Book Review
Book title: The Devil We Know: Dealing with the New Iranian Superpower
Published: 2008
Publisher: United States by Crown Publishers
Author: Robert Baer
This author made below remarks which makes his credentials as a Central Intelligence Agency officer questionable.
1.This author on prologue section page 1 claimed that in 1978 he was 24 years old young man and was on his way to India, as he had short stop in Iran, Tehran during Marshall laws. This author alleged that “the kamikaze taxi driver who drove me into Tehran from the airport that night taught me my first lesson: Iranians can't drive. The way he swoop and darted between the army patrols, I was convinced he was trying to draw fire. And was it legal to drive down the sidewalk to get around traffic?” Input: This sidewalk needed to be wide enough as well as accessible for a moving vehicle to drive on it because there is a big gap between road and sidewalk, and the author's statement would be impossible to do so since there is no such a sidewalk in Iran.
2.This author on page 55 alleged that “in October 2000, Ayatollah Khamenei, Ayatollah Khomeini's successor as supreme leader-the only real executive power in Iran-made it clear what the victory in Lebanon meant for Iran. It was during a secret address to Iran's National Security Council. After the usual long preamble, larded with quotations from the Koran, Khamenei put both hands on the conference table.” Input: Since he is an intelligent officer, he is required due to nature of his work to be detail orient, and should know that Khamenei's right hand is immobile. As a result, there are cloud of doubts looming on the book as how truthful is this author with his readers.
This author contradicts himself on major points as follow.
1.This author on page 10 asserted that “and it wasn't as if the Iranian government could not close down the opium dens if it wanted to. Iran is a police state. Every day I drove around Tehran, or walked around the streets and bazaars, I was stopped and my papers checked.” On page 77 this author claimed that “Iran is not a totalitarian state run by “Islamofascists” who believe they're in some quixotic war with the West.” Input: Police state and totalitarian state shared same meaning as a state controls every fabric of a society, as this author experienced in Iran under rule of the mullah in Iran.
2.This author on page 207 claimed that “since 9/11, without any evidence, these people have tried to make the case that Muslims intend to infiltrate the United States, bring down from inside, and convert us to Islam.” On page 230-231 this author was talking with Muhammad British-Pakistani born who made a remark about 7/7 which was the way to go and “accept Allah's law,” he said. “End of story. Accept Allah's law and I think you'll have a peaceful life.” In other words, we either convert to Islam or die.” Input: There is a reality that Muslims are planning to convert Western nations to Islam or they have to die.
Author's theory frame work for the cleric regime in Iran:
1.This author was working on theory of green belt or green crescent which was orchestra by former democrat president Jimmy Carter to contain communism in the region. As this author claimed that the cleric regime in Iran has infiltrated in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq and the regime in Iran was in charge of the situation in the region. Also, Turkey was under spill of the regime too but not as strongly as other region. As a result, the cleric regime in Iran is a superpower. This author lacked understanding the term superpower which means a state is in leading position in the international system and has ability to influence on international events. Current regime in Iran is not able to control international event, and has been struggling about its nuclear programs. The regime in Iran is not a great power either which would have economic, military, diplomatic and cultural strength. The current regime in Iran is a rouge state, which is an authoritarian regime, absent of human rights, and seeking weapon of mass destruction.
2.This author was claiming that the regime in Iran is no longer relying on terrorism to advance its interest. However, the cleric regime has been targeting Iranian dissidents and have been murdering them around the world.
3.This author on page 15 claimed that the US do not understand the regime in Iran because of Iranian dissidents are lobbying the White House and the White House does not have clear understanding of Iran. According to the record, so far element of the cleric regime on individual base or as a council like National Iranian American Council had opportunity to meet senior staffs and elected politicians, and to mislead the White House and not Iranian dissidents.
4.This author is working on fear tactic that price of oil on rise and on page 198 this author says it is in best interest of the US to negotiate with the regime in Iran. However, he does not provide any information or strategy how to negotiate with the regime in Iran.
Author was bias toward Iran:
1.On page 9, this author claimed that there was no moral police officers in Iran. However, the regime has moral police officers who are enforcing Islamic dress code in Iran.
2.On page 104, this author wrote “the Iranians understand perfectly that the only reason we care about that miserable body of water called the Persian Gulf.” Input: This author is hostile toward Iranian identity.
3.This author claimed that during Iran-Iraq War youths were not given keys to paradise and asked to rush at enemy front and die. The key was a symbol of martyrdom. However, the regime gave the youth the keys and told them that these were keys to paradise.
