Meeting with Danielle Mitterrand

On Tuesday, February 2, France’s former First Lady, Danielle Mitterrand, visited NCRI headquarters in Auvers-sur-Oise, to meet Maryam Rajavi.

She was welcomed by Mrs. Rajavi in a gathering of families of martyrs and political prisoners, members and supporters of the Resistance and the residents of Auvers-sur-Oise.

Mrs. Rajavi lauded Mrs. Mitterrand for her continued support for the Iranian people and their resistance over the last thirty years, particularly in defending the rights of Ashraf residents and the uprising in Iran.

Below are Mrs. Rajavi remarks at the welcoming ceremony:

Dear Danielle,

I would like to again welcome you, especially on behalf of residents of Ashraf, whose Champion you are. The families of prisoners and martyrs in Iran also send you their greetings.

Ashraf residents, members of the Resistance and I always say you have been more than a friend for us and they are right. For during these last thirty years while we were under pressure, surrounded on all sides, you were with us, like an angel sent to help us by God.

We cannot forget that in 1984, when Khomeini executed hundreds of members of Mojahedin every day, you were standing with Massoud Rajavi in defense of human rights in Iran.

We cannot forget, when the Iranian refugees became victims of a conspiracy and were expelled from France to Gabon, you went to see the hunger strikers to show them your affection.

We cannot forget June 17, 2003, when the mullahs’ allies and supporters of appeasement attacked us, you courageously defended the innocent, and forcefully challenged the campaign of demonization [against the PMOI]. That day represented the conscience of France, which spoke out through you.

We cannot forget how you fought the unjust terror tag against the Mojahedin with your presence at trial and through many positions and protests.

We cannot forget the support and affection you have shown to the residents of Ashraf, when they were besieged and agents of the mullahs were shedding their blood.

And especially we cannot forget your efforts for the release of 36 hostages Ashraf that led to victory. That day all residents of Ashraf remembered you. And none of us nor the Iranian people will forget that. Today, you are standing with them ensure their protection by the United Nations.

I must stress that all these efforts have served to pave the way for the Iranian people. You know that in recent months, major uprisings have erupted in Iran for regime change. There is no doubt that the removal of the PMOI from the terrorist list of the European Union has strengthened the morale and courage of our fellow combatants.

Also today, the Iranians are waging a difficult battle. But they know that you support them in this uprising, which began seven months ago. You have also opposed the executions, which were carried out on the pretext of “Mohareb” (enemies of God). The mullahs have stepped up their repression, with executions, arrests, torture and rape in prisons.

Freedom has never been so close. Never before like today, have we been hopeful about the future. A bright future is awaiting us.

I must tell you that both now and on victory day, the Iranian people will remember those who have helped and supported them in the most difficult days. Their names will be cherished and will be the pride of our nation.

But among them there will the name of a brilliant woman: Danielle Mitterrand.
– A woman of principle determined in defending human values;
– A frank and courageous woman who challenges the status quo to preserve justice;
– A freedom lover who fought the Nazis, and who is present on all fronts;
– A compassionate woman, with a love for nature;
– A woman of conviction who defends her friends with remarkable fidelity.

Dear Danielle, Thank you with all my heart.

Danielle Mitterrand: “I thank you for such a cordial, compassionate and kind reception. What can one say? At the advent of 2010, I offer my best wishes so that you can finally be witness to peace [in your country] this year. And then I must say that the Iranian people have taken resolute steps toward that end. The world is now watching them, their efforts, their resistance and their determination to bring peace to that region. I again offer my wishes that very soon, peace and the desire for coexistence would come to Iran and to the rest of world.

I should feel embarrassed the way Maryam portrayed me. But this has been a path which we have walked together step by step so that you can finally embrace your nation in tranquility and can live a good and prosperous life there with your relatives and love ones in peace. This explains why our Foundation is doing its utmost so that we can rid this system which is exerting a great deal of pressures on the masses and can find a correct way of life. I thank you all. I hope that today would proceed as well as it has begun. Although it is raining, for us the sun is shining.”

Presenting Ashraf’s Plaque to Mrs. Mitterrand

Mrs. Rajavi: “For us you are always a symbol of France’s independent resistance. Danielle Mitterrand has always been a symbol of us Iranians. Fortunately, the hope is strengthened in the Iranian people’s uprising and its continuation that the Iranian people can be witness to freedom and respect to human rights and equality between women and men in their nation very soon. One of the attributes of religious dictatorship is misogyny. It is not without reason that women are leading the resistance movement. We would be delighted to invite you to a liberated Iran. I have read your recent book. I would be an honor for us if some day France Liberté would set up an office in an Iran free of the mullahs’ shackles and oppression.”

Mrs. Mitterrand: “We still have a long way to go together. I hope that this path would become shorter. I hope that your perseverance and persistence as well as those of mine would bring thing into order, because order means justice; justice for the people [of Iran] who are, as you said, very brave.

In our Foundation, we are working of freedom over water; working for water means working close to peoples. Before anything else, it is working alongside people who are under the reign of a totalitarian or oppressive government or regime.”