And there are many who say, unfortunately, and with regret, that there is no alternative to sanctions and threats of violence to deter the regime in Tehran from the foolish course that they are following at the present time.  But I believe, and I believe strongly, that there is a better way.  There is a better way than sanctions, a better way than military force or the threat thereof.  And that better way is support for the democratic transformation of Iran.  [applause] And that means, that means, my friends, support for Madame Rajavi and her organization.  [applause] Because unlike those, unlike those who took power in the wake of the change in regime 33 years ago, she is fully prepared for power.  She understands the needs of her people.  She has one of the most professional political organizations in the world, as we can see here in this assembly, prepared to take on the responsibility of restoring this great country this great country of Iran, this great civilization, to its proper place in the world.  How—what a huge waste it is that is currently occurring in Iran, when we have people with 80% of the people living in that country below the poverty line, as Madame Rajavi herself pointed out, 40% unemployment, resources being grossly wasted on a nuclear arms program when it is the people of Iran that need those resources to be devoted to their needs.  And for that to happen we need to have the democratic transformation that Madame Rajavi is seeking.  And that’s why I say the best way to support and show support for the Syrian people at this time is the support that MEK be taken off the terrorist list. [applause] The best way to guarantee  the peace in the world that we in this part of the world so desperately need, is to support the removal of the MEK from the terrorist list.  [applause]

And for these reasons, I’m very proud to share the platform with all the other speakers who have the same conviction as I have, a most distinguished platform which I think in itself speaks  for itself for the support in the world and across all political divisions that there is for the democratic transformation that Madame Rajavi is seeking, with the support, with the vital, heroic support of the people in Camp Ashraf today.  We are thinking of you on this historic day for Iran.  Do not fear, do not fear, I say directly to the people in Camp Ashraf, we are on your side, and we will not forget you.  [applause]

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