Validity of information:
This author used, on page 143, statics about unemployment rate in Iran, and other data that it was unclear where the numbers were extracted from. Last, he alleged when in 1700's England's warship moved to Persian Gulf, this body of water was called Gulf and not Persian Gulf. The above claim was not reference from any source of information.
The bottom line, this book does not have any kind of academic merit, and it tries to claim that the regime in Iran is a superpower and the US needs to negotiate and accept the regime in Tehran as a power. However, this author's theory lacks understanding proper meaning of political terms that the regime in Iran is a rouge state and not a superpower.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Nuclear Iran-Canada
According to below documents Canada supplies the regime in Iran with nuclear materials. So, when Prime Minister of Canada says shame on Iran, it means give me more money because the price just went up.
Ontario-Iran
Trade Factsheet
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$47,712 $16,604 $49,610 $15,987 $13,232
ONTARIO EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario-Iran: Trade Balance
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$58,928 $34,233 $40,111 $41,552 $27,618
ONTARIO IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario-Iran Trade
1997-2001
( thousands o f Canadian dollars)
$0
$25,000
$50,000
$75,000
$100,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Exports Imports
Top 10 Exports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Pet/Animal Food $1,977
Machinery $1,668
Telephone Equipment/Modems $1,387
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $1,294
Machinery Parts $958
Uranium, Other Radioactive Elements, etc. $731
Pharmaceuticals $687
Bovine Semen, Other Animal Products $631
Circuit Switches, Protectors $382
Blood, Blood Preparations $368
Ontario-Iran: Top Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top 5 Middle East Trade Partners
Israel 0.10%
Saudi Arabia 0.05%
U.A.E. 0.03%
Turkey 0.02%
Kuwait 0.01%
Exports 2001 (% of total exports)
Iran (8th) 0.01%
Israel 0.15%
Turkey 0.06%
Iran 0.01%
U.A.E. 0.01%
Egypt 0.01%
Imports 2001 (% of total imports)
Sources: Statistics Canada and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Registered to the ISO 9001 Standard
Top 10 Imports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Fresh/Dried Nuts $8,114
Carpets $6,545
Fresh/Dried Dates, Figs, etc. $1,493
Heterocyclic Compounds $982
Computers and Peripherals $768
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $735
Glazed Ceramic Tiles, Cubes, etc. $329
Carbon $262
Preparations of Fruits, Nuts, etc. $243
Fresh/Dried Grapes $4,558
April 2002, Ontario Exports Inc.
www.ontario-canada.com/export
Ontario-Iran
Trade Factsheet
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$47,712 $16,604 $49,610 $15,987 $13,232
ONTARIO EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario-Iran: Trade Balance
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$58,928 $34,233 $40,111 $41,552 $27,618
ONTARIO IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario-Iran Trade
1997-2001
( thousands o f Canadian dollars)
$0
$25,000
$50,000
$75,000
$100,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Exports Imports
Top 10 Exports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Pet/Animal Food $1,977
Machinery $1,668
Telephone Equipment/Modems $1,387
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $1,294
Machinery Parts $958
Uranium, Other Radioactive Elements, etc. $731
Pharmaceuticals $687
Bovine Semen, Other Animal Products $631
Circuit Switches, Protectors $382
Blood, Blood Preparations $368
Ontario-Iran: Top Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top 5 Middle East Trade Partners
Israel 0.10%
Saudi Arabia 0.05%
U.A.E. 0.03%
Turkey 0.02%
Kuwait 0.01%
Exports 2001 (% of total exports)
Iran (8th) 0.01%
Israel 0.15%
Turkey 0.06%
Iran 0.01%
U.A.E. 0.01%
Egypt 0.01%
Imports 2001 (% of total imports)
Sources: Statistics Canada and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Registered to the ISO 9001 Standard
Top 10 Imports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Fresh/Dried Nuts $8,114
Carpets $6,545
Fresh/Dried Dates, Figs, etc. $1,493
Heterocyclic Compounds $982
Computers and Peripherals $768
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $735
Glazed Ceramic Tiles, Cubes, etc. $329
Carbon $262
Preparations of Fruits, Nuts, etc. $243
Fresh/Dried Grapes $4,558
April 2002, Ontario Exports Inc.
