Iran's foreign minister is to visit Ireland.

Run_to_da_hills

"Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki is scheduled to leave Tehran later this week for official trips to Ireland and Uzbekistan. "The Foreign Minister will hold meetings will his Irish counterpart and other officials to discuss ways to increase bilateral relations," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. It added that the talks would also focus on regional issues.

The Dublin-based Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) has also invited Mottaki to deliver a speech on Iran's foreign policy, Mehr News Agency reported".

Dose America and Israel know about this. :eek:

Jokes aside, any potential trade for this country is a good thing at the moment.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=129618&sectionid=351020101

sceptre

A slightly longer opening view than a googly-eyed "Dose America and Israel know about this" would be appreciated.

Grumpypants

Not sure what it has to do with Israel and the US to be honest seems a bit strange to mention them but as you do tend to bring them into every thread (even ones about cctv in England) its to be expected.


Its a good thing to build relations with any country as we know talking is the only way to sort things out.

ei.sdraob

Ireland is a rogue state

Fratton Fred

should we be protesting? they execute the opposition and ignore democratic elections, so by rights we should, but as they are facing invasion by the US, they are probably our pet underdog at the moment.

Winty

He is more than Welcome, Its great to see Ireland on the international stage

Run_to_da_hills

Fratton Fred wrote: »

should we be protesting? they execute the opposition and ignore democratic elections, so by rights we should, but as they are facing invasion by the US, they are probably our pet underdog at the moment.

They also owe royalties to CIE for winning their last election.

The Saint

Fratton Fred wrote: »

should we be protesting? they execute the opposition and ignore democratic elections, so by rights we should, but as they are facing invasion by the US, they are probably our pet underdog at the moment.

Yes, people should protest the Iranian government during the visit and encourage everyone to do so.

Overheal

Kindly don't show him your passport facilities, m'kay?

barrackali

Sorry but I'd rather continue my protests against the terrorist state of Israel.

Run_to_da_hills

The Saint wrote: »

Yes, people should protest the Iranian government during the visit and encourage everyone to do so.

Most of those that would protest about his visit would be those that are on the dole.

The Saint

barrackali wrote: »

Sorry but I'd rather continue my protests against the terrorist state of Israel.

Is it not possible to do both or is one issue all you have time and energy for?

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

Most of those that would protest about his visit would be those that are on the dole.

There should be plenty of people to protest so.

wes

Considering the treatment of there opposition in Iran, I think at the very least our Government should raise that issue.

Fuhrer

Winty wrote: »

He is more than Welcome

He is?

piby

Well considering that they murder the opposition, execute homosexuals and continually aggrevate the rest of the world then I'm surprised people here are so lax about a visit by their foreign minister! You could argue that their laws on sexuality are cultural and none of our business and that it's hypocritical to criticise their nuclear program when the US etc. have one but at the very least their human rights record and abuse of democracy should be cause for concern. I'm all for dialogue and building relations but not at the expense of overlooking such major cracks in the Iranian system.

And no I'm not on the Dole

northwest100

piby wrote:

their human rights record and abuse of democracy should be cause for concern. I'm all for dialogue and building relations but not at the expense of overlooking such major cracks in the Iranian system.

i'm all for human rights and democracy too but I don't think the US are in any position to lecture Iran or any other nation for that matter on these issues.

It's actually laughable to hear americans lecturing other countries about democracy when they don't have it themselves, the US system is an oligarchy at best.

if you actually bothered to read up about US foreign policy and their history, you'd know they've invaded more countries than any other nation in the world.

There's no other country on the planet who have caused more problems and suffering to people than the US.

Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo bay, indescriminate bombing and killing of civilians in foreign countries for the pursuit of wealth and power.

Is the history of the US foreign policy an excercise in promoting democracy and human rights?

Winty

Fuhrer wrote: »

He is?

OK I will take the bait, Why would he not be?

Winty

piby wrote: »

at the very least their human rights record and abuse of democracy should be cause for concern.

