Petrelis Files

Candadian Foreign Minister Condemns Iran's Teen Executions

My blogger activist heart bleeds with happiness learning that a fellow gay blogger in Canada is calling the press office for his country's foreign minister's office.

It would be so fantastic if political and gay bloggers got in the habit of telephoning the U.S. State Department or their foreign ministers, asking for comments about the terrible situation in Iran and elsewhere around the world for gays and lesbians.

All I can say to Finn Kovaltsenko, the Vancouver-based man behind the Aideen Greer Report, is "Go, Finn! Go!"

Finn Kovaltsenko, is setting a fine example of what bloggers should consider doing more of: calling government officials for comments, and when the politician says something about an issue of importance, posting the politician's statement to his or her blog.
^^^

Finn's Great Web Site

I have to give Pierre Pettigrew - Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs credit where credit is due. He was on it pretty quick. He didn't use the word homosexual, but at least he mentioned minorities. See press release #141. I don't think he is going to back down like the previous spineless Minister who didn't want to offend anyone. Well, when it comes to someones life, one must do whatever they can.

I got hold of the Media Relations Office of the Foreign Affairs Department. I will stay on top of them in future to keep everyone informed. They are quite amiable to talk to and seem to be very helpful.

August 5, 2005 (4:15 p.m. EDT)
No. 141">News Release

MINISTER PETTIGREW CALLS ON NEW IRANIAN GOVERNMENT TO BREAK WITH PAST OFFENCES

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today expressed concern over Iran’s human rights situation and its intention to resume uranium conversion at its facility in Isfahan as the country’s new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, assumes office:

“As Mr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assumes the office of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and appoints his new government, we call on Iran to turn words into action and honour its commitments to both its people and the international community.

“We are extremely concerned over the deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran as underlined in a recent report on Iran’s judicial system by Tehran’s Chief Justice. We deplore Iran’s continued refusal to reopen the investigation into the brutal murder of Zahra Kazemi. We protest the recent arrest of lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani, following his July 25, 2005, court appearance on behalf of the Kazemi family, and we call for his immediate release. Likewise, we protest the incarceration of respected journalist Akbar Ganji and call for his immediate and unconditional release. We condemn the recent hanging of two teenagers and encourage Iran to respect its obligations as a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. We further call attention to the persecution of minorities in Iran, including members of the Baha’i faith.

“As no real improvement in Iran’s human rights conditions has been noted to date, consultations have begun between Canada and its like-minded partners regarding a possible new resolution on Iran’s human rights situation before the UN General Assembly in the fall of 2005.

“Iran’s nuclear program also remains of great concern, especially its recent decision to resume uranium conversion. Such action not only would violate Iran’s agreement with the E3 nations to suspend such activities during negotiations, but would ignore International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions on Iran’s nuclear program. We urge Iran to continue its negotiations for a long-term resolution of this issue, and to participate constructively in the special IAEA Board of Governors meeting next week. If this issue is not resolved, Canada sees no alternative but to support referral of the matter to the UN Security Council.

“Only meaningful change by President Ahmadinejad’s new government on Iran’s position on human rights and nuclear proliferation can lead to an improvement in our relationship. Further to our announcement of May 17, 2005, the Government of Canada will continue to limit contact with the Iranian government. We hope, however, that Iran’s new president will usher in an era of change that will enable us to rebuild our relationship.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851