Iran: Carr agrees with Netanyahu
Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr today welcomed the peaceful outcome of Iran’s national elections but said Australia would continue to raise concerns about human rights and nuclear issues…and agrees with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position.
Senator Carr said President-elect Dr Hassan Rowhani should follow the wishes of the Iranian people in finding a new direction for the country.
“This new direction must include a return to constructive negotiations on Iran’s nuclear policy,” Senator Carr said.
“Australia is implacably opposed to a nuclear-armed Iran.
“We join with other nations in urging Iran to resume the P5+1 talks in a serious fashion and to repudiate any interest in nuclear weaponry.
“And we agree with recent statements by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the international community must not be caught in wishful thinking on Iran or be tempted to relax global pressure.”
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Senator Carr said Australia would maintain its sanctions regime against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and its oil, gas, financial, transport and petrochemical sectors.
Australia would also continue to raise human rights issues, including against Iran’s use of the death penalty. According to Human Rights Watch, Iran carried out more than 600 executions in 2011.
The United Nations has raised additional concerns about torture, amputations, flogging, arbitrary detention and unfair trials in Iran.
“Twenty leaders of the Baha’i community remain in prison in Iran, as do many from other religious minorities,” Senator Carr said.
“Authorities continue to target civil society, media and human rights defenders.
“During the election campaign, Dr Rowhani spoke about the need to respect freedom of speech and other civil freedoms.
“These are welcome statements. The world will continue to press the Iranian Government to respect these basic rights.”
