Manama: April 28 — (BNA)– Former Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi asserted that Iran’s clerical regime was implicated in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s early 2011 incidents as well as in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region.
In an exclusive interview conducted with him by the Bahraini daily newspaper (Al-Bilad)’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Munis Al-Mardi, in Paris, Mr. Reza Pahlavi announced the formation of the National Council of Iran (NCI) led by him and comprising 12 Iranian nationalist parties from across the spectra of the Iranian opposition, which calls for democratic transformation in Iran.
He said that in case his demands go unmet, he will increase the ceiling of demands to the ouster of the Iranian clergy regime.
He asserted that the new Iranian regime which they intend to create will never meddle in the local affairs of other countries, including Bahrain, because their regime will be secular which respects the rights of minorities and the freedom of beliefs.
He added that the current Iranian regime clings to its right to acquire nuclear weapons not because they want to strike at Israel as they purport but only in order to impose a (de facto) Shiite imamate.
And regarding his future vision for Iran and the region, Mr. Pahlavi said that “my basic focus will be on the issue of human rights and not on ethnicity or culture of whatsoever language or nationality.
He explained that “we’re connected in one world, and people want freedom of expression, religion and congregation that includes all principles of democracy.
He stressed that this (ambition) cannot be achieved without an elected government and a democratic parliamentary system as well as separation of religion from statehood. Without this important principle, the required democratic freedom cannot be achieved.
He added that “the big challenge to us as Muslims in the world is manifested in the much controversial (Sunni-Shiite) ideological issue.
He went on to say that when he looks at Iranians, Syrians, Kuwaitis and Bahrainis,he doesn’t care whatsover about their nationality, but he is quite sure that the inhabitants of this region want to live in a free democratic community without specifying nationality, belief and culture.
The former Iranian Crown Prince said that the policy adopted by the Iranian (Shiite-clergy controlled) regime seeks the destabilization and destruction of other countries in order to survive alone.
And regarding the strategy adopted by the National Council of Iran (NCI), the former Iranian Crown Prince explained that this strategy stands on the principle of avoiding war because its consequences could be dire and costly.
The NCI supports the civilians who demand change in Iran and only then the community can improve and solve its social, educational and health problems through good management and proper investment, Mr. Reza Pahlavi added, stressing that there should be a democratic transformation process, adding that if the Council succeeds in its initial plan, then we would have a transitional period during which discussion can be focused on the creation of a democratic republic or a monarchy in his country.
(IY)
