Ex-French official blames Iranian regime for extremism that triggered Paris attacks

                  

The Iranian regime has inspired the religious fundamentalism that has contributed to the rise of Islamic State terrorists and lead to the massacre in Paris last week, former advisor to French Foreign Minister has told a conference in France.

Mrs Rama Yade, former advisor to French Foreign Minister on Human Rights, branded the barbaric attacks in Paris as the work of 'psychopaths and extremists' and said the West must not compromise in its dealings with the Iranian regime.

She told the gathering entitled “In 2015, all for tolerance and democracy against religious extremism” held north of Paris on Sunday: "2014 was marked by the emergence of the Islamic state in the heart of the Middle East, which is again burning after the hopes raised by the Arab Spring. The crimes committed by this Caliphate are numerous.

"Extermination of populations, kidnapping and raping women. France is concerned not only because it is engaged militarily in the international coalition, but because in the ranks of the Islamic State there are many young French, the largest European contingent of jihadists.

"The terrorists who struck Paris this week have claimed to belong to Islamic State. This is a major factor in what is now happening in France. Never has the situation in the Middle East so influenced the destiny of the French nation."

Mrs Yade asked why the West made allies of Syria and Iran following the rise of the Islamic State, and said the consequences of that choice were now 'serious, dangerous and already visible."

She said there were now two solutions, adding: "First we must not compromise ourselves with Iran under any circumstances. Iran has inspired religious fundamentalism since 1979. Through its diplomatic alliances, the country has contributed to the current unrest in the Middle East. And that is a profound mistake to think that it can be a voice to eliminate Islamic State.

Then we have to help, support and assist those fighting for a democratic and tolerant Islam. For the present crimes are not the work of Muslim but psychopaths extremists who mess that religion. Faith is not murder, it's not torture, it is not the slaughter, not execution. Faith is tolerance, modesty, piety, peace."

She also praised Iranian Resistance leader Maryam Rajavi as an 'international leader', and said: "The message you bring should be supported by all those who fight for the promotion of human rights."

Ms Yade urged Camp Liberty residents to continue their fight for freedom, adding: "All have suffered the atrocities of the Iranian regime. Especially women who are mothers, who are wives, who are girls, who have proven their courage.

"They refuse medieval laws. They refuse sexist laws established by an Iranian theocracy that uses Islam to establish a theocracy in otherwise tolerant message of Islam.

"Many Muslims do not recognize themselves in these laws. They come from families who cherish Islam, families who taught them that Islam is a religion of peace and should not be equated with fundamentalism, let alone terrorism.

"Unfortunately, the test France is going through is painful. But one certainty is that nothing will be as before. And I hope with all my heart that many French will be there to support you in your battles."

A number of political figures participated in the conference offered speeches in Sundays gathering. Among them: Sid Ahmed Ghozali, former Prime Minister of Algeria; Jean-Pierre Béquet, member of Val d’Oise provincial council; Anissa Boumediene, Islamic scholar, jurist and former First Lady of Algeria; as well as legislators from various European countries, including Dominique Lefebvre from France, Senator Antonio Razzi from Italy, Edidijus Vareikis from Lithuania, Senator Kees De Lange from Netherlands, Stanislav Polcak from the European parliament, Peter Mathews from Ireland, Ardelean Ben Oni from Romania; along with a number of French mayors, including Jean-Pierre Muller and Sylvie Fassier; and personalities such as progressive Bishop Jacques Gaillot from France, Dr. Taissir Al-Tamimi, former Chief Justice of Palestine; Paulo Casaca, former member of European parliament; Gilles Paruelle, former head of bar association in Val d’Oise; and Khalil Meroun, Head of d'Evry Mosque.