Imperialism And Resistance

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Full Text of Joint Declaration of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Iran and Brazil by Ahmet Davutoğlu, Manouchehr Mottaki, and Celso Amorim

Having met in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, the undersigned have agreed on the following Declaration:

1. We reaffirm our commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in accordance with the related articles of the NPT, recall the right of all State Parties, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy (as well as nuclear fuel cycle including enrichment activities) for peaceful purposes without discrimination.

2. We express our strong conviction that we have the opportunity now to begin a forward looking process that will create a positive, constructive, non-confrontational atmosphere leading to an era of interaction and cooperation.

3. We believe that the nuclear fuel exchange is instrumental in initiating cooperation in different areas, especially with regard to peaceful nuclear cooperation including nuclear power plant and research reactors construction.

4. Based on this point the nuclear fuel exchange is a starting point to begin cooperation and a positive constructive move forward among nations. Such a move should lead to positive interaction and cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities replacing and avoiding all kinds of confrontation through refraining from measures, actions and rhetorical statements that would jeopardize Iran’s rights and obligations under the NPT.

5. Based on the above, in order to facilitate the nuclear cooperation mentioned above, the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to deposit 1200 kg LEU in Turkey. While in Turkey this LEU will continue to be the property of Iran. Iran and the IAEA may station observers to monitor the safekeeping of the LEU in Turkey.

6. Iran will notify the IAEA in writing through official channels of its agreement with the above within seven days following the date of this declaration. Upon the positive response of the Vienna Group (US, Russia, France and the IAEA) further details of the exchange will be elaborated through a written agreement and proper arrangement between Iran and the Vienna Group that specifically committed themselves to deliver 120 kg of fuel needed for the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR).

7. When the Vienna Group declares its commitment to this provision, then both parties would commit themselves to the implemention of the agreement mentioned in item 6. Islamic Republic of Iran expressed its readiness — in accordance with the agreement — to deposit its LEU (1200 kg) within one month and on the basis of the same agreement the Vienna Group should deliver 120 kg fuel required for TRR in no later than one year.

8. In case the provisions of this Declaration are not respected Turkey, upon the request of Iran, will return swiftly and unconditionally Iran’s LEU to Iran.

9. Turkey and Brazil welcomed the continuous readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to pursue its talks with the 5+1 countries in any place including Turkey and Brazil, on the common concerns based on collective commitments according to the common points of their proposals.

10. Turkey and Brazil appreciated Iran’s commitment to the NPT and its constructive role in pursuing the realization of nuclear rights of its member states. The Islamic Republic of Iran likewise appreciated the constructive efforts of the friendly countries Turkey and Brazil in creating the conducive environment for realization of Iran’s nuclear rights.

While the statements of the Rahbar is right on accurate – concrete steps need to be taken to develop such solidarity. The model of cooperation between independent nations are still based on those imposed by the North American/Euro. imperialists – i.e. these are government to government contacts at the highest levels. While such meetings may help send political messages to the imperialists, I would question if they are in themselves actually helping foster real and long lasting cooperation between peoples. There needs to be greater level of cultural and political exchanges, including, but not limited to language learning, student exchanges, and “lower” level conferences on anti-imperialism and independent economic policies that would be attended by women and men seriously engaged within their respective societies.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said cooperation between independent governments can be a countermeasure against global totalitarianism.

“The only way to change the oppressive relations in the world today is through the formation of closer ties between independent states,” the Leader declared on Sunday.

“Superpowers have defined vertical relations in the world which places a superpower at the top. These relations must be changed and their change is possible,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The remarks were made in a meeting with visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the eve of the G15 summit in Tehran. The meeting was also attended by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Ahmadinejad “agradeció al presidente brasileño su apoyo a los derechos de la nación iraní y sus posiciones para reformar el orden mundial”.

“La realidad es que algunos países que controlan los centros políticos, económicos y mediáticos del mundo no quieren que los otros países progresen”, declaró el presidente iraní.

