Iranian Embassy Protests Norwegian Parliament President’s Statements
The Iranian embassy in Oslo has formally protested statements made by Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting (Norwegian Parliament), accusing him of spreading unsubstantiated claims and misusing his position. The protest centers on Gharahkhani’s criticism of the Iranian regime and perceived support for exiled opposition figures.
Formal Protest Delivered
In a press release issued on Monday, the embassy stated that Gharahkhani’s statements contained “incorrect and undocumented claims.” Ambassador Alireza Jahangiri leads the embassy, which plans to deliver the protest directly to Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday as reported by Dagbladet.
Criticism of Gharahkhani’s Stance
Masud Gharahkhani has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government, particularly following the attacks by the US and Israel on February 28th. He has expressed support for the Iranian people and described the current regime as “pill rotten,” a statement that has drawn strong condemnation from the Iranian embassy according to Dagbladet.
The embassy also took issue with Gharahkhani’s perceived support for Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, arguing it demonstrates a “lack of understanding of Iran’s current realities.”
Concerns Over International Relations and Double Standards
The Iranian embassy’s statement further criticized what it described as a lack of balance in Gharahkhani’s statements, calling for a more “responsible” approach to international relations. It argued that the Storting President’s position should not be used for “political campaigns” against Iran or its people.
The embassy also highlighted what it views as a double standard in international criticism, suggesting that if concerns about human rights and democracy are to be consistently applied, Gharahkhani should also address issues such as the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza, the deaths of schoolchildren in Minab, and U.S. And Israeli actions against Iran as detailed in Dagbladet.
Gharahkhani’s Response
Through his political advisor, Truls Dahlum Nilsen, Gharahkhani stated that his support for the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and democracy will continue as reported by Dagbladet. He is currently attending a national board meeting of the Labour Party.
Background on Masud Gharahkhani
Masud Gharahkhani was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1982 and emigrated to Norway with his family in 1987 according to Wikipedia. He has been a member of the Storting for Buskerud since 2017 and was elected President of the Storting in November 2021 as noted by Wikipedia and verified by the Stortinget website. He previously served as a deputy member of parliament from 2009 to 2013.
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