On March 2, 2023, Senator Giulio Terzi, the head of the Senate European Union Affairs Committee and former foreign minister of Italy, led a delegation of Italian Parliament members in a visit to Ashraf 3, Albania, where they met with members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
In addition to visiting the Resistance’s Museum and various parts of Ashraf 3 during their two-day visit, the delegation from the Italian Parliament, headed by Senator Terzi, also participated in, and addressed a gathering of PMOI freedom fighters.
The delegation, which also included Ms. Stefania Ascari from the Judicial Committee and Mr. Emanuele Pozzolo from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament, also met with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI).
Meeting and talks with the Italian Parliamentary Delegation#Iranhttps://t.co/PqvmS8QpNr pic.twitter.com/mdPCssEAo9
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 3, 2023
During the meeting, Mrs. Rajavi expressed her gratitude towards Senator Terzi and the members of both houses of the Parliament of Italy for their support of the Iranian people’s uprising and democratic revolution, as well as their efforts in protecting the PMOI/MEK from ground and missile attacks in camps Ashraf and Liberty over the past years.
Speaking about the ongoing uprising in Iran, Mrs. Rajavi noted that despite the killing of more than 750 young men and women and widespread arrests, the regime in Iran is still unable to control the explosive situation within society or confront the uprisings, courageous youths, and Resistance Units.
“Certainly, the rebellious cities and youth in the Iran uprising serve as reminders of the sacrifice of the rebels and partisans for Italy’s freedom and independence,” she said.
While underlining the leading role played by women in the uprising, Mrs. Rajavi said, “The universal message of the Iranian people is expressed by students, women, and young people, who shouted ‘Death to the oppressor, be it the Shah or the Leader (Khamenei)’ against any form of monarchical or religious dictatorship.”
In light of the recent wave of poison gas attacks led by regime agents against schoolchildren, Mrs. Rajavi said that the regime “is seeking vengeance over the leading role of valiant girls in the uprising. It supplements the work of the regime’s guidance patrols.”
Mrs. Rajavi stressed that the correct policy for the international community is to stand by the Iranian people in their fight to overthrow the religious tyranny.
Senator @GiulioTerzi, former Foreign Minister of Italy along with Italian MPs visit Ashraf-3
The correct policy by the international community is to stand by the Iranian people in their fight to overthrow the religious tyranny https://t.co/tpZHEHUbFu… https://t.co/dhizvwjNSS pic.twitter.com/E5Zn6jvZcI— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 4, 2023
“The international community must recognize the right of the Iranian people to resist and to overthrow this oppressive regime. European countries must designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization due to its role in repression and violence,” Mrs. Rajavi said. “This policy is not only a moral obligation for Europe, but also a political responsibility emanating from their commitment to protect their citizens from terrorism and insecurity.”
“Working with you and the Iranian resistance movement was an excellent experience,” Senator Terzi said. “You have done great things in the political scene. Unlike many other movements, you are independent.”
Senator Terzi said that the efforts of the MEK and leadership of Mrs. Rajavi “have brought the prospect of a democratic Iran ever closer.”
Senator Terzi also stressed that the people of Iran have struggled for freedom under the mullahs’ and Shah regimes.
“The people of Iran were suppressed and oppressed under both regimes, and that’s why they reject any dictatorship in their uprising today. Returning to the previous dictatorship is nothing more than a mirage, only the Iranian regime benefits from such a discussion,” he said.
Ms. Ascari said “I worked in the Italian Parliament drafting an act on violence against women. When I saw the actions of the mullahs’ regime against women, I understood very well how much the ruling mullahs feared women. For this reason, I have the highest respect for Iranian women and you, a genuine leader, and I thank you.”
And Mr. Emanuele Pozzolo said, “We pledge to convey what we saw in the Museum of Resistance to other parliamentarians, and especially to expose the regime’s taking advantage of religion to justify its crimes.”
