Reported by PMOI/MEK
Albania, July 14, 2019 – Dignitaries from several countries across Europe and Canada attended a conference in Ashraf 3, home to members of the Iranian opposition group People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in Tirana, Albania. These prominent figures voiced their support for a free Iran and the ten-point plan presented by Iranian opposition President Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
The conference was moderated by British MP Matthew Offord.
British MP Matthew Offord
British MP Matthew Offord at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“The British press has been very kind of Ashraf 3, describing it as a beacon of hope. The world is realizing there is an alternative to the Iranian regime and it is the PMOI in Ashraf 3,” said British MP Matthew Offord.
“The Iranian regime is making a mistake and it should be assured that the UK is not scared. The UK has made it very clear that we will protect ourselves,” he added.
“We need to convince our European colleagues to impose sanctions on the Iranian regime. The world will also start to wake up to Madam Rajavi’s ten-point plan. All of us in the world simply do not disagree with the issues raised in Mrs. Rajavi’s plan for the future of Iran… I am sure that Europe would also impose sanctions on Iran for its actions,” Mr. Offord continued.
“I genuinely believe change is coming to Iran”
People have re-emerged from the destruction of Camps Ashraf and Liberty, and launching Ashraf 3 and being embraced by the people of Albania,” he concluded.
Former British MP Brian Binley
Former British MP Brian Binley at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“We first came to Albania back in 2014 with a task to the country’s Prime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama, and ask him to accept more Ashraf/Liberty residents,” said former British MP Brian Binley.
“We pleaded with the Prime Minister and it wasn’t hard. He asked us shouldn’t you be making this request to other European countries? We were working hard on this issue and the Prime Minister said he would accept more Ashraf/Liberty residents. I pay massive tribute to Mr. Edi Rama for convincing the people of Albania… Having revisited Albania now, this country has made great progress in the past five years,” he added.
“This great city of Ashraf 3 showed Mr. Rama kept his process. There has been astounding progress in Ashraf 3. All this work in just a year and a half is incredible. I always knew that those people who had gone through the hell of Camp Liberty would get things moving for themselves. You have built yourself a city and I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart. There’s more work to do and that is our task,” Mr. Binley continued.
“There is much we can do in our country for the ten-point plan of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. The answer lies in how we deal with the Iranian mullahs and that awful government that has been fighting for so long. We need to have meetings with the next UK Prime Minister to imply how important the ten-point plan is. Not just for you, but I believe for the people of the world. A religious autocracy based on medieval philosophies has no place in the 21st century,” Mr. Binley emphasized.
“The UK should be more than a good friend of the Iranian Resistance that pursues the cause of action that helps us arrive at that party in Tehran when the mullahs’ yoke has been thrown off.
The new Iranian government should be based on our 21st-century values, not the medieval philosophies. We will pledge to pursue these policies to help that day when we will have a celebration in Tehran,” he concluded.
Former Italian MP Sergio D’Elia
Former Italian MP Sergio D’Elia at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“It is unimaginable the changes we have seen in Ashraf 3 in the past year alone. Everything looks very much alive here. Ashraf 3 is not only a symbol. You are a sample for the future of Iran,” said former Italian MP Sergio D’Elia.
“You are no longer just a Resistance against the regime, you are now a freedom movement. Seeing you in Ashraf 3 gives me a vision about how the free Iran of tomorrow will be like. Even when you were held captive in a ‘concentration camp’ [referring to Camp Liberty] you were able to change it into a sample of life. You did so in Ashraf 1, 2 and now in Ashraf 3… The PMOI are creators. You have set an example for a future Iran,” he added.
“You can free and also build up Iran. You are reliable, trustworthy, and support law and justice. By seeing Ashraf and you, I am convinced you have created a sample of Iran in this city. I hope we are in Tehran next year. We can see Tehran here because Ashraf 3 exists and a future free Iran will also become a reality. The MEK is now part of my family, and that is why I call you my brothers and sisters,” Mr. D’Elia concluded.
Former Irish Minister of State for Small Business John Perry
Former Irish Minister of State for Small Business John Perry at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“It has been a privilege to be in Ashraf 3 and in the presence of NCRI President Maryam Rajavi. It is an amazing experience to see survivors of Camps Ashraf and Liberty, the 1988 massacre in Iran and human rights violations under the regime,” said former Irish Minister of State for Small Business John Perry.
“It is very important to see the encouraging work of the PMOI/MEK and their effective cyber activities in Iran. Especially when 56 million people are under the age of 25 in Iran. The new force of technology will certainly spread the word,” he added.
