Nonviolence key to resolving Iran crisis

Nonviolence key to resolving Iran's political crisis

NYACK, NEW YORK - "Violence is not a solution, and begets more violence," stated the Fellowship of Reconciliation today, in response to the continuing political stand-off in Iran.

Yesterday (Tuesday, June 16), tens of thousands of supporters of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his main presidential challengers Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi held separate rallies and marches in Tehran. The rallies took place at the same time in nearby sections of the capital city, leading many to fear that violence would break out between groups of rival adherents. In the previous few days since Iran's national election on June 12, some protesters had destroyed property and clashed with police, while police and the Basij paramilitary force had been accused of violent crackdowns. At least seven Iranians are officially acknowledged having died during the protests, an unknown number of opposition figures have been arrested, and numerous print and online media outlets have been shut down.

Fortunately, the efforts of organizers and police kept the rival groups apart yesterday, and there little violence has been reported. And today, another massive gathering of Mousavi supporters was held in Tehran; this time without a simultaneous rally of Ahmadinejad supporters. New reports stated that throughout today's march, tens of thousands stayed silent as a form of peaceful protest.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) said today in a statement: "As international allies committed to the principles and practice of active nonviolence, we speak from a place of love of Iran and of the Iranian people. We strongly advocate for nonviolent means of resolving the tense situation in Iran. We urge those who are protesting the election results to continue to remain calm and to refrain from damaging public property. At the same time, we strongly condemn the government's use of force against unarmed civilians."

"We are also concerned about our own government's response to the crisis," said Mark C. Johnson, FOR's executive director. "Earlier this month, President Obama stood in Cairo and called for a new relationship with the Muslim world. As the people of Iran emerge through this important historical moment, our nation should seek to engage in face-to-face dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and to end a 'cold war' era of antagonism and distrust."

Contact:

• Leila Zand, FOR Iran program, iran@forusa.org, 518-831-9005 (work)
• Mark Johnson, FOR executive director, mjohnson@forusa.org, 312-644-5202 (cell)