Payvand.com & Mehr News Agency – 2007-07-31 22:36:06
http://www.payvand.com/news/07/jul/1343.html
Goodwill Delegation Returns from Iran Greeted at Dulles Airport
Daniel M Pourkesali, Campaign Against Sanctions & Military Intervention in Iran (CASMII) / Payvand News
TEHRAN (July 31, 2007) — The Bush Administration along with a majority of the mainstream media have been engaged in an escalating campaign to demonize Iran and its people in an eerily familiar campaign to prepare public opinion for yet another possible military intervention.
In response, the Virginia Anti-War Network (VAWN) and the Richmond Defender newspaper organized a People’s Peace Delegation to Iran in response to a suggestion by the Campaign Against Sanctions & Military Intervention in Iran (CASMII).
Delegation members consist of anti-war activists, war veterans, and environmentalists from Richmond VA, Norfolk VA, Washington DC, and Milwaukee WI representing various local, regional and national social justice and anti-war organizations.
The trip was financed by the member’s personal funds, sponsoring organizations, and through public fundraising events.
The five-member delegation was greeted by CASMII associates in the DC area upon their return at 8:00 P.M. on Monday night of July 30, 2007. They will present a report on their 12-day, 1,750-kilometer journey through Iran during a scheduled 10:00 A.M. Press Conference on Tuesday July 31, 2007 at Busboys and Poets Restaurant located at 2021 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 in the Langston Room.
Talabani: Iranian Interference in Iraq an “Out of Date” Myth
Mehr News Agency
TEHRAN (July 29, 2007) — Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has said the accusations that Iran supports Iraqi militias is out of date, probably part of the ancient history.
In an interview with the U.S. Al Hurra TV last week, Talabani explained that it took Iraqi officials lots of effort to broker a face-to-face dialogue between Iran and the United States leading to the establishment of a trilateral security committee between U.S., Iran and Iraq.
“Our brothers in Tehran have clearly declared that it was at the request of Iraqi officials that they accepted to sit on the same table with the American diplomats,” Talabani told Al Hurra network.
The Iraqi president noted that Iran had formerly rejected such a suggestion. “In my opinion the Baghdad meeting had a good result, namely the establishment of a trilateral committee,” Talabani stated.
He said the Iranians have promised to help Iraq in fighting al Qaeda-backed terrorism and help prevent instability and insecurity caused by the militias.
On rebuilding the army, the president said Iraq wants an army which defends the borders and provides security for the Iraqi nation and not an army which attacks Iran or goes to war with Turkey or makes threats against Syria. He also called the victory of the Justice and Development Party in Turkey, a victory for all regional countries including Iraq and Iran.
Payvand News
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