Rouhani's Assistant: Ethnic Factions Will Not Help Solve Ethnic Issues

Ali Yunusi, the special assistant to the Iranian President for ethnic groups and religious minorities, states that the formation of ethnic factions in the parliament will not aid in resolving ethnic issues. In an interview with ISNA, Yunusi pointed out that the demand for ethnic representation in the country is very low, and most demands are local and regional. He emphasized that the problems in provinces such as Ilam, Azerbaijan, and Kurdistan are of a similar nature. In November 2016, the 'Faction of Turkic Regions' was established in parliament with 100 members, led by Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist representative from Tabriz. From the outset, some representatives and experts expressed concern that the ethnicization of parliamentary factions could lead to ethnic disputes and governance akin to 'feudalism.' However, supporters of this faction, including its president Masoud Pezeshkian, argue that their demands are within the framework of the constitution. Yunusi believes that national factions and the presence of representatives from various ethnicities in these factions would better address local and regional demands. He stated that Iranian ethnic groups are not deprived of their natural and citizen rights due to their ethnicity or religion, but rather that deprivations are more related to local issues and narrow-mindedness. He acknowledged that there are 'sensitivities' in provinces like Kurdistan and Sistan and Baluchestan, suggesting that local participation in governance and development is the solution. Following the announcement of the Turkic regions faction, Homayoun Hashemi, a representative from Miandoab, Shahin Dezh, and Takab, announced that Kurdish representatives also intend to form a faction to secure rights equal to other languages and to involve Kurdish elites in the development of Kurdish provinces. Opponents of ethnic factions argue that these organizations lead Iran towards 'Iraqization' and 'Lebanonization.' Ahmad Moradi, a representative from Bandar Abbas, stated in parliament that such factions contradict the constitution, asserting that all ethnic groups are entitled to equal rights under the law. In response, Masoud Pezeshkian argued that this faction is not about ethnic nationalism but rather a gathering of representatives from Turkic regions, asserting that no illegal actions have been taken. Another opponent, Mansour Haqiqatpour, a former representative from Ardabil, questioned the meaning of the term 'Turkic regions' and whether it refers to language or ethnicity. He urged clarification on whether the faction intends to support Turkic interests in non-Turkic provinces. Despite Yunusi's dissatisfaction with the formation of such factions, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, the government spokesman, stated that there is no issue with Kurds, Baluchis, and other ethnic groups having factions in parliament similar to their Azerbaijani compatriots. Iranian media attribute the shift towards ethnic factions in parliament to the lack of effective political parties in Iran's political landscape.