www.ontario-canada.com/export
Ontario-Iran
Trade Factsheet
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$16,604 $49,610 $15,987 $13,232 $18,835
ONTARIO EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario-Iran: Trade Balance
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$34,233 $40,111 $41,552 $27,564 $34,465
ONTARIO IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario-Iran Trade
1998-2002
( thousands o f Canadian dollars)
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Exports Imports
Top 10 Exports 2002 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Dishwashing/Bottle Processing Machinery $1,683
Stone/Ore Handling Machinery $1,260
Radiation/Electrical Detection Equipment $1,215
Pharmaceuticals $1,204
Electric Welding/Soldering Equipment $760
Pet/Animal Food $683
Medical/Dental X-Ray Equipment, etc. $665
Circuit Switches/Protectors $554
Bulldozers, Graders, etc. $552
Bovine Semen $537
Ontario-Iran: Top Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top 5 Middle Eastern Trade Partners
Exports 2002 (% of total exports)
Israel 0.11%
Saudi Arabia 0.06%
United Arab Emirates 0.04%
Egypt 0.03%
Turkey 0.03%
Iran (7th) 0.01%
Imports 2002 (% of total imports)
Israel 0.17%
Turkey 0.09%
Iran 0.02%
Egypt 0.01%
United Arab Emirates 0.01%
AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Registered to the ISO 9001-2000
Top 10 Imports 2002 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Knotted Carpets $9,088
Fresh/Dried Nuts $8,017
Flat, Hot-Rolled, Uncoated Iron/Steel $4,626
Fresh/Dried Dates, Figs, Pineapples, etc. $2,103
Heterocyclic Compounds $1,828
Other Heterocyclic Compounds $595
Worked Monumental/Building Stone $523
Other Dried Fruit/Nuts $297
Pickled Vegetables/Fruits/Nuts $261
Fresh/Dried Grapes $2,929
March 2003, Ontario Exports Inc.
www.ontarioexportsinc.com
Publié également en français
Sources: Statistics Canada and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Ontario - Iran
Trade Factsheet
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$15,987 $13,232 $18,825 $68,196 $44,795
ONTARIO GOODS EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario - Iran: Two-Way Trade
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$41,552 $27,567 $34,712 $33,275 $23,855
ONTARIO GOODS IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario - Iran Goods Trade
(1995 - 2004)
(Thousands o f Canadian Dollars)
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Exports Imports
Top 10 Goods Exports 2004 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Soybeans $6,425
Medications – prepared for retail use $2,809
Machinery for working rubber & plastic $2,563
Corn (maize) $2,443
Machinery $2,112
Pumps for liquids & liquid elevators $2,009
Interchangeable hand tools $1,993
Self-propelled bulldozers, graders, etc. $1,454
Metal foundry moulding boxes, bases, etc. $1,399
Moving, grading etc. machinery; snow ploughs $1,368
Ontario - Iran: Top Goods Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top Five Trade Partners
Management Systems Registered to the ISO 9001-2000
Top 10 Goods Imports 2004 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Nuts - fresh/dried $6,166
Grapes - fresh/dried $5,378
Carpets/floor coverings - knotted $5,172
Heterocyclic compounds $699
Fruit, nuts, etc. – prepared/preserved $369
Monument stone – worked $339
Marble, etc. $257
Carpets/floor coverings – woven $247
Chemical products for pharmaceutical use $244
Dates, figs, pineapples, etc. - fresh/dried $1,660
www.ontarioexportsinc.com
May 13, 2005 Ontario Exports Inc. - Source: Industry Canada—Strategis, May 13, 2005
Ontario - Iran Goods Trade
As a Percentage of Total Ontario Goods
Trade
(19 9 5 - 2 0 0 4 )
0.00%
0.01%
0.02%
0.03%
0.04%
0.05%
0.06%
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Exports Imports
Goods Exports 2004
(% of total goods exports)
United States 90.66%
United Kingdom 1.97%
China 0.65%
Norway 0.56%
Mexico 0.55%
Iran (51) 0.03%
Goods Imports 2004
(% of total goods imports)
United States 69.14%
China 5.55%
Mexico 5.04%
Japan 3.31%
Germany 1.97%
Iran (70) 0.02%
Publié également en français
General Political Environment:
Iran has been an Islamic theocratic republic since 1979. The political system is partially
democratic in that the President and some legislative bodies are popularly elected but the ability
of conservative clerics to bar candidates from contesting elections narrows Iranians’ spectrum of
political choice. Much state power rests with conservative-dominated unelected bodies.
A relatively liberal era in Iranian politics ended in February 2004 when conservatives were swept
into power legislative elections. The previous Majlis (legislature) had been dominated by
reformers but a combination of public dissatisfaction with the government and the fact that many
reformers were not allowed to contest the election made a conservative victory virtually inevitable.
