- I've a message for the Iranian regime: America and our partners are united. We have presented a reasonable offer. Iran's leaders should see our proposal for what it is -- an historic opportunity to set their country on a better course. If Iran's leaders want peace and prosperity and a more hopeful future for their people, they should accept our offer, abandon any ambitions to obtain nuclear weapons, and come into compliance with their international obligations.
I've a message for the Iranian people: The United States respects you and your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture, and your many contributions to civilization. When Cyrus the Great led the Iranian people more than 2,500 years ago, he delivered one of the world's first declarations of individual rights, including the right to worship God in freedom. Through the centuries, Iranians have achieved distinction in medicine and science and poetry and philosophy, and countless other fields.
In the 21st century, the people of Iran, especially the talented and educated youth, are among the world's leaders in science and technology. Iranians have a large presence on the Internet, and a desire to make even greater progress, including the development of civilian nuclear energy. This is a legitimate desire. We believe the Iranian people should enjoy the benefits of a truly peaceful program to use nuclear reactors to generate electric power. So America supports the Iranian people's rights to develop nuclear energy peacefully, with proper international safeguards.
The people of Iran, like people everywhere, also want and deserve an opportunity to determine their own future, an economy that rewards their intelligence and talents, and a society that allows them to pursue their dreams. I believe Iranians would thrive if they were given more opportunities to travel and study abroad, and do business with the rest of the world. Here in the United States, Iranian Americans have used their freedom to advance in society and make tremendous contributions in areas from business to medicine, to academics.
To help provide more opportunities for the people of Iran, we will look for new ways to increase contact between Americans and Iranians, especially in education and culture, sports and tourism. We'll provide more than $75 million this year to promote openness and freedom for the Iranian people. These funds will allow us to expand and improve radio and television broadcasts to the people of Iran. These funds will support Iranian human rights advocates and civil society organizations. And these funds will promote student and faculty exchanges, so we can build bridges of understanding between our people.
Americans believe the future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran -- and we believe that future can be one of progress and prosperity and achievement. We look forward to the day when our nations are friends, and when the people of Iran enjoy the full fruits of liberty, and play a leading role to establish peace in our world.
Cross-posted @ The Shotgun
4 comments:
Great!
Great points.
I linked to you, and Iran Press for my take on the story.
Let me know what you think.
Winston,
Though I applaud your efforts how realistic is it that the Iranian opposition would ever topple the Mullahcracy. While true, there are frequent small gatherings inside Iran protesting the regime, there are also rallies that defend it. In fact, the rallies that defend it are often in the tens of thousands and consist of many people willing to become 'Martyrs' for the cause.
Furthermore, it seems clear to me that even if 99% of the Iranian populace opposed the regime, they would be no match for the 1% who supported it as long as the 1% had the guns.
What should the west do? If you want moral support you have it but beyond that..what?. Actively intervening in Iran's affairs is partially what led to the Mullahcracy in the first place.
I am ashamed of myself. I did not hear this on the dinosaur media. Nor did I go to the President's website. I know better than to leave my research up to the media, so I cannot blame them (entirely).
Thank you for exposing what the media chooses is unsuitable for us know. I am beginning to hate them.
I also have to start visiting the President's site more often! Have a wonderful day.
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