The Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism (ADVT) Public Relations – The families of the victims of terrorism had a meeting with Mr. Giulio Haas, Swiss Ambassador to Iran and Representative of US Interests Section.
In this meeting, they gave the ambassador an account of the terrorist attacks which have affected them. Moreover, Ms. Zahra Sobhani, head of ADVT highlighted the mission of the NGO in giving voice to the victims of terrorism with the express intention of marginalizing terrorism in the public opinion.
During the meeting which was held in a friendly atmosphere, ADVT provided the ambassador with the international documents and reports of the Mujahedin-e Khalq terrorist acts, emphasizing the necessity of establishing a global community for defending the rights of the victims of terrorism.
Stressing the role of international bodies in reducing the victims’ sufferings, one ADVT members said that the issue of the victims of terrorism should be addressed as a serious human rights concern and that everyone who defends human dignity should make efforts to defend the victims all over the world.
Mr. Giulio Haas welcomed and sympathized with the Iranian victims of terrorism and said: “When we talk about victims of terrorism, I can only remember the issue of politics. Terrorism has been spread all over the world and Switzerland will do its best to counter it because Swiss people believe that when we speak about pain and suffering, politics would be aside. One cannot change politics, but I promise I will pass your message to US officials so that they can hear it. Although it cannot eliminate the pain and suffering, it indicates that we care about them.”
Another ADVT member focused on the necessity of an international consensus among the victims and said, “Unfortunately we see that the unity which should have been formed among the victims was formed among the terrorists to destroy civilizations. So, we aim to find a way to give voice to the victims of terrorism.”
“Regarding the issue, another important fact is the support of American politicians for Mujahedin-e Khalq terrorist organization. All the families of the victims are shocked by the support of US Senators and officials for the Mujahedin-e Khalq leaders and they believe it is a blatant instance of terrorism on international level. The victims argue that if the US officials are honest in defending human rights, they should help the deceived members of the terrorist group to be released after years,” he added.
In reply, the Swiss ambassador said, “Iran’s position has been promoted at international level during four years and Switzerland made efforts for this purpose. You are not the only victims whom I have ever seen and none of the international bodies can eliminate your pain. What one can do is to facilitate access to justice for you.”
In the end of the meeting, Mr. Giulio Haas appreciated and expressed his deep regret and said “I know it is not easy to talk about the suffering with a foreigner, but you should know that the Swiss government stands with you. I wish the families of victims are brave and courageous in all aspects.”
