International Day of Nowruz

Nowruz has been finally designated as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly and this event has been registered in the name of Iran. Nowruz is a celebration for all since it is based on the change in earth's axis which defines the end of winter and the begining of spring. It is the revival of life, the renewal of hope and light.
Nowruz is celebrated by many countries in the region and some of the rituals are very similar . Most Central Asian Republics have joyful ceremonies and rituals.  The rituals are very meaningful and inspiring . Taking the energy and warmth from the fire on Charshanbe Suri to spreading a tablecloth for seven blessings from God, green sprouts, apples, cooked wheat sprouts,..... Nowruz is a source of hope for Iranians after a very difficult year. It is an indication that life will proceed and the truth will prevail, we only need to persevere.

 

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

MESSAGE ON THE DAY OF NOWRUZ

21 March 2010


The General Assembly’s decision this year to recognize the International Day of Nowruz is evidence of a growing global awareness of the holiday’s significance not only in the regions where it is celebrated but around the world.

For millennia, when the sun crosses the equator and the northern hemisphere enters Spring, peoples in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions have carried out their own special traditions in celebration of Nowruz. These rituals, from repainting homes to visiting friends to preparing symbolic meals, are infused with a spirit of renewal and can inspire not only those conducting them but all people.

As we commemorate this first International Day of Nowruz, I hope countries and people around the world will draw on this festival’s history and customs to promote harmony with the natural world and foster global peace and goodwill .

Palestine and Reformists

I was invited to deliver a speech for the Secretariat of the Conference for Support for Palestine last week. The Secretariat has a Student Committee that holds meetings every month. This Secretariat is supported by the Iranian Majlis and is headed by Mr. Mohatashemipour, the former Minister of Interior and Ambassador to Syria who was injured two decades ago in a letter bomb blast believed to be planted by Israeli agents in Damascus. Mohtashamipour headed the the sensitive committee of " protecting votes" in the election campaign of Mir Hossein Mousavi in the recent Presidential elections. His committee brought up serious questions concerning the election and vote counting processes last year.
Now,  he only heads the Secretariat  and pro-government supporters in the Parliament have threatened to remove him from this office.
I spoke last week about the historical support that Iranian people have provided for Palestine even before the Revolution. I also recalled how the Muslim Students Following the Line of Imam had  convened the first International Conference of Freedom Seeking Movements in the World in 1979.Different Palestianian groups had attended our conference then. I noted that support for the oppressed, for freedom seeking peoples and for Muslims throughout the world has been part of the integral objectives of the Islamic Revolution. Now, different political groups and tendencies in Iran all support the Palestinian cause and the Intifadha and this is a point of unity for them. I then pointed to certain challenges, that Reformists see in this regard. The national government run Radio and Television has taken a very one-sided and biased approach on this matter and this has adversely influenced public opinion. I also pointed that silence or lack of official support for other Muslim minorities in countries like Chechenya , China and Kashmir has created an atmosphere of mistrust. As an Islamic country, we need to keep a rational and just position on this matter and certain radical positions taken by high level officials, such as the denial of the holocaust has not been helpful in this regard. I criticized the policies of the current government noting that in many economic , diplomatic and social areas they have not met expectations thus weakening our national and international roles.

Environmental Awards

The Center for Peace and Environment had it's annual awards ceremony in the name of the late Dr.Taghi Ebtekar, my father who passed away 9 years ago. The Center for Peace and Environment  (www.pengo.ir) has now convened this Award for five rounds, acknowledging each time, the efforts and achievements of scientists and scholars in the field of environmental research. At least six months ahead, the Center announces its conditions and invites qualified scholars to take part through ads in major newspapers. Once candidates send their credentials and the deadline is over, the Board of Referees begins the nomination process. In addition to the main prize, journalists in the field of the environment are also acknowledged for the difficult work they perform. This year two scientists,one specializing in biodiversity and the other in air pollution were selected. Three journalists and a newspaper Etellat were chosen for their role in reporting on environmental challenges and issues that the country faces.
Seyyed Mohammad Khatami , the former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran was our guest of honor. After presenting the prizes, he spoke on the importance of peace as the prerequisite for development and human advancement. "If we perceive human nature as inherently aggressive and in pursuit of war then peace becomes an entity that must be enforced and will face instability. On the other hand if we view human nature inherently peace seeking, then peace becomes a natural entity that can be safeguarded to promote stability ."  Khatami continued "We need to realize that Peace is the essential requirement of humanity both at national and international levels. At national levels intolerance and violence are on the rise and at the international levels war, occupation and aggression at the hands of powerful governments are widespread." We need to condemn the violent attitudes that intend to promote tensions and conflicts,  particularly when this attitude is presented under the guise of religion and sacred objectives, Khatami stressed.  Finally, he stressed, peace with nature and the environment is an integral aspect of peace and the global conditions we face in today's world are the result of an ongoing war against the ecosystem.
After the speech most of the guests wanted to take photographs with Khatami. It seems that after all the pressures, smearing campaigns and threats against him , his popularity has mysteriously risen!