Observers were surprised when the hard-line conservative former mayor of Tehran, by Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad’s won the June presidential run-off election against conservative Akbar Hashemi
Rafsanjani. Since assuming office, Ahmadinejad has become known for his populist domestic
agenda and a confrontational stance toward the United States and Israel.
Iran and much of the international community are engaged in a three and a half year impasse with
respect to Iran’s nuclear programme. Iranian officials say that the country wants to master the
nuclear fuel cycle for peaceful purposes but the United States and Israel, among others, fear that
Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and want the programme halted.
On December 23, 2006 the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1737 which
imposed limited sanctions against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities. A more stringent
set of sanctions (UNSC Resolution 1747) was imposed on March 24, 2007.
On May 23, 2007, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran is continuing
its uranium enrichment activities and, as such, is non-compliant with Resolutions 1737 and 1747.
As a result, pressure for more far-reaching UN sanctions is likely in the near term. In the
meantime, the United States is using unilateral financial restrictions to isolate Iran economically.
Investment Environment:
The much-anticipated Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA) was instituted in
2001. The new law allows for easier repatriation of profits, streamlines approval procedures, and
offers protection against nationalization and expropriation. Furthermore, Iran intends to privatize
a number of state-owned telecommunications and oil enterprises in the near future.
Despite these developments, significant levels of corruption and a complex bureaucracy continue
to underline the challenging nature of Iran’s business climate. Iranian courts are governed by
hard-line clerics and remain opaque, corrupt and very powerful.
US restrictions will further complicate the task of doing business in Iran by drastically curtailing
potential sources of financial intermediation. The United States Treasury department already
forbids US citizens and companies from dealing with two Iranian state-owned banks and it has
indicated that more such directives are imminent. As a result, many commercial banks – most of
which have significant US operations – are terminating their Iran business.
Political Violence:
Since the beginning of the nuclear standoff the possibility of a US military strike against Iranian
nuclear facilities has been mooted. However, the risk of a strike is assessed as low owing to the
operational difficulty of the task and Iranian retaliatory capabilities.
There is a significant risk of anti-foreign protests resulting from the nuclear standoff as evidenced
by the pro-nuclear demonstrations which occurred at the British and French Embassies in 2005.
There has been a growing trend of unrest by marginalized ethnic groups across Iran in the past
few years. This has included violent unrest by ethnic Kurds in the Kermanshah and Kordestan
provinces, ethnic Baluchis in southeastern Sistan va Baluchistan province and Iranian Arabs
centred in and around the city of Ahvaz in oil-rich Khuzestan province.
Economics Iran
High nemployment
& sub idies affect the
outloo .
u
s
k
Source: EIU, EDC Economics Source: Bloomberg
Economic Indicators
01-05 avg. 2006 2007 2008
GDP (%) 5.5 5.8 5.0 4,0
Inflation (% avg.) 14,0 14.6 17.8 15,5
Fiscal Balance (% of GDP) 0.4 0.0 -4.1 -5.5
Exports (US$bn) 37.9 70.5 76.5 80.3
Imports (US$bn) -29.8 -53.9 -61.3 -65.3
Current Account (US$bn) 5.1 11.4 8.9 8.1
Reserves ( months of imports) 7.0 9.2 10.0 10.4
External Debt (US$bn) 16.2 24.8 24.9 24.7
Debt Service Ratio (due) 4,2 3.2 4.6 4.6
Exchange Rate (to USD; end of year) 8478,9 9357,0 9731,0 10315,0
Market Spotlight: 2006 was a solid year for Iran. GDP growth accelerated. This reflected its
expansionary fiscal policy, which was boosted by a series of oil windfalls. The main trust of economic
policy is to reduce social and regional disparities while creating jobs. However, it has failed to tame
inflation. The hydrocarbon sector needs to be upgraded, but investors are nervous about the UN
sanctions and Iran’s rhetoric. Trade with Iran, which has been affected by the U.N. Security Council
Resolution 1737 that was adopted on December 23, 2006, could face tougher economic sanctions
now that Iran has refused to suspend nuclear activities. Iran’s “Money Laundering Bill” (MLB) has
been finalized after US actions against Bank Saderat & Bank Sepah, which have made it difficult to
do transaction in US$ dollars. Iran decided that oil sales should be paid in Euros. Tehran has been
shifting its foreign-held assets out of dollars since 2003 and has found new trade partners. The Oil
Stabilization Fund (OSF) has been used to finance larger spending & loans to private sector. External
current account surpluses have led to comfortable foreign exchange reserves. External debt
problems are a story of the past. Fitch downgraded Iran rating to “B+”.
