who insist that we be defined by our differences. But let us remember the words that were written by the poet Saadi, so many years ago: "The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence." With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning.
Thank
you, and Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak END
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