Hurray for Iranian Scientists

I just read an article from New Scientist indicating that Iran has the fastest growth in science in the world. This  great achievement is the result of decades of human and financial investment in academic and research institutions in both private and government forms.  Iranian scientists and students have witnessed an exceptional growth in local academic centers in remote and underdeveloped areas of the country. In addition free academic education for a large number of students and the booming expansion of the Azad University have led to numerous new opportunities for study and research in Iran. Iranian scientists have taken the opportunities and the enthusiasm of the young generation for granted.

However, students and academics have also faced difficult pressures during the recent years and particularly after the contested elections in June last year. Suspension and detention of students and professors at the nationwide level and pressures on Islamic Student Associations that critisize the government are policies consistently  pusued by the current government ,unfortunately.  A recent global report by UNESCO , concerning attack on education included a three page report on the pressures and intimidations that students and academics in Iran are currently facing.
In such circumstances the New Scientist news report indicates that the potentials of the academic society in Iran are unlimited and irregardless of the pressures and censorship they are intent on moving ahead for the pursuit of science and for the betterment of their society and the global community. I will post some parts of this article for your information.




Iran showing fastest scientific growth of any country







12:52 18 February 2010 by Debora MacKenzie


For similar stories, visit the US national issues Topic Guide


It might be the Chinese year of the tiger, but scientifically, 2010 is looking like Iran's year.


Scientific output has grown 11 times faster in Iran than the world average, faster than any other country. A survey of the number of scientific publications listed in the Web of Science database shows that growth in the Middle East – mostly in Turkey and Iran – is nearly four times faster than the world average.






Science-Metrix, a data-analysis company in Montreal, Canada, has published a detailed report (PDF) on "geopolitical shifts in knowledge creation" since 1980. "Asia is catching up even more rapidly than previously thought, Europe is holding its position more than most would expect, and the Middle East is a region to watch," says the report's author, Eric Archambault.



World scientific output grew steadily, from 450,000 papers a year in 1980 to 1,500,000 in 2009. Asia as a whole surpassed North America last year.



Nuclear, nuclear, nuclear


Archambaut notes that Iran's publications have emphasised inorganic and nuclear chemistry, nuclear and particle physics and nuclear engineering. Publications in nuclear engineering grew 250 times faster than the world average – although medical and agricultural research also increased.

22 of Bahman and The Legacy of Mohammad (SA)

We have the Ten Days of Fajr behind us. The ceremonies were very different this year. Pressures on students, journalists and supporters of the Green movement have not diminuished. Even though Green leaders have repeatedly emphasised on the independent nature of this movement and have denied allegations concerning foreign links, a systematic propaganda campaign continues to brand reformists as Western agents. Reformists in return, have used the very few media they control, to indicate that   there are still opportunities for reform and change . In their messages they have stressed that the mistakes of the past have to be corrected as a prerequisite for calm and stability to return to the Iranian society. Following the line of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, many political figures and groups have called for the freedom of  political prisoners as the first step in this regard. Large numbers have turned out for the 22 Bahman demonstrations many reformists among them, security presence was also exceptionally high.

Muslims throughout the world  commemorate the anniversary of the demise of the Prophet Mohammad (SA) today.  The Prophet of Islam is known for an ethical and humane demeanor during his lifetime. Inspite of the vicious opposition and animosity of the ignorant Jahilia of his time, Mohammad (SA) displayed a unprecedented behavior of wisdom, tolerance and understanding while he also taught humankind to uphold their dignity, to defend their rights and to submit to no other than the Almighty Creator. The Prophet's life is marked with examples of his graciousness and love, to the extent that the holy Quran  addresses him  " He is strong against the deniers of the Truth, and compassionate among the people." There is no question that the Religion that the Prophet brought has both the elements of  strength, courage and  cavalry ,as well as mercy, compassion and tolerance.  There is a deliberate effort nowadays, in the world and in Iran, to project Islam as a religion of violence, strict edicts, radicalism and intolerance. This effort, I believe, has been orchestrated by radical opportunists who see their power and control in promoting such a perverse interpretation of a Religion that serves the purpose of guiding all humanity until the end of times.

When the Prophet realized that his time had come, he invited the people of  Medina to come and listen to his final words.  Among his sermon he stressed :     "

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my examples (those appointed companions) and if you follow these you will never go astray."


