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It is with profound sorrow that I received word of the tragic loss of my compatriots on the unforgiving cliffs of Christmas Island, in Australia. These brave souls having been forced, like thousands of others, out of their country, were hoping to reach sanctuary and freedom beyond their borders.

While I await word of the details of this incident and how to best assist the survivors, I remained outraged at the circumstances that have sent millions of my compatriots in to exile as political and social refugees over the past thirty years – more than any other period in our nation’s long history.  This tragedy and the numerous others befallen our refugees are a direct consequence of the abhorrent and cruel practices of the regime in Tehran that drives Iranians to such acts of desperation. The current regime bears ultimate responsibility.

I extend my gratitude and that of all my compatriots to the people of Christmas Island for the humanitarian assistance they are extending to our refugees.  I call upon the international community, yet again, to come to the aid of Iranian refugees languishing the world over, before more tragedy befalls these brave and desperate people escaping a heinous regime.

I offer my condolences to their families and loved ones and pray for the souls of our lost on Christmas Island. Let this tragedy be yet another poignant reminder to us all... >>>