Condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia

Date: 22-12-2014

No: 540-LT-1509

The Honorable Tony Abbott

Prime Minister of Australia

Parliament House

Canberra, Australia

Re: Condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

Iranians around the world have received with shock the terrible news of the recent terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia. On behalf of the Iran National Council, I would like to express my compassion with all victims and their families, and convey my deepest condolences to the people of Australia. I join my fellow compatriots in wishing the wounded a speedy recovery, and in strongly condemning this heinous act of terror. We wholeheartedly denounce terrorism as repulsive and cowardly acts by fundamentalist groups and individuals who believe in spreading death and destruction in the name of religion. We pray for the victims and mourn for the loss of innocent lives, and salute many unknown heroes, including emergency workers, firefighters and the police, who have served their communities with bravery and distinction. We take comfort in the knowledge that Australia exemplifies the strength and endurance of peace through secularism, the respect for human rights and democracy.

Iranians share the pains and sufferings of Australians in these moments of grief, and are outraged by the use of violence. We recognize Australia’s leadership in the common struggle against radical Islamic terrorism. The recent terrorist attack in Sydney proves that this is a long and difficult battle to be combatted by promoting secular values, the respect for human rights and democracy. We believe that terrorism can be fought within the rule of law and the human rights framework. It is with this conviction that the Iran National Council envisions a peaceful transition from theocracy towards secular democracy in our beloved homeland. To this end, we oppose the theocratic regime in Iran which for the past three and a half decades has actively pursued policies of death and destruction with its support and sponsorship of terrorists based on its fundamentalist interpretation of religion.

Iranians are deeply heartened by your country’s continuous support for human rights, freedom, and democracy in our homeland. We appreciate Australia’s global stewardship in promoting human rights as a universal value, and recognizing Iranians’ strive for the respect of human rights and democracy. We urge Australia’s moral support for the people of Iran, and look forward to working with you to ensure the realization of our shared aspirations.

Best Regards,