The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jodie Evans, CODEPINK co-founder, 310-621-5635
Jean Stevens, CODEPINK national media coordinator, 508-769-2138a

CODEPINK Calls for End to Violence Against Peaceful Iranian Protesters

Urges Obama administration to promise diplomacy, end sanctions

WASHINGTON

In the midst of public unrest and outrage in Iran over
the country's recent election, CODEPINK stands with the people of Iran
at this time of crisis and supports their right to free and fair
elections, a recount, and communication inside Iran and with the world.

CODEPINK calls on the Obama Administration to fulfill its commitment
to pursue diplomacy with Iran through face-to-face talks without
preconditions; as Obama promised during his campaign, "We should not
just talk to our friends, we should be willing to engage our enemies as
well. That is what diplomacy is all about." CODEPINK also affirms the
Obama administration's decision to withhold comment on the Iranian
election and its government's decisions around conducting a recount or
reelection.

Furthermore, CODEPINK calls on the United States to cease threats of
new economic sanctions, remove existing sanctions, and end threats of
war.

These affirmations will lend much needed credibility and legitimacy
to Obama's commitment to improve relations with Iran and the
Arab-Muslim world, and uphold his campaign promise to meet with Iranian
officials without preconditions.

"We are watching the situation in Iran very closely, and our hearts
are with the brave Iranians who are taking to the streets and the
internet to speak out for what they believe, and stand up for their
rights to democracy and a fair, transparent election," said Jodie
Evans, CODEPINK co-founder. "During his campaign, Obama promised to
talk with Iran without preconditions, and the Obama Administration must
attempt diplomacy, and sit down for face-to-face talks with the leaders
of Iran."

Last Friday's election had a record 85 percent turnout. Before the
first vote counts were returned, Mousavi declared himself the winner
moments before the state-run television announced President
Ahmadinejad's victory in the election. Hundreds of thousands of
Iranians filled the streets over the weekend to protest the outcome of
the election and allegations of fraud and election rigging. The
Iranian government forbid the protests and responded with force
shooting and killing several protesters, and beating many more.
Despite the violence and government efforts to restrict telephone and
technology access as well as journalists covering the election,
protesters came out for the fifth day of protests today. On Monday the
Guardian Council, which oversees elections in Iran, announced it would
recount the votes, a process that will take about seven to ten days.
Mousavi and his supporters have contested the recount, alleging ballot
tampering, and are calling for another election.

CODEPINK is a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.

(818) 275-7232