Held in Paris, the summit gathered international leaders and activists dedicated to the cause of Iranian freedom and democracy. Harper lauded the Iranian populace for their massive boycott, which he described as a clear rebuke of the regime’s legitimacy. “The Ayatollah’s regime may repress people as severely as it can, but the people are not fooled,” Harper declared. “They are not fooled by the facade of its elections or the reality of its extremist anti-democratic ideology.”
The former Prime Minister sharply criticized Western governments, particularly the current US administration, for their conciliatory stance towards Tehran. He argued that regime change is essential for regional peace and stability, urging a more stringent approach towards the Iranian government. “The only effective way to deal with the regime is by toughening sanctions, condemning human rights violations, declaring it a state sponsor of terrorism, and closing down its embassies worldwide,” Harper stated emphatically.
.@stephenharper: "Khamenei's regime today is far weaker than the Shah's was in 1978 because it is more brutal and more hated, it is more corrupt and it is more dysfunctional."#MaryamRajavi4FreeIran #FreeIran2024https://t.co/NoNFQDSCu8
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 29, 2024
Harper emphasized the strengths of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the organized opposition group. He praised its leadership and principles, which include commitments to free elections, human rights, gender equality, and the separation of religion and state. “The NCRI is a viable alternative to the current regime,” he asserted. “It has a vision worth fighting for—a vision that millions in Iran and around the world fervently wish to come into being.”
His speech resonated with many attendees, including Iranian activists and expatriates who have long advocated for democratic reforms in their homeland. “Harper’s words give us hope and reinforce our resolve,” said Farideh Nazari, an Iranian human rights activist. “We need the international community to recognize and support our struggle.”
Harper also addressed the broader geopolitical implications of the Iranian regime’s actions, linking them to instability across the Middle East. He referenced the regime’s involvement in conflicts from Syria to Yemen and its support for militant groups. “The government of Iran is a global cancer, and the only cure is regime change by the Iranian people themselves in free and open elections,” he concluded.
Former Canadian PM @stephenharper: "The real way to promote peace is to help the vast majority of Iranians who want regime change in Iran."#MaryamRajavi4FreeIran#FreeIran2024 https://t.co/NoNFQDSCu8
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 29, 2024
The Free Iran 2024 World Summit underscored international solidarity with the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom and democracy. Harper’s speech was a call to action, urging global leaders to adopt a firmer stance against the Iranian regime and support the NCRI’s efforts.
As the summit concluded, the attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer vision of the path ahead. Harper’s impassioned plea for justice and democratic values echoed as a rallying cry for continued resistance and international support for a free Iran.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