“Juntos podemos cambiar esas condiciones y aportar las transformaciones necesarias”, agregó.

Países como Estados Unidos y el Reino Unido acusan al Gobierno iraní de ocultar, bajo su programa atómico civil, la adquisición de un arsenal nuclear, alegación que Teherán rechaza.

El gobierno Ahmadineyad reclama que ha sido injustamente señalada por tener un programa nuclear, cuando en reiteradas oportunidades ha demostrado que sus intenciones son pacíficas y sin ninguna actitud bélica.
Lula viajó a Irán en calidad de mediador internacional y como miembro no permanente del Consejo de Seguridad de la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU), para hallar una salida a las discusiones y evitar las sanciones al Gobierno iraní.

Estados Unidos, secundado por países como Francia, el Reino Unido o Alemania intenta consensuar una nueva batería de sanciones.

Irán ha propuesto un intercambio nuclear que se realice de forma simultánea, en territorio iraní, y bajo supervisión del Organismo Internacional de la energía Atómica (OIEA), pero las potencias se oponen.
Lula se reunió también con el guía supremo de Irán, ayatolá Alí Jamenei, quien denunció a Estados Unidos por el “ruido” hecho respecto a la visita a Irán del presidente brasileño.
“Las potencias dominantes, en particular Estados Unidos, están descontentas con el desarrollo de las relaciones entre los países independientes e influyentes”, dijo.

En la agenda del viaje, está previsto que Lula participe el lunes en la sesión inaugural de la cumbre del G-15, antes de partir rumbo a Madrid.

Iran’s foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki recently said that Latin America and Brazil are a “foremost significance in Iran’s foreign policy.” Iran already has expanded relations with other Latin American countries, such as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua.

This is another good move with respect to Iran’s foreign policy. I think way too much attention is paid in Iran, and elsewhere, to Iran-US relations and, by doing so, Iran only ends up feeding the empire by giving it far more importance than it deserves. Much more important are South-South relationships, including not only trade and technological exchanges, but also cultural. Iran should invite students from South American countries to spend a few weeks learning about all the varied facets of the country, its own history of anti-imperialism, and the role of Islam in those struggles.

Iran already has significant relations with Shi’a Muslims of various countries in its own region. However, unfortunately, much of the Muslim majority countries are under the tutelage of imperial puppets, whose darbari mullahs fan the flames of sectarianism whenever Iran appears to gain popularity amongst the people. As such Iran can only have limited “brotherly relations” with those countries.

On the other hand, we see that with the changes in Latin America, it may well be possible to open a series of dialogues at multiple levels. Former Iranian President, Khatami, may have had the right idea regarding “dialogue between civilizations” – but his implementation led to an unequal North – South non-dialogue. The North uses the podium to threaten all those who insisted on self-determination, and independence from imperialism, and neo-colonialism. A far more meaningful dialogue between civilizations would be South-South, where commonalities of history and culture can be explored with a sense of purpose.

In a meeting with visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim in Tehran on Saturday, President Ahmadinejad noted that Tehran welcomes the prudence and wisdom exercised by South American leaders, particularly the Brazilian president, to maintain solidarity, coordination and unity among states.

“To remove the impact of economic and cultural colonialism in our countries, we need tranquility, collaboration and round-the-clock efforts so as to eliminate poverty and establish peace. Governments should forge fair and amicable ties,” the Iranian present said, as reported by IRNA news agency.

He added that new conditions demand Tehran and Brasilia to set up dynamic, strong and constructive relations.

President Ahmadinejad then touched on the economic meltdown in the West and noted that Iran has suffered the least from the crisis since its economy is not a deeply dependent one.

He also expressed gratitude for the Brazilian president’s message and optimism that Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to Tehran would help further strengthen mutual bonds and relations.

Amorim said, “We should think of changing the world’s political and economic structure and what’s of importance is that two big and developing states will expand ties under new conditions.”