Iran is no better or worse that the USA

Since June 2001, more than 334 individuals in the United States have died after being struck by police Tasers.

Thousands of New Orleans residents are still displaced over two years after the human rights disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Due to a dearth in affordable housing stock, and with the majority of public housing still shuttered and facing demolition, long-term healthy alternatives remain elusive for those who wish to return.

Just 2 examples from Amnesty International

Kivaro

wes wrote: »

Considering the treatment of there opposition in Iran, I think at the very least our Government should raise that issue.

Speaking of which .....................
A shocking and disturbing report was released yesterday on the leader of the opposition Mir-Hossein Mousavi.
He is accused (by one of Britain's leading human rights lawyers) of being involved in the massacre of more than 10,000 political prisoners in 1988.

Kivaro

Winty wrote: »

Iran is no better or worse that the USA
Just 2 examples from Amnesty International

Thousands of New Orleans residents are still displaced over two years after the human rights disaster of Hurricane Katrina. Due to a dearth in affordable housing stock, and with the majority of public housing still shuttered and facing demolition, long-term healthy alternatives remain elusive for those who wish to return.

It is 'sad' if this is the best that you can came up with in your comparison of Iran to the US. Using a Natural Catastrophe is probably not your best example. Being familiar with the region, I can assure you that the vast majority of the displaced residents were well looked after in the relocation, and there are logistical reasons for the 'dearth in affordable housing stock' at the moment.

But I'm sure that Google will provide a list of other comparisons.

Fuhrer

Winty wrote: »

Iran is no better or worse that the USA





Just 2 examples from Amnesty International

Human rights now includes controlling the weather?

fontanalis

Winty wrote: »

Iran is no better or worse that the USA





Just 2 examples from Amnesty International

I heard a bit from David Norris on a radio show a while back about the treatment of homosexuals in Iran that makes your comment look completely and utterly ridiculous.

Finnbar01

fontanalis wrote: »

I heard a bit from David Norris on a radio show a while back about the treatment of homosexuals in Iran that makes your comment look completely and utterly ridiculous.

Well Norris is wrong! There are no gays in Iran. On a more serious note, I wonder will women and gay rights groups be out protesting against this visit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_3RUwAJ_MI

Winty

fontanalis wrote: »

I heard a bit from David Norris on a radio show a while back about the treatment of homosexuals in Iran that makes your comment look completely and utterly ridiculous.

As you did not add a link I will have to take your word that I am utterley rediculous

Winty

Fuhrer wrote: »

Human rights now includes controlling the weather?

What did the USA do after the weather struck?

Winty

Kivaro wrote: »

It is 'sad' if this is the best that you can came up with in your comparison of Iran to the US.

Not me my good man, the first 2 examples on the Amnesty International website.

Sorry are Amnesty International not a fair source for information?

The Corinthian

Overheal wrote: »

Kindly don't show him your passport facilities, m'kay?

That's OK - no danger of that, they're in Tel Aviv, ATM.

Winty

Let me be clear Iran are not perfect, but its better to have them around the table talking. I think its good to have Minister Mottaki visit Ireland.

Sinn Fein Could Help!

I am not a friend of Sinn Fein but they have a lot to offer countries in the skills they have learned with diplomacy over the last 20 years so lets open up the doors of peace and see what happens.

fontanalis

Winty wrote: »

As you did not add a link I will have to take your word that I am utterley rediculous

Can't find the case Norris was referring to but here's a couple. Like you said the same as the US.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/now-iranian-lesbian-who-fled-to-britain-faces-deportation-792819.html

http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/iran-death-stoning-grotesque-and-unacceptable-penalty-20080115

Kivaro

Winty wrote: »

Not me my good man, the first 2 examples on the Amnesty International website.

Sorry are Amnesty International not a fair source for information?

You quoted them!

And when you are saying "The USA". Does that mean the whole country or just the U.S. government?

