Inside Iran:  Moussavi Issues Another Statement: Green Movement “Charter”

Mir Hossein Moussavi issued his 18th formal statement to the Green Movement June 15, outlining what he terms a “charter” for the goals and strategies of the Green Movement. The charter consists of numerous subsections addressing the intent, identity, ethics, and strategies for the movement.

Much of Moussavi’s latest statement consists of points he has made countless times before in other statements and speeches.

The statement emphasizes repeatedly that the Green Movement must be based upon certain fundamental values in order to be a coherent force for progress. The most oft-repeated value is the equality of all citizens regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or any other differences. Moussavi describes the primacy of human dignity as the Green Movement’s guiding ideal.

Also in accordance with Moussavi’s previous statements, the opposition leader described the various grievances of the Green Movement, decrying the “totalitarian tendencies” of the government, saying they “violate the fundamental rights of citizens, disrespect human dignity, mismanage public assets, exacerbate class differences with economic and social deprivation, illegally utilize law enforcement, sacrifice national interests for international demagoguery,” and so on. Also as per Moussavi’s previous statements, he called for the opening of civil society and the cessation of all censorship and persecution of dissident voices.

Moussavi also highlighted his fundamental concern for the Iranian Constitution, both by pointing out the myriad ways the government acts without regard for national law, and by stressing the restoration of the Constitution as the paramount manner in which to satisfy the Green Movement’s demands.

Mousasavi failed to offer concrete strategies for the Green Movement to attain these goals. He said only that “social networking” is vital to the success of the opposition.

Reactions to the statement thus far have been muted. The lack of concrete strategies in the statement may prove frustrating to Green supporters. Prominent dissident cartoonist Nikahang Kowsar published a reaction in the exiled opposition website RoozOnline, depicting an elderly Moussavi in a dark, cobwebbed basement issuing “Statement Number 300” in 2020. Kowsar’s reaction may be emblematic of how many frustrated opposition supporters feel about yet more words with little action from Moussavi.

Khordaad88:  Mir Hossein Mousavi’s 18th Statement

Source: Kaleme
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2010

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful,

We are still standing tall and proud on the first anniversary of the tenth presidential elections despite our whipped body, which endures bruises and imprisonments. Our demands are the same: freedom, social justice and the formation of [legitimate] national governance. We are confident of victory, hoping for the will and support of God, because we have not demanded anything other than restoration of our national rights.

“All [foam on the surface of water] will move to the sidelines and perish. What remains on earth will be to the people’s benefit.” [1]

The lies, irregularities, and fraud committed during the election prompted a question: “Where is my vote?” You great people shouted this question clearly and unambiguously in a non-violent manner during the historic and extraordinary rally of June 15. Everyone heard your voice and saw your message both nationally and internationally, except for those who were blinded by ignorance, superstition, self-interest and lies. But what was the response? Stigmatization and accusations of treason, militarization, killing, imprisonments, the chaining of prisoners, and attacks on university campuses.

Doubtless, the people will never forget the atrocities [committed in] Kahrizak [prison]. [Nor will they forget] the killing of June 15 and June 20. Nor will they forget the murders of Ashura. Indeed, they must never forget lest they betray the blood of the innocents and the martyrs. How can we ever forget something like live rounds aimed at the people, and police cars running them over?…

Also:

Radio Zamaneh:  Iranian opposition leader issues “Green Movement Charter”

Tehran Bureau:  The Green Movement Charter