Reza Pahlavi: The People of Iran Will Determine their Own Affairs

Ramin Parham, Iran Shahr Blog:

In an interview with Saeid Ghaem-Maghami of KRSI - Radio Sedaye Iran, Reza Pahlavi calls on the people of Iran to turn boycotting of the June 17 'elections' into a massive civil disobedience movement.

In response to a question on the political importance of the boycott movement, Pahlavi said that, "the importance of the upcoming boycott movement will be no less than that of the Constitutional Movement" about 100 years ago. "Boycott should be turned into a massive movement," said Pahlavi before adding that the movement should expand into other forms of civil disobedience as well such as "staying home on June 17 thus leaving the streets empty, and paralyzing state institutions through strikes." READ MORE

On the international importance of the strike and boycott movement, Reza Pahlavi said that "the world has its eyes on Iran. It is important to show the world what the people of Iran aspires to. Important to show that there is no way, within this regime, to achieve democracy and liberty for Iran. It is important to show that future social and political relations of other countries throughout the world will depend on how they will react to the aspiration of the people of Iran" as it will be staged by the people on June the 17th. Pahlavi further emphasized that the civil movement will be the lowest cost option for the people and for the country for achieving what the people stand for.

In response to a question by Ghaem-Maghami on the continuation of the movement, starting on the aftermath of June 17, Pahlavi said that, "the important part of the struggle will start on June 18. In terms of the Rights of Iran's ethnic groups and Iran's citizens at large, nothing less than the complete implementation of the Universal Charter of Human Rights, would be accepted by the people of Iran and Iran's diverse political spectrum."

Regarding the much hyped prospect for the Islamic regime to join the World Trade Organization, in return for its nuclear good behavior, Pahlavi said, referring to historic civil disobedience movements, from South Africa's Mandela to ex-Communist countries, that, "nothing should divert the attention of freedom fighters from their prime objective." Likewise, those who struggle for liberty and democracy in Iran should focus on their aspiration "regardless of what France today or China tomorrow might say." It is up to the people of Iran to determine their own affairs and it will the people of Iran who will "determine Iran's affairs with other countries" said the Heir to the Throne of Iran.

Pahlavi, who is on his way to Europe for additional "contacts and interviews" concluded the interview saying that, "it is the duty of those living outside Iran to bring the voice of the people of Iran to the public arena and to the ears of world media."

You can access the audio file here.