The religion Prophet Mohammad brought 14 centuries ago has now millions of followers, is the fastest growing religion on earth and yet it is the most misunderstood religion as well. Considering the high ethical standards of  Islam, Muslims still have a long way ahead and face a major challenge in realizing those standards and values in themselves and in their societies (the Islamic Republic of Iran not being an exception of course).

Burgha or Hijab: Still a Hot Issue

In 2004, when the controversial debate on the Islamic covering in France took a new turn and a bill bannig the covering in educational institutions was introduced by Jacques Chirac the President of the French Republic, I wrote a letter to him in the capacity of the Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I reminded him of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the  Human Rights Charter and noted that choosing ones way of dress and religious freedoms should not be undermined in a secular Republic that claims to cherish these values. I objected to the French government's approach on the Hijab and noted that this policy was not in line with his claims to support cultural diversity in the Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. There was a general feeling that Muslims were stigmatized in France and that Islamophobia which was on the rise after 9-11, had much to do with these legislative measures.
The ongoing debate on identity and Hijab has now taken a new twist to include a strict ban on  the Burgha or Neghab in all public spheres. I was watching a live debate last night on France24 where politicians from a wide spectrum including the Socialist Party that opposed Sarkozy were on the panel. The socialists were against the bill and along with Amel Boubeker a sociologist residing in Beirut and a religious expert from Reuters they  questioned the rationale backing this controversial bill .
Although the Burgha is a rare and extreme form of Hijab and many Muslim scholars do not approve of this type of covering which seriously restricts the social participation of women, the Sarkozy approach on this matter, depicting it as a symbol of suppression and themselves as the saviours and protectors of women's rights is unacceptable. The ruling party in France sees the Burgha as an insult to the dignity and freewill of the women, while at the same time the extreme manifestations of nudity and pornographic material in public sphere is disregared and the general commodification of women is ignored. Extreme behaviours are usually a reaction to other excesses in society , the Burgha  may be the  manifestation of denial in face of a culture that promotes promiscuity and commodifies women for the sake of the profits of the corporate market.
In any case the issue of Hijab in other European countries and in countries like Turkey and Tunisia is an  emerging social and political issue indicative of a vibrant Muslim society attempting to regain the identity they lost decades ago. Pressures in Iran against women who resisted the full Hijab also created another social debate in Iran which ultimately added to social discontent in contemporary times. 
Stereotypes against Muslim women and equating the Hijab with the subordination and oppression of women are stigmas of the past. We need to change our approach and direction in proportion with the growing awareness and sense of identity among women in our societies.

Gaining Momentum

Events have again gained momentum in Iran. Following the tragic events of Ashura, in Tehran and other cities, I spoke in the Tehran City Council. The Government media had embarked on a campaign to accuse people who were protesting on Ashura of inciting unrest and insecurity and insulting religious values in the capital.  I noted in my speech that the people of Tehran had not insulted religious values and had nothing to do with any attack on public property. They were however brutally attacked that day and the day before in Jamaran the home of the Founder of the Revolution, Imam Khomeini , I pointed out. Mir Hossein Mousavi , whose nephew had been killed that day , issued his 17th  statement presenting a road map that would bring an end to the current stalemate. This statement has been  taken very seriously by moderate politicians in the current government as well as others. Many groups announced their readiness to follow his policy guidelines to prevent further violence and bloodshed and to hold those responsible for these events accountable. The state -run radio and television which holds a bad reputation for presenting a distorted and  one-sided approach of the events during these months, is attempting to open the atmosphere to more criticism by inviting moderate or pro-reformist figures to speak out on these issues and present the realities to the people.
The assassination of a prominent academician and physicist , in Tehran on Tuesday , has however prompted serious concern due to the sophisticated nature of the bombing plot and the implications this event could have for the political and social scene in Iran. Many analysts believe that the killing of Dr. Alimohammadi  , who was according to colleagues and students a practicing Muslim and Green by all means, is an indication of a new trend of violence in Iran. Whether rooted in the plots of foreign and Zionist intelligence agencies or rooted in internal strife, the event is to be condemned and lessons must be learnt.
We are a multi-ethnic and diverse society in Iran, extreme religious principalists and moderate reformists must live together in Iran and learn to share power and to respect each other within the  social economic and political rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The widening gaps in Iranian society are a threat to peace, prosperity and development in Iran. Generational gaps, ideological gaps, political gaps and economic gaps can be envisioned as both threat and opportunity for our society. The reformist movement was created with the hope of respecting this  diversity in the Iranian society and providing equal opportunity for all to realize their God given potentials.