And while the government's response at the time was woeful immediately after the 'weather' (Hurricane) struck, the amount of resources that poured into the area shortly after that event was staggering.
It is interesting to note that under a new and completely different administration (at the other end of the political spectrum), similar criticism is leveled at the current government due to their response to the Gulf Oil Crisis.

Winty

fontanalis wrote: »

Can't find the case Norris was referring to but here's a couple. Like you said the same as the US.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/now-iranian-lesbian-who-fled-to-britain-faces-deportation-792819.html

http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/iran-death-stoning-grotesque-and-unacceptable-penalty-20080115

Are we on the same team. Sorry

No country anywhere has the right to harm or hinder LGBT members of society. So Mousavi in Ireland is good, we may be able to teach him a bit about Human Rights

fontanalis

Winty wrote: »

Are we on the same team. Sorry

No country anywhere has the right to harm or hinder LGBT members of society. So Mousavi in Ireland is good, we may be able to teach him a bit about Human Rights

We're not even playing the same sport. You said Iran is no better or no worse than the US. I think they are worse.

RealityCheck

Whatever about the USA, what is certain is that Israel and Iran are two sides of the same coin, both fascist, authoritarian, religious supremecist states, with not a care in the world for human rights and nuclear proliferation. I dont think america tick any of those boxes, although they fully support Israel.

piby

northwest100 wrote: »

i'm all for human rights and democracy too but I don't think the US are in any position to lecture Iran or any other nation for that matter on these issues.

It's actually laughable to hear americans lecturing other countries about democracy when they don't have it themselves, the US system is an oligarchy at best.

if you actually bothered to read up about US foreign policy and their history, you'd know they've invaded more countries than any other nation in the world.

There's no other country on the planet who have caused more problems and suffering to people than the US.

Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo bay, indescriminate bombing and killing of civilians in foreign countries for the pursuit of wealth and power.

Is the history of the US foreign policy an excercise in promoting democracy and human rights?

At what point in my post did I mention the US?

Anyway if you're implying that we should have relations with Iran because we do so with the US then I'm glad you're not our foreign minister!

Kivaro

Winty wrote: »

So Mousavi in Ireland is good, we may be able to teach him a bit about Human Rights

Maybe we could ask him about his involvement in the murder of 10,000 political prisoners in 1988, who were executed for refusing to recant their political and religious beliefs? Or is he to be forgiven because he is seen to be a moderate?

(Rhetorical Questions).

dlofnep

I think this is good for Iran. It might help them build an ally in Europe. I think our Government should highlight human rights with them as previously mentioned. But as pointed out - The United States is not in a position, nor will it ever be in a position to lecture Iran about human rights.

Winty

Kivaro wrote: »

Maybe we could ask him about his involvement in the murder of 10,000 political prisoners in 1988, who were executed for refusing to recant their political and religious beliefs? Or is he to be forgiven because he is seen to be a moderate?

Part of the process will involve Iran admitting the abuse the carried out and Ireland and others can work with them.

Its better to have Iran pissing out of the tent.

We in Ireland learned alot with the GFA so we can guide others in getting the human rights issue addressed

(Rhetorical Answer)

Winty

dlofnep wrote: »

I think this is good for Iran. It might help them build an ally in Europe. I think our Government should highlight human rights with them as previously mentioned. But as pointed out - The United States is not in a position, nor will it ever be in a position to lecture Iran about human rights.

Thank You dlofnep,
You put It better than me.

The Irish Gov. can help Iran, better us than the yanks

ejmaztec

Winty wrote: »

What did the USA do after the weather struck?

They probably set up another umbrella organisation to assess future threats.


...............


Any Irish dealings with Iran should be on a money up front basis, just in case there's a surprise regime change (in Iran, that is:pac:). When the Shah was deposed, many western businesses never got paid.

