Greens back Iran protesters

WHILE it is not often that the mainstream Jewish community sees eye-to-eye with The Greens, on Iran it seems the two groups have interests in common.

Greens Senator Scott Ludlam (pictured) last Thursday called on Australia to do more to support the pro-democracy movement in Iran.

Speaking at a rally in Canberra to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the Iranian Revolution, Senator Ludlam called for peaceful change in Iran.

The West Australian Senator was speaking before protesters were brutally suppressed in major Iranian cities early this week by the regime led by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Greens have not been particularly outspoken on Iran in the past, despite their bedrock policy of ridding the world of nuclear weapons, but Senator Ludlam used strong language last week.

“The Australian Greens realise that the real power in Iran lies with a cabal of clerics who can override any decision of the President and more importantly the Parliament,” he said.

But, he said, the trade unionists, journalists and members of Iran’s minority Ba’hai community will not back down. “The people of Iran will not be broken. In Iran, we know the time will come when the will of the people manifests itself defiantly and irresistibly and the regime will be swept aside.”

The Greens’ spokesperson on nuclear issues also called for a peaceful resolution to Iran’s nuclear aggression.

“I believe what the President of Iran is doing with the nuclear program is reckless, irresponsible and does pose a threat to nuclear security,” he said.

“We believe the regime must be kept under relentless economic and diplomatic pressure.”

Asked what else The Greens can do to try and halt Iran’s nuclear pursuit, Senator Ludlam’s spokesperson explained that “The Greens have consistently and vociferously opposed the sale of uranium to Russia, which is understood to provide support to Iran’s program”.