The Iranian government has been left out of the Munich Security Conference for three consecutive years, with Masih Alinejad participating instead. Reza Pahlavi expressed discontent over being disinvited after previously participating. Both Pahlavi and Alinejad encourage Western nations to adopt a firmer stance on Iran, as significant discussions concerning the country are expected during the conference.
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) has excluded the Iranian government for the third consecutive year, opting instead to feature US-based Iranian activist Masih Alinejad at various panels, as reported by Radio Free Europe. In contrast, former crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, initially received an invitation but was disinvited after expressing concerns about the German government’s decision-making concerning Iranian representation at the conference.
After attending the 2023 conference, following protests in Iran sparked by the murder of Mahsa Amini, Pahlavi accused the German government of enabling Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s influence in Berlin. He stated, “The German Foreign Ministry’s intervention to block my participation places Germany on the wrong side of history,” in a recent Twitter post, indicating his disappointment with this decision and its implications.
Pahlavi commented that the decision is not merely about silencing his voice but represents an attempt to silence the Iranian people and their aspirations for freedom. He asserts that despite his exclusion, he will continue to advocate for the liberation of Iran, emphasizing that it is the Iranian people’s duty to determine their own destiny.
A spokesperson from the German Foreign Ministry clarified that while they maintain communication with the MSC, the conference operates independently regarding invitations. On the protest front, the exiled opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), also known as MEK, plans to stage a demonstration outside the event despite the participation of notable figures from the Iranian opposition.
Both Pahlavi and Alinejad call upon Western nations to adopt a stricter stance toward Iran rather than engage in negotiations. Although Iran is absent from the conference, it is anticipated that topics concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions, proxy relationships, and human rights violations will be on the agenda.
Maryam Rajavi, an Iranian dissident and leader of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, expressed solidarity with the protesters outside, asserting that the clerical regime in Iran is nearing its end. Rajavi stated, “The Iranian people, with unwavering determination, are resolute in their quest to overthrow the regime, and without a doubt, they will achieve it,” urging the international community to support the fight for freedom and democracy against what she termed religious fascism.
The exclusion of Iranian representatives from the Munich Security Conference emphasizes the broader geopolitical challenges faced by Iran and highlights the ongoing struggles of its dissidents. Both Reza Pahlavi and Masih Alinejad advocate for a tougher stance by Western nations, underscoring calls for increased support for the Iranian people’s quest for freedom. As discussions around Iran’s policies continue at the conference, the voices of those opposing the regime remain significant, aiming to galvanize international attention and advocacy.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
