NCRI Christmas Message Showcases Moderate Iranian Voices

Dec. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmh5aNHQWo4&feature=youtu.be

NCRI Christmas Message Showcases Moderate Iranian Voices

On Christmas Eve, the National Council of Resistance of Iran addressed an open letter to its friends and supporters, wishing them and their families “a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.”

As the largest organization calling for regime change in Iran, the NCRI is a network of native Iranians and persons of Iranian descent currently living in numerous nations around the globe, many but not all of whom are Muslims. Headed by a moderate, female Muslim, Maryam Rajavi, the organization is described by members and supporters as a rational alternative to the Islamic extremism permeating the modern Middle East, especially including the theocratic government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mrs. Rajavi’s holiday greeting to the group’s supporters may be seen as highlighting its religious tolerance and broad-based appeal. Indeed, religious tolerance is an element of Rajavi’s ten-point plan for the future of Iran. That list of NCRI platform positions reads, “We are committed to the separation of Religion and State. Any form of discrimination against the followers of any religion and denomination will be prohibited.”

No doubt it is confidence in these positions that has contributed to the diverse support that the group enjoys among Western politicians. The friends and supporters addressed by Rajavi’s Christmas message include Americans of all political walks of life, including former UN Ambassador John Bolton, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Republican Representative John McCain, and former vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman.

The NCRI’s Christmas message re-affirmed the positions that have generated support from these and other political figures from the United States, Europe, and beyond.

“During this joyous time of the year, we look back with gratitude and look forward with hope and optimism,” Rajavi wrote. “In 2015, we will renew our commitment to a free, non-nuclear and democratic Iran.”

Rajavi’s Christmas statement declares, perhaps on behalf of both her American supporters and the NCRI’s membership, “We shall not forget all those jailed, tortured and executed simply for believing in a cause greater than themselves: freedom.”