Macroeconomic policy: The former administration fostered Iran’s integration in the global economy
while the current leadership wants to reduce social & regional disparities and create jobs. Despite
uncertainty, GDP growth accelerated due to the recovery in agriculture - resulting from better weather
– and the performance of the non-oil sector, but it has been due mainly to larger government
spending. GDP growth rate, which was 5.8% last year, was respectable by historical standards, but
failed to meet the development plan target of 7-8% a year to address unemployment. Every year
about 750,000 Iranians join the labor market. Moreover, to catch up with the rest of the Gulf countries,
Iran will need to upgrade its infrastructure and technology. However, investors are nervous about the
nuclear issue. After an initial stimulus, GDP growth is likely to slowdown during 2007-08. The pursuit
of current policies over the longer run would lead to GDP growth rate falling to 4% a year while
inflation would remain double digits. Thus, the independence of the central bank, elimination of
administrative controls, greater exchange rate flexibility, phasing out of subsidies and reinvigorate the
privatization program are the main structural obstacles to growth and job creation.
Budget/Inflation: Over the short run, Iran can afford to follow its “creative” fiscal “expansionary
policy”. With the help of its Oil Stabilization Fund (OSF) resources, it has been able to bring the
budget “into balance” or to reduce significantly the overall fiscal deficit. Otherwise, it would register a
deficit equivalent to 20% of GDP, excluding oil revenues. Subsidies for energy, food and bank credit
are equivalent to 25% of GDP or US$55bn while energy alone accounts for US$38.5bn. Iran imports
refined oil products and sell them domestically at subsidized prices. Inflation fell in 2005 to 10%, but
has been rising again to about 18% due to the expansionary fiscal policy and economic distortions. In
Iran stimulating economic activity to generate jobs through fiscal and monetary policies have resulted
in persistent double digits inflation, which in turn have undermined the goal of achieving high
sustainable growth rates over the medium term.
External sector: The external position is solid with external current account surpluses that are likely
to be repeated in 2007 and 2008. The external debt and debt servicing are at manageable levels.
Worse come to worse, Iran can repay its external debt obligations tomorrow. Foreign exchange
reserves could be in the area of US$60bn by year-end. Nevertheless, Iran is known to impose “silent
ban” when irritated by trading partners. Iran has signed the IMF Article VIII, which refrain from
imposing restrictions on current account payments. Broader UN sanctions are a standing possibility.
Assuming the pursuit of current policies and average oil prices of US$55 a barrel, the current account
would turn into deficit in five years and foreign reserves would drop to 3 months of imports.
Outlook: Iran can afford to defy UN demands for now. The medium-term outlook depends on key
reforms that would have been facilitated by the current oil windfalls.
Economic
Credit Agencies
Moody’s: N/A
S&P: N/A
Fitch: B+
Nominal GDP (2006)
US$220bn
Population (2006):
68.6 million
Total Trade / GDP:
49.8 %
Currency: Iranian rial
Oil output: 4.1mn b/d; exports
2.5mn b/d; average price US$55.
Exchange regime:
Managed floating
Merchandise imports from
Canada:
Cdn$322mn (2006)
Main sources of Foreign
Exchange (excl. FDI):
Oil exports (78.9%)
Largest Merchandise
Trading Partner:
Japan (17%) Germany (10%)
Main imports:
Intermediate goods (46%);
Capital goods (35%)
Risks to the Outlook
March 2007
JLussier@edc.ca
www@edc.ca
Outlook is better: with
strong oil prices: low
external debt.
Crude Oil Prices
US/bbl
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Mar-02 Mar-03 Mar-04 Mar-05 Mar-06 Mar-07
Tehran
Total Area 1,636,000
Currency Rial (IRR)(2006)
Language(s) Farsi
National Holiday 11 February, National Day
Type of State Islamic Republic
Type of Government
Islamic Consultative Assembly ("Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami")
Spiritual Leader
Head of State
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
Head of Government
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Main Political Parties
No political parties are allowed, but there are several recognizable political groupings: Executives
of Construction, Followers of the Imam's Line and the Leader (conservative), Islamic Coalition
Association, Islamic Iran Solidarity Party, Islamic Partnership Front, Militant Clerics Association,
Second Khordad Front (pro-reform), Tehran Militant Clergy Association.
