Iran Excluded from Munich Security Conference for Third Year
The Munich Security Conference continues to exclude the Iranian government, inviting activists instead. Reza Pahlavi criticizes Germany’s decision to disinvite him. The conference will address Iran’s nuclear program and human rights issues, while the NCRI plans protests outside. Leading Iranian dissidents call for stronger international action against the Iranian regime.
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) has excluded the Iranian government for the third consecutive year while inviting US-based Iranian women’s rights activist Masih Alinejad to participate in various panels. Former Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who faced disinvitations on two prior occasions, condemned the actions of the German government, alleging that it allows Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to influence decisions made in Berlin.
In a recent statement, Pahlavi expressed deep disappointment over Germany’s interference, emphasizing, “The German Foreign Ministry’s intervention to block my participation places Germany on the wrong side of history.” He highlighted that the decision to exclude him was not merely about silencing his voice but about stifling the Iranian people’s call for freedom, justice, and dignity.
Pahlavi affirmed his commitment to advocating for Iran’s liberation despite the exclusion from the conference, stating, “It is we Iranians who will decide our destiny and we will not cease until we are successful.” A spokesperson from the German Foreign Ministry remarked that while there are discussions with the conference, decisions regarding invitations are ultimately the conference’s prerogative.
In conjunction with the conference, the exiled opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) plans a protest outside the venue, notwithstanding the presence of significant Iranian opposition figures. Both Pahlavi and Alinejad have urged Western nations to adopt a firmer stance against Iran amidst ongoing negotiations.
Although Iran will not be directly represented, topics concerning its nuclear program and human rights violations are slated for discussion at the MSC. Maryam Rajavi, leader of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, expressed solidarity with the protesters and asserted, “The clerical regime is in its final phase. The Iranian people, with unwavering determination, are resolute in their quest to overthrow the regime.”
The exclusion of the Iranian government from the Munich Security Conference marks a significant decision by the organizers, reflecting a tendency to incorporate voices from the Iranian opposition instead. The statements from Reza Pahlavi and Maryam Rajavi emphasize the desire for heightened international scrutiny and support against the Iranian regime. This event underlines the broader dialogue surrounding Iran’s political climate and the advocacy for human rights and democracy within the nation.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
