Mark Kirk: “this resolution before us demonstrates America's commitment to human rights around the world. As the cochair of the Iran…”

“this resolution before us demonstrates America's commitment to human rights around the world. As the cochair of the Iran Working Group and a member of the Human Rights Caucus, I am proud to stand here as the co-author of this Kirk-Andrews resolution. On April 9, 2007, Iranian agents arrested and imprisoned Mahmoud Salehi, the founder of the Saghez Bakery Workers Association. Mr. Salehi is a kidney patient who now sits in the Sanandaj prisons, his life in grave danger as the regime blocks his access to dialysis treatment. July 10, plain-clothed Iranian agents severely beat and arrested Mansour Osanloo, the president of the Syndicate of Bus Drivers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. Osanloo now sits in Iran's notorious Evin prison with a chronic heart condition, no access to medical or legal assistance, and no contact with his family. The Teamsters have called on Iran to immediately release both men. In August, the International Trade Union Confederation, together with the International Transport Workers Federation, staged an international ``day of action'' to free these union leaders; and now it's our turn. Together with my good friend and the cochair of the Iran Working Group, Congressman Robert Andrews of New Jersey, we introduced this resolution, a bipartisan resolution condemning the Government of Iran for the arrest and imprisonment of Iranian union leaders, demanding their immediate release.”