Doc. 8643
4 February 2000

Democratic developments in Iran

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Lauricella and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       Recent developments in Iranian domestic political life have shown a sometimes harsh confrontation within the ruling leadership between the conservative and the moderate component of the Shiite clergy, the latter being in power since 1997.

2.       The often violent events of 1997-99 not only bear witness to the radicalisation of the confrontation between conservatives and moderates, but are part of a process which may deteriorate, especially in view of the general election to be held on 18 February 2000.

3.       Local elections were held in this atmosphere on 26 February 1999 - the first elections in Iran after the Islamic revolution - which were won by reformers.

4.       The confrontation climaxed in the turmoil of July 1999, when many students who took part in demonstrations against the law restricting freedom of the press were arrested.

5.       The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers

i.       promote appropriate measures in order to guarantee minimum democratic conditions under which fair and free elections may be held in February;

ii.       develop in the case of Iran a suitable policy on the protection of human rights, which should move from the present situation and develop in line and in agreement with the recent initiatives taken by the European Union, which has requested the Iranian authorities to co-operate more closely with relevant international fora and has acknowledged a substantial improvement in the relations between the West and Iran, thereby starting a "critical dialogue" with Teheran.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed : ¹

Lauricella, Italy, SOC

Besostri, Italy, SOC

Diana, Italy, EPP/CD

Diaz de Mera, Spain, EPP/CD

Gross, Switzerland, SOC

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Iwinski, Poland, SOC

Rodeghiero, Italy, LDR

Squarcialupi, Italy, SOC

Turini, Italy, EDG

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group