Iran: Azeri Community (Question Taken)

Question: Do we have any information on the arrest of Azeri community activists in Iran?

Answer: We do not have any information on the arrest of Azeri community activists in Iran. The United States has been clear in calling on the Iranian regime to cease the systematic oppression of its citizens, respect the human rights of all Iranian people and to release those arrested and imprisoned for insisting on their universal rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly, worship and fair labor standards.

The regime has banned the teaching of Azeri language in schools, harassed Azeri activists and unjustly jailed Azeri citizens for advocating for cultural and linguistic rights. Iranian Azeris who organized peaceful protests after the publication of an offensive cartoon in May 2006 were beaten, harassed, and arrested.

We are deeply concerned by the regime's continuing repression of Iran's minority ethnic, including Azeris, Kurds, ethnic Arabs and others and religious minorities such as the Bahais. The regime's repression affects students, women, labor unions, journalists and academics.

The United States will continue to work with the international community through the United Nations, foreign governments, and international NGOs to focus attention on the Iranian regime's continued abuse of its own citizens and press for improvements in its dismal human rights record. ###, 2007/122

Press Statement Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 21, 2007 Question Taken at the February 21 Daily Press Briefing

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Statement of the Middle East Quartet

Statement of the Middle East Quartet

The following is a statement issued by the Middle East Quartet following their meeting in Berlin, Germany:

The Quartet Principals - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, High Representative for European Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner - met today in Berlin to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

Secretary Rice reported on her recent February 18 meetings with PM Olmert and President Abbas, the February 19 trilateral and U.S. efforts to facilitate discussions between the parties. The Quartet welcomed these efforts and expressed the hope that the result-oriented dialogue initiated between Israeli and Palestinian leaders will continue in the framework of a renewed political process, with the aim of defining more clearly the political horizon and launching meaningful negotiations. The Quartet reaffirmed its determination to promote such a process, in cooperation with the parties and other regional partners. The Quartet urged the parties to refrain from measures that prejudge issues to be resolved in negotiations.

The Quartet reaffirmed its statements regarding its support for a Palestinian government committed to nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap, and encouraged progress in this direction.

The Quartet discussed efforts underway for a Palestinian national unity government, pursuant to the agreement reached in Mecca on February 8. The Quartet expressed its appreciation for the role of King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia and the cessation of violence among Palestinians.

The Quartet concluded with a discussion of possible further steps by the international community in the context of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

It welcomed preliminary ideas put forward by the European Commission to meet the need to better coordinate and mobilize international assistance in support of the political process and to meet the needs of the Palestinian people.

The Quartet reaffirmed its commitment to meet regularly and asked envoys to monitor developments and actions taken by the parties and to discuss the way ahead. It was agreed to schedule a meeting in the region soon.

2007/121, Released on February 21, 2007, Media Note, Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC. February 21, 2007

Technorati Tags: State Department and Secretary of State or Middle East Quartet and Condoleezza Rice, or European Commission and U.S. State Department or Palestinian government