By Banooye Sabz
September 24, 2013
Monday Sept 23rd, 2013 – [Kaleme] According to reports by Kaleme, the daughters of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi were allowed to visit with their parents on Sunday September 22nd, 2013. When asked about the recent published reports regarding a reported meeting between Mousavi and Ali Shamkhani, Mousavi and Rahnavard both reiterated that no such meeting had taken place, adding that they will inform their daughters if and when there is any contact or if a meeting or any other event takes place.
A number of media outlets falsely reported on Sunday that Ali Shamkhani, the newly appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Council had met with opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi shortly after his appointment; a report that was welcomed by the public at large, particularly given the recent atmosphere of hope and optimism. Given that Mousavi’s daughters asked their parents about the validity of these reports, Kaleme can now confirm that the reports are false.
In the 950 days since the illegal house arrest of Mir Hossein Mousavi and his wife Zahra Rahnavard, with the exception of one meeting that took place during the first couple of months after their house arrest in which administrative details regarding the house arrest were discussed under an atmosphere of threats and pressure, no other government official has met with Mir Hossein and Rahnavard. The reports in media outlets claiming that meetings were held with individuals such as Nejat, Vahid and others over the past three years are also false.
Given the liberties taken by the media outlets associated with the ruling establishment, their respective agenda and the sensitivity associated with news regarding Mousavi, the family has repeatedly requested and reiterated that anyone interested in following the news regarding Mousavi should do so through the previously introduced credible sources.
Is there a desire for change?
Although there has been no attempt by the ruling establishment to lift the house arrest and a meeting with the opposition leader has not taken place to date, there has been much talk of a push towards reestablishing trust between the ruling establishment and the people through the potential lifting of restrictions and the house arrests. In an interview with Persian Deutsche Welle, Ardeshir Amir Arjomand, senior adviser to Mir Hossein Mousavi stated: “Both Mr. Rouhani and Mr. Shamkhani have exhibited a desire for change and we are hopeful that other government institutions will also cooperate and refrain from creating obstacles. The appointment of Shamkhani (to Secretary of the Supreme Security Council) is a positive sign. He has always been a revolutionary figure who has demonstrated rationality, moderation and integrity, refraining from taking extreme or inappropriate positions.”
Why a concern for political calm and stability?
Yesterday, Ali Motahari a Parliamentarian representing Tehran referred to the continuation of the house arrests as unjustified, describing the principals behind such an action as controversial. “Based on my information, the lifting of the house arrests of Mousavi and Karroubi will require the passage of time. Security officials and officials affiliated with the Ministry of Intelligence remain skeptical and don’t fully trust the political supporters of Mousavi and Karroubi. In any event, the officials need to feel confident regarding the ability to maintain a calm political atmosphere following their potential release. One must be cognizant of the fact however, that both Mousavi and Karroubi and their supporters have insisted upon the return to political stability, rationality, upholding the law and refraining from threats, intimidation and coercion. Their support in the recent elections of Mr. Rohani and his government of “prudence and hope” played an crucial role in the current stability and hope established in our country; a position that is undoubtedly satisfactory to the supporters of the Green Movement.”, stated Motahari.
Desire for an unconditional release
Meanwhile, in an interview with Rooz Online, Hossein Marashi, the spokesperson for the The Executives of Construction Party (Hezb-e Kaargozaaraan-e Saazandegi) expressed optimism regarding the potential lifting of the house arrests of Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karroubi and Zahra Rahnavard, referring to it as a national demand for ending the political conflict at hand. As per Marashi, the ruling establishment is wise enough to know not to set any preconditions for Mousavi, for the authorities are familiar with Mousavi’s character and realize that he will not accept any preconditions. As such any attempts to lift the house arrest will undoubtedly occur without preconditions.
Source: Kaleme http://kaleme.org/1392/07/01/klm-159346/
Banooye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/irans-supreme-leader-pardons-80-prisoners-ahead-of-president-rohanis-visit-to-the-u-n/
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