COLOMBO : Iran Ambassador Hashem Ashjazadeh said here on Friday,Dec.16 that the US has been trying to use its influence in the world assemblies in every case to create obstacles for the Islamic Republic of Iran with various excuses; the recent case on the expulsion of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women is such a case.
Speaking to Colombo Times, the Ambassador said :
“ The reason why is straightforward. Considering the evident differences between the two countries, which are mainly caused by America’s interference in Iran’s internal affairs and the country’s failed and futile efforts to align Iran’s positions with those of itself, the US has been trying to use its influence in the world assemblies in all and every case to create obstacles for the Islamic Republic of Iran with various excuses; the recent case has been in the same direction.
The truth is that not during the recent developments in Iran, but since the voting for the membership of Iran in the Commission on the Status of Women, the US was against the membership of Iran and had left no stone unturned to this aim, which had not succeeded considering the trust and the votes casted by ECOSOC member to Iran. Thus, by exploiting the recent developments in Iran, the US accelerated its efforts again to achieve its previous goal and eventually won the vote of majority of members over its goal by using various means.
It seems that such steps and movements will lay the groundwork and foundation of false heresies in the world forums and gradually the powerful countries will try to abuse the international and regional institutions as a platform to confront their opposing countries.
Iran has been a member of the Commission on the Status of Women since 2011. Iran became a member of ECOSOC for the third time in the 2022 elections with a maximum vote of 43 out of 54 votes. Obviously, the presence of a large country like Iran with a large population of women and racial and ideological diversity, considered as a great help and support to both the members and countries to exchange experiences and opinions as well as use all the intellectual capacities of different countries. Unfortunately, intrigued by America and aligned countries, this commission has been deprived of this useful opportunity.
Regarding the social status of women in Iran,he said they have have a very different status compared to the past. Half of more than eighty million population, are women. Today, the participation and contribution of educated Iranian women is evident in many jobs, universities and research centers, and in some cases, women outnumber men in significant jobs.
As explained already, the envoy added that Iranian women’s society is an educated, dynamic and capable society that has proven its ability in various fields and has exhibited an active participation in contemporary Iranian society. Undoubtedly, this impressive engagement and participation will surpass the past and we will witness that Iranian women will make strides in their participation in the society, and surely measures taken such as the recent case cannot be an obstacle to the progress of Iranian women.
On the other hand, even on a very low assumption, if the United States and other countries were really concerned about the situation of Iranian women, they would not have taken such an action that would limit the rational and coordinated communication of Iranian women with international forums and the exchange of experiences. This action is completely opposed to their ambitious and highflutin slogans on their so-called supports to the rights of Iranian women.
Although, unfortunately, with this ridiculous move, Iran is expelled from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, but as a member of the United Nations, Iran will utilize all available opportunities and platforms to express its substantial standpoints in international communities. And, such measures cannot be a hindrance for Iran en route to the long-term goals.