My name is URL

Report on the news saying there was violence during a protest at the speech, two hecklers were beaten by Iranian security guards


http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0609/iran.html, here's a video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXUtuHYbmeA

gandalf

Yep two lads interrupted the conference and were man handled quite roughly by Iranian bodyguards out the door. When the Foreign Minister left he was greeted with a hail of eggs. 3 of the protesters were arrested. (on RTE News at 9)

Finnbar01

dlofnep wrote: »

I think this is good for Iran. It might help them build an ally in Europe. I think our Government should highlight human rights with them as previously mentioned. But as pointed out - The United States is not in a position, nor will it ever be in a position to lecture Iran about human rights.

And do you think that Ireland is in a position to lecturer anyone on human rights? What with all the abuse going on in the church/state institutions, the corruption of politicians and cover ups by the elite, let alone the death of children in care and the many mishaps and cover ups in by our HSE. You're joking, right?

BlaasForRafa

dlofnep wrote: »

I think this is good for Iran. It might help them build an ally in Europe. I think our Government should highlight human rights with them as previously mentioned. But as pointed out - The United States is not in a position, nor will it ever be in a position to lecture Iran about human rights.

I think its pretty amusing that the same types of people calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled are quite happy for the Iranian foreign minister to be coming here.

Finnbar01

BlaasForRafa wrote: »

I think its pretty amusing that the same types of people calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled are quite happy for the Iranian foreign minister to be coming here.

Yep and two of his body guard thugs kicked and punched two lawful abiding Iranian protesters. What I find very strange is that there were no protesters from any of the GLTB or women's rights group protesting (I may stand corrected on this).

Kivaro

My name is URL wrote: »

Report on the news saying there was violence during a protest at the speach, two hecklers were beaten by Iranian security guards


Can't find any links to the story, but here's a video

At least they protested.

Edit: Thanks to Gandalf for pointing out my error.

gandalf

Kivaro wrote: »

At least they protested.
This man was involved in the murder of 10,000 political prisoners in Iran. Just because he is now in the opposition does not mean he should not be held accountable for his past deeds.

Isn't that one of the leaders of the Iranian Opposition and not the Iranian Foreign Minister who was visiting Dublin today?

Personally, I can't see what the fuss is all about. Are you going to get annoyed every time a minister from a M.Eastern, Asian, S.American, etc country comes visiting? Many countries in this world have appalling periods of activities in the last 30 years. When the US sends people here do you rush out to protest over their actions with Guantanamo Bay? etc.

I can understand the Irish fascination with Israeli actions.. its an ongoing problem and attention needs to be addressed. However, I don't see too much focus on other areas by Irish protesters.

The fact that Iran considers Ireland worthwhile to visit is important in itself. This country needs as many links as possible outside of the EU if its to benefit on the world stage. Getting all sanctimonious isn't going to help anybody.

Riddle101

I think it's great that Iran's FM is coming here. USA may hate Iran, but that dosen't mean we should. Of course i'm not condoning what Iran does, but still. If Ireland really want to uphold their neutrality(;)) then this would be a sure sign.

Sesshoumaru

The foreign minister of Iran visits Ireland

The green tide has been reversed by a crackdown that has seen an estimated 5,000 people arrested since last June and 115 executed this year alone.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/09/iran-election-demonstration-green-repression

and all some of you can do is is essentially say "I hate Israel, I hate America..... the Iranian regime hates Israel, the Iranian regime hates America and therefore I am happy to have a representative of the Iranian regime in Ireland"

Whatever you say about the Israeli's at least they aren't killing their own citizens for being members of the opposition, for being gay, for getting raped etc. The double standards here in Ireland just stinks.

prinz

Saw there was some problems with the appearance tonight. Protestors outside and a couple of hecklers/egg throwers inside..anyone see what the protest was about? Not happy with the FM anyway.

RealityCheck

Are the bodyguards going to be arrested and charged for assaulting some of the protesters while ejecting them from the building? That sort of behaviour might be common in Iran but it angers me to see them getting away with that kind of fascist behaviour here.

Iran is vile, as vile if not more so than Israel.