Senator Brownback Expresses Regret Over French Foreign Minister's Visit to Iran

Senator Sam Brownback, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed his views yesterday regarding the visit of French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin to Iran. He stated that he is very saddened by reports of the meeting between de Villepin and Iranian regime leaders. Senator Brownback remarked that the people of Iran are fighting for their freedom while France continues its business dealings with this torturous regime. He added that the current Iranian regime is the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. He expressed his astonishment at how France, which claims to support international security, can engage in trade with a regime that is actively dedicated to undermining global security. The American senator further stated that there are now reports indicating that Iranian government agents in Iraq are secretly thwarting U.S. efforts to establish peace and humanitarian aid in Iraq. He holds Iran directly responsible for these destructive operations. Brownback expressed deep regret that France participates in such high-level meetings with Iranian officials at such a sensitive time. He noted that what makes this meeting particularly concerning is that it occurs when the people of Iran are bravely rising against the tyranny and oppression of this government. Iranians, through numerous protests and resistances, are gradually reclaiming their country from the clerics. He expressed his support for the Iranian people in this struggle, effort, and conflict. The United States remains committed to recognizing the regime's atrocities against the Iranian people.