Here’s the State Department, which, unlike the flowery White House one, has some supportive words for the Iranian people:
Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
March 20, 2006
Nowruz Greetings
The United States would like to extend its warmest greetings to all who
celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
Nowruz means “new day” and marks the beginning of spring. It is one of the
oldest traditions in Iran, celebrating not only a renewal of nature, but also a
renewal of friendships and the forging of new ones.
In celebrating this new day, we should be reminded of Iran’s ancient
civilization, which has a proud history of tolerance and respect for human
rights. These values helped shape a nation that has been in the past at the
forefront of the region’s quest for democracy and freedom.
Today, Iranians continue to struggle for democracy, freedom and the rights
denied them by an autocratic and repressive government. We salute the efforts
of the many in Iran women, students, journalists, and others to secure
their rights.
The people of the United States convey to all those who celebrate Nowruz our
best wishes for a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and understanding.
2006/284





Comments