On the recordFebruary 17, 2011
I come to speak in support of the resolution submitted today by Senator Kirk, cosponsored by myself, Senator Kyl, Senator Bill Nelson, and Senator Casey. Our resolution would add our voice to the many voices who are calling for the Iranian Government to respect the undeniable and universal rights of its people. It would condemn continuing violent repression on the part of the Iranian Government; reaffirm our Nation's commitment to universal freedoms; express our support for the Iranian people in their peaceful calls for reform; call on the Iranian Government to release those detained solely on the basis of their religion, faith, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, or political belief; call on the United Nations to establish an independent human rights monitor for Iran; and reaffirm the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic elections. Recent events in Iran have continued a pattern of abuse, repression, and violation of civil and human rights that is all too familiar.