“I now have a deep respect for a free Iran. The people deserve it and Europe has a major obligation in this regard. Action is required now. Europe cannot stand idly by… Martin Luther King said the test of any man, woman or country is where we stand in the time of conflict and challenge It is now time for Europe to stand with Iran, and say enough is enough, to remove the [Iranian regime supreme leader Ali] Khamenei regime and the mullahs from power. The future generation of Iran deserves an opportunity to live a free Iran,” Mr. Perry continued.
“The new Europe should fight for a free Iran. I will do my utmost to convey this message. We must have a voice in every parliament of Europe. The information must get through to Europe and we need to spread the word of total suppression of the Iranian people and we need to stop it,” he concluded.
Irish Senator Gerry Horkan
Irish Senator Gerry Horkan at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“All the improvements here in Ashraf 3 are amazing. Even Google hasn’t been able to update its images and meet your speed of construction here… We should also give the credit to the Albanian government for permitting the establishment of such an important city called Ashraf 3.
We never thought things will change so quickly, but they will. Hopefully, very soon we will see free, fair and democratic elections in Iran and we will be voting for President Maryam Rajavi as the first election for a free and democratic Iran where freedom of religion is allowed. That is part of the ten-point plan that we support,” said Irish Senator Gerry Horkan.
“To have 47 countries represented here is just incredible here, including Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator Joe Lieberman. The squeeze must be tightened around the regime to reduce their ability to raise funds in the Middle East and across Europe… There is huge global support for the NCRI and Ashraf 3. Hopefully, soon we will see action and deliver results, including a free and fair government in Iran,” he concluded.
Former Bundestag member Leo Dautzenberg
Former Bundestag member Leo Dautzenberg at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“The Federal Court in Germany has ordered action against the Iranian regime. Major countries in Europe, including Germany, should have been ready to accept more of you when Camp Liberty was dissolved,” former Bundestag member Leo Dautzenberg.
“The people in Iran and their struggle is the best sign. We can see that the mullahs are using Iranian wealth for their private interests. They are using the Iranian people’s money for terrorism and accelerating war in the Middle East. We do have a great responsibility and a duty towards the Middle East, and we should conduct this together,” he added.
“With the protests in Iran, we can also see that toppling the Iranian regime has to happen from within the country, and we have to support it from the outside. The change must come from within and from Ashraf 3,” Mr. Dautzenberg continued.
“You have a president who with her ten-point plan, which is very convincing, has created an alternative which represents freedom and democracy. This is also our choice for the future. From a European and German angle, we need to step forward and support this ten-point plan,” he concluded.
Swedish lawyer Kenneth Lewis
Swedish lawyer Kenneth Lewis at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“In 2004, the PMOI was in the EU and US terror lists. Back in 2004, when I was in Ashraf 1, the FBI interviewed all Ashraf residents, taking all of their fingerprints. They did not find a single terrorism suspect,” said Swedish lawyer Kenneth Lews.
“The American officers and soldiers in Ashraf 1 were impressed by your dedication and political program. The very people who were holding you in Ashraf were convinced about you… 40% of the resistance fighters in Ashraf 1 were women and this is very important against the mullahs’ regime. Back in the years, we had some friends and yet still a lot of people who still didn’t understand. Now, a lot of people who used to not understand that you are the main resistance movement, they are beginning to understand, all because of your work and program,” he continued.
“There are still a lot of people in Europe who have not understood that appeasement is not the way forward, and don’t care about human rights. Huge support is growing for this movement and we have work to do,” Mr. Lewis added.
“Human rights should be the most important aspect of dealing with the regime in Iran. Ashraf 3 is a wonderful achievement. This is an important part of the resistance. The fight to overthrow the mullahs is taking place on the streets of Tehran. Your program will be an essential contribution to that… Thank you for your wonderful spirit of resistance,” he concluded.
Former President of the UK Law Society Linda Lee
Former President of the UK Law Society Linda Lee at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“We in the UK Law Society has and will support your cause. We want freedom for you. I couldn’t believe what a wonderful community and spirit are in Ashraf 3. This is not a town, it lives and breathes. The mothers and daughters who have suffered so much are so positive in spirit. This is a wonderful community of people,” said Linda Lee, former President of the UK Law Society.
“If you are the beating heart of Ashraf, Madame Rajavi holds the soul of Ashraf and will take it forward to free Iran… When I saw the human rights exhibition in Ashraf 3 I was simply overwhelmed as it brings to life the horror that has happened in Iran. Even in that most depths of horror, there is still hope for the future. That exhibition must be seen by the world,” she added.
“I really feel that we are now so close. I want for all the men and women of Iran to have freedom. Next year we will be in Tehran,” Ms. Lee concluded.
