Mr. Prime Minister, We Are Appealing to You on Behalf of the Pro-Democracy Movement

Dear Prime Minister, We are appealing to you on behalf of the pro-democracy movement and millions of ordinary citizens suffering under the clerical leadership in Iran. Surely, your government must be aware of the restlessness and countless acts of civil disobedience taking place in Iran on a daily basis. On June 10th, 2003 thousands of Iran’s youth braved chain-wielding vigilantes to chant for freedom and an end to dictatorship in Tehran and other major cities. The student protests quickly gathered support from the rest of the population. Mr. Prime Minister, the misjudged notion enunciated time and again that the current Islamic regime in Iran is an 'emerging democracy' not only misleads public opinion here but it also delays the struggle of freedom-loving Iranians. What passes for a semblance of democracy in Iran is nothing more than a well-staged and fully-orchestrated exercise in power-sharing among the members of the ruling theocratic element. We believe that the policy of 'constructive engagement' with so-called 'reformers' inside the Islamic republic should be abandoned in favour of the Iranian people’s noble aspirations. We the signatories of this petition believe that a democratic and secular government, representative of, and responsive to the majority of the Iranian people must come to power. But such a government will only come to be if Britain and other democratic states realise that cutting deals with tyranny is immoral. The national interest of Iran calls for a peaceful transition of power in a free and internationally supervised referendum. We urge the Prime Minister to join other countries in creating the political climate to make this come true as soon as possible. Yours Sincerely, SUPPORTERS OF A FREE AND SECULAR IRAN