Bush does the right thing!!!
Bush reaches out to Iranian people
Saturday, December 21, 2002 Posted: 5:57 PM EST (2257 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S.
President George W. Bush
promised Saturday that Iran "will
have no better friend than the
United States of America" if it
respects its international obligations
and embraces "freedom and
tolerance."
Bush, who has called Iran part of an "axis of
evil," delivered that promise to Iranians over a
newly established American radio network
broadcasting to Iran. He encouraged Iranians
fighting for freedom and democratic rule to
continue their efforts.
"The people of Iran want to build a freer, more
prosperous country for their children, and live
in a country that is a full partner in the
international community," Bush said. "We continue to call on the government of Iran to respect
the will of its people and be accountable to them."
U.S. officials have accused Iran of operating a nuclear weapons program in violation of
international law. Recently, the White House said satellite photos show Iran is building a nuclear
power facility that the oil-rich country does not need for civilian purposes.
Iran has acknowledged it is building the facility, but maintains it has no nuclear weapons
program.
Despite the tense relationship between the United States and Iran, U.S. officials want support
from Iran in case the United States and allies launch a military attack on Iraq.
Iran has expressed opposition to such an attack. However, after informal talks between U.S.
and Iranian officials in November, Iran agreed to provide medical assistance to any U.S. pilots
downed in Iranian territory and return them as soon as possible.
Most Iranians are not fans of the Iraqi government -- the two nations fought a lengthy war
during the 1980s and are bitter rivals. In reaching out to Iranians, Bush may have hoped to build
popular support for U.S. efforts to disarm Saddam Hussein.
In his address, the president praised Iranians who have stood up to their nation's harsh clerical
rule. "My thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian people, particularly the families of the many
Iranians who are in prison today for daring to express their hopes and dreams for a better
future," he said.
Reformist groups in Iran have protested against the government, and some protesters have
been arrested.
Protests grew in recent months following the November conviction and death sentence of a
university professor. Prof. Hashem Aghajari said there are other interpretations of Islam and
that people should not follow clerical leaders "like monkeys."
Iran's supreme leader has ordered a review of the death sentence and Aghajari's attorney has
filed an appeal.
As many as 5,000 people have taken part in rallies and boycotts in support of Aghajari.
"We continue to stand with the people of Iran in your quest for freedom, prosperity, honest and
effective government, judicial due process and the rule of law," Bush said in his address
delivered over Radio Farda, a Persian-language radio service launched Thursday.
Radio Farda is one of a series of U.S. efforts to reach Iranians via radio and television.
"For many years, the United States has helped bring news and cultural broadcasts for a few
hours every day to the Iranian people via Radio Freedom," Bush said in his address. "Yet the
Iranian people tell us that more broadcasting is needed, because the unelected few who
control the Iranian government continue to place severe restrictions on access to uncensored
information. So we are now making our broadcast available to more Irani ans by airing news
and music and cultural programs nearly 24 hours a day."
There was no immediate response to the address from the Iranian government.
and:
abcnews.go.com
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