Australian Pastor Brian Medway
Australian Pastor Brian Medway at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“We have been supporting the PMOI in Ashraf for a long time now. We belong to your supporters in Australia, due to their dedication. Your integrity and commitment, to serve the best interests of Iran, without any idea of how long this may take, this draws our affection. We want to see what you want to see. We will make your voice known in Australia and we will do it with the greatest of confidence,” said Australian Pastor Brian Medway.
“I’ve decided that I’m an honorary member of Ashraf. I belong to what you believe in and I belong to you. When Iran is free we will be part of this great story,” he concluded.
Former Norwegian MP Lars Rise
Former Norwegian MP Lars Rise at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“In 2005, my wife and I visited Ashraf in Iraq. After the first two days, my wife said I have never experienced such love. Ashrafis are people of integrity and love. It is the complete opposite of the regime in Iran,” said former Norwegian MP Lars Rise.
“Here we have a committed group that can stand up against all the superpowers of the world. All the countries in the world have condemned this movement. Yet when you know you are doing the right thing, you can stand against all the world powers and prevail,” he added.
“The situation is now reversed. The Iranian regime’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) are blacklisted. The MEK is free of all this… The British Supreme Court understood that all the evidence provided by the UK government against the MEK were false,” Mr. Rise continued.
“We are receiving more and more evidence that the Iranian regime is lying. Iranian agents in Oslo representing themselves as refugees to spread misinformation about the MEK. This shows the Iranian regime is desperate… The leadership of this movement through Madam Rajavi is realizing amazing results. I always say I am a member of this movement and always will be,” he concluded.
Malta MP Frederick Azzopardi
Frederick Azzopardi at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“I want to convey support from the Nationalist Party of Malta to the people of Iran. We have heard horrifying testimonies about human rights violations in Iran. We were sad, angry and yet even more determined. We want to support our Iranian friends in their fight for freedom. This has become a personal matter for me now. To Ashraf, I say your cause is our cause. Your pain is our pain, your fight is our fight. God willing, your victory will also be our victory. We salute your bravery,” said Malta MP Frederick Azzopardi.
“The Iranian people are being denied their universal rights. The Iranian regime funds terrorism and threatens the world with nuclear proliferation. This regime is responsible for crimes against humanity that are punishable under international law,” he added.
“Our presence in Albania is a testimony to the people of Iran and a strong message against appeasement vis-a-vis this atrocious regime. This same regime sought to bomb the 2018 Free Iran conference in Paris. Yet we are back in full force. We will not be bullied with suppression. Terror attacks by the Iranian regime will never break the determination of our free world to realize a free and democratic Iran,” Mr. Azzopardi continued.
“As Madame President Rajavi has said, regime change is the task of the Iranian people. We should support the Iranian people at all times… Our message to the people is: We will never abandon you until your justified cause is fulfilled. You are, indeed, our heroes. Our common mission is a free Iran,” he concluded.
Former Canadian MP Paul Forseth
Former Canadian MP Paul Forseth at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“In solidarity, we will continue to support the Iranian people… Ashraf 3, we are the overcomers. The future is much brighter than the past,” said former Canadian MP Paul Forseth.
Professor Alfred de Zayas
Professor Alfred de Zayas at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“I have long felt solidarity and compassion with the MEK, for your cause, for the Iranian people and the ten-point plan of Madam Rajavi. I have spoken about your cause and the summer 1988 massacre, and the execution of 120,000 Iranians by the mullahs’ regime. Human rights violations in Iran are so massive and they constitute crimes against humanity,” said Professor Alfred de Zayas.
“The mullahs are not just going to roll over. Change, however, must come from within. I wish you success, perseverance, peace, and happiness in Iran,” he concluded.
Roger Lyons, former president of the Trade Unions Congress
Roger Lyons, former president of the Trade Unions Congress, at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“We have been showing solidarity with workers in Iran who face brutal repression. We have been educating various industries in order to support Iran’s workers,” said Roger Lyons, former president of the Trade Unions Congress.
“Many of you have heard of Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe. She was arrested as a ‘spy’ in Iran by the regime and separated from her baby. The mullahs didn’t even give her decent medical attention. This is an outrageous example of the mullahs’ treachery. The mullahs’ attitude is making people understand far more about the need to support the resistance and regime change in Iran. The evidence is here. Public opinion is strong and we will continue to campaign until we win,” he concluded.
British MP Sir David Amess
British MP Sir David Amess at a conference in Ashraf 3 – July 14, 2019 – Tirana, Albania
“This conference and the gathering in Albania is all about democracy,” British MP Sir David Amess said.
“What an example to build such a wonderful camp in such a short period. It is absolutely magnificent. It is wonderful being with people who seek to establish freedom and justice for the Iranian people,” he added.
