{"id":71917,"date":"2025-03-31T01:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T23:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/?p=71917"},"modified":"2025-03-30T16:27:52","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T14:27:52","slug":"global-leaders-unite-in-support-of-maryam-rajavi-denounce-irans-hostage-diplomacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iranfreedom.org\/en\/articles\/2025\/03\/global-leaders-unite-in-support-of-maryam-rajavi-denounce-irans-hostage-diplomacy\/71917\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Leaders Unite in Support of Maryam Rajavi, Denounce Iran\u2019s Hostage Diplomacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Statement Supporting Maryam Rajavi \u2013 March 28, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Twenty distinguished political figures and former officials from across the globe have issued a joint statement<\/a> backing Maryam Rajavi<\/a><\/span>, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI<\/a><\/span>). Released on March 28, 2025, the statement strongly condemns Iran\u2019s continued use of hostage diplomacy and criticizes European policies of appeasement that embolden the regime.<\/p>\n

Among the signatories\u2014comprising former prime ministers, foreign ministers, and parliamentarians\u2014there is steadfast support for Mrs. Rajavi\u2019s leadership and her vision of a democratic Iran. They portray her as a principled leader whose commitment to justice and human rights starkly contrasts with the oppressive clerical regime.<\/p>\n

The statement also denounces a recent article in Le Canard Encha\u00een\u00e9<\/em> targeting Mrs. Rajavi<\/a>, describing it as an attempt to appease Tehran in the context of ongoing hostage negotiations. The signatories call on France, the EU, and the broader international community to reject appeasement and stand firmly with the Iranian people in their just struggle for freedom.<\/p>\n

Below is the full text of the statement:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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Statement Supporting Maryam Rajavi<\/h2>\n
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Twenty distinguished global figures have jointly signed a statement<\/a> condemning Iran\u2019s use of hostage diplomacy and supporting Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi. The following is the text of the statement:<\/div>\n
\n\nStatement Supporting Maryam Rajavi\n\nWe stand firmly with Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an inspiring and tireless leader in the quest for a democratic Iran. We know her personally \u2014 her impeccable integrity, moral fibre, and steadfast commitment to justice and human rights offer hope against decades of tyranny under Iran\u2019s clerical regime.\n\nYet, as Iran releases hostages like Olivier Grondeau, a disinformation campaign has been waged against Mrs. Rajavi and the NCRI, notably through the recent Le Canard Encha\u00een\u00e9 hit piece replete with baseless, recycled claims long debunked.\n\nThis smear exemplifies capitulation to Iran\u2019s hostage diplomacy, a shameful bid to placate Tehran. Such appeasement by France and the EU has only emboldened the regime and will invite more terrorism and abductions. For over 45 years, Tehran has thrived on Western concessions, pairing hostage releases with assaults on the Iranian Resistance to cling to power.\n\nYielding to these tactics fuels Iran\u2019s aggression, jeopardises global security, betrays the Iranian people\u2019s struggle, and undermines Europe\u2019s own principles.\n\nWe condemn this cowardice and call on France, the EU, and all nations to reject appeasement, side with the Iranian people and their organised resistance, and rally behind Mrs. Rajavi\u2019s vision of a secular, democratic republic in Iran. Her courage, and the cause of a free Iran, demands our resolute solidarity.\n\nSIGNED:<\/strong>\n1. Guy Verhofstadt \u2013 Former Prime Minister, Belgium\n2. Geir H. Haarde \u2013 Former Prime Minister, Iceland\n3. Janez Jan\u0161a \u2013 Former Prime Minister, Slovenia\n4. Rosal\u00eda Arteaga Serrano \u2013 Former President, Ecuador\n5. Avdullah Hoti \u2013 Former Prime Minister, Kosovo\n6. John Bercow \u2013 Former Speaker of the House of Commons, United Kingdom\n7. Peter Altmaier \u2013 Former Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany\n8. John Baird \u2013 Former Foreign Minister, Canada\n9. Tonio Borg \u2013 Former European Commissioner; Former Foreign Minister, Malta\n10. Stanislav Pavlovschi \u2013 Former Justice Minister, Moldova\n11. Lord Alton of Liverpool \u2013 Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom\n12. Zorica Mari\u0107-Djordjevi\u0107 \u2013 Former Ambassador of Montenegro to the UN Human Rights Council\n13. Ana Helena Chac\u00f3n Echeverr\u00eda \u2013 Former Vice President, Costa Rica\n14. Ingrid Betancourt \u2013 Former Senator and Presidential candidate, Colombia\n15. Candice Bergen \u2013 Former Leader of the Conservative Party, Canada\n16. Bob Blackman \u2013 Member of Parliament, United Kingdom\n17. Anatol \u0218alaru \u2013 Former Defence Minister, Moldova\n18. Tony Clement \u2013 Former Minister of Industry, Canada\n19. Dorien Rookmaker \u2013 Former Member of the European Parliament, Netherlands\n20. Kimmo Sasi \u2013 Former President of the Nordic Council, Finland\n\n

Statement in support of Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran

\u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/efuKJNuAyp<\/a>@canardenchaine<\/a> @francediplo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/8wGwhVawvq<\/a><\/p>\u2014 International Committee in Search of Justice (@isjcommittee) March 28, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>