Iran and women's rights

On Oct. 22, 1994, an article from Reuters was featured in your newspaper under the title Woman is at the helm of Iran's opposition. In relation to this, we would like to raise a few points in order to inform the Indonesian public of some realities.

* At a time when Iran and Indonesia are working hard to further develop their relations and amicable ties, and one week after a state visit by President Hashemi Rafsanjani to Indonesia (where he had very constructive talks with President Soeharto), it is regrettable that your newspaper published an article that only serves the interests of the countries unfriendly to our countries. It definitely contradicts the developing trend of the two countries' bilateral relations and deep rooted ties.

* To reach realistic conclusions and examine Iran's internal situation, your columnists and editors should seek more reliable and impartial sources than the biased reports from Reuters. You are certainly aware of how western news agencies distort human rights situations in countries like Indonesia and how they have tried to manipulate world opinion against the trend of developments in East Timor.

* Reuters' report about women's rights in Iran was mainly based on the groundless claims of the wife of MKO leader, Mariam Rajavi. Moreover, the history of this organization, its hostility toward and terrorist acts against the government and the people of Iran, clearly demonstrates the fact that any claims expressed by their leaders or members are distorted and impartial. It is very strange that such a distorted report, together with a picture of the Munafikin leader's third wife was published in an important newspaper.

There are indisputable documents on the criminal and terrorist acts committed by the MKO since the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Hundreds of men, women and children have fallen victim to these attacks. Many Iranian high ranking officials, including the president of the Republic, the prime minister, the head of the Supreme Court of Justice and tens of parliament members were martyred. They showed no mercy or respect to sacred religious places; the latest one was the bombing of Imam Reza holy shrine last June, that left tens of pilgrims dead or injured.

* The reporter refers to Iran's fight against giving rights to women. His hostile and unfounded remarks are all based on the views expressed by Rajavi's third wife. A brief study of the situation in Iran and a glance at the statistics would easily show the great role played by Iranian women in different political, economic, cultural and social activities.

Probably all The Jakarta Post's editors and reporters remember our women actively participating in the recent Jakarta SCAP meeting that was covered by the Indonesian press and mass media.

Public Relations

Embassy of the Islamic

Republic of Iran

Jakarta