Ministers Foreign Affairs: Manucher Mottaki
Finances Safdar HOSEINI
Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
GDP: (billion) $240.99
GDP per capita: $3,454.19
GDP Growth rate: (%) 5.3
Unemployment: (%)
Inflation: (%) 14.6
km2
Foreign Representation in Canada
Abbas ASSEMI
Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
Canadian Representation Abroad
James Carrick
Iran Canada
1 CAN$= 8,373.54
n/a
n/a
Canadian Exports to $308,953,849
Canadian Imports from $44,495,450
Iran
Iran
$1,439.27
$44,174.60
2.7
6.3
2
President
Representation:
Economic Information: (2006)
Political Information:
Ontario-Iran
Trade Factsheet
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$47,712 $16,604 $49,610 $15,987 $13,232
ONTARIO EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario-Iran: Trade Balance
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$58,928 $34,233 $40,111 $41,552 $27,618
ONTARIO IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario-Iran Trade
1997-2001
( thousands o f Canadian dollars)
$0
$25,000
$50,000
$75,000
$100,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Exports Imports
Top 10 Exports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Pet/Animal Food $1,977
Machinery $1,668
Telephone Equipment/Modems $1,387
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $1,294
Machinery Parts $958
Uranium, Other Radioactive Elements, etc. $731
Pharmaceuticals $687
Bovine Semen, Other Animal Products $631
Circuit Switches, Protectors $382
Blood, Blood Preparations $368
Ontario-Iran: Top Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top 5 Middle East Trade Partners
Israel 0.10%
Saudi Arabia 0.05%
U.A.E. 0.03%
Turkey 0.02%
Kuwait 0.01%
Exports 2001 (% of total exports)
Iran (8th) 0.01%
Israel 0.15%
Turkey 0.06%
Iran 0.01%
U.A.E. 0.01%
Egypt 0.01%
Imports 2001 (% of total imports)
Sources: Statistics Canada and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Registered to the ISO 9001 Standard
Top 10 Imports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Fresh/Dried Nuts $8,114
Carpets $6,545
Fresh/Dried Dates, Figs, etc. $1,493
Heterocyclic Compounds $982
Computers and Peripherals $768
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $735
Glazed Ceramic Tiles, Cubes, etc. $329
Carbon $262
Preparations of Fruits, Nuts, etc. $243
Fresh/Dried Grapes $4,558
April 2002, Ontario Exports Inc.
www.ontario-canada.com/export
Ontario-Iran
Trade Factsheet
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$47,712 $16,604 $49,610 $15,987 $13,232
ONTARIO EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario-Iran: Trade Balance
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$58,928 $34,233 $40,111 $41,552 $27,618
ONTARIO IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario-Iran Trade
1997-2001
( thousands o f Canadian dollars)
$0
$25,000
$50,000
$75,000
$100,000
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Exports Imports
Top 10 Exports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Pet/Animal Food $1,977
Machinery $1,668
Telephone Equipment/Modems $1,387
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $1,294
Machinery Parts $958
Uranium, Other Radioactive Elements, etc. $731
Pharmaceuticals $687
Bovine Semen, Other Animal Products $631
Circuit Switches, Protectors $382
Blood, Blood Preparations $368
Ontario-Iran: Top Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top 5 Middle East Trade Partners
Israel 0.10%
Saudi Arabia 0.05%
U.A.E. 0.03%
Turkey 0.02%
Kuwait 0.01%
Exports 2001 (% of total exports)
Iran (8th) 0.01%
Israel 0.15%
Turkey 0.06%
Iran 0.01%
U.A.E. 0.01%
Egypt 0.01%
Imports 2001 (% of total imports)
Sources: Statistics Canada and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Registered to the ISO 9001 Standard
Top 10 Imports 2001 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Fresh/Dried Nuts $8,114
Carpets $6,545
Fresh/Dried Dates, Figs, etc. $1,493
Heterocyclic Compounds $982
Computers and Peripherals $768
Transformers, Static Converters, Inductors $735
Glazed Ceramic Tiles, Cubes, etc. $329
Carbon $262
Preparations of Fruits, Nuts, etc. $243
Fresh/Dried Grapes $4,558
April 2002, Ontario Exports Inc.
www.ontario-canada.com/export
Ontario-Iran
Trade Factsheet
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$16,604 $49,610 $15,987 $13,232 $18,835
ONTARIO EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario-Iran: Trade Balance
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$34,233 $40,111 $41,552 $27,564 $34,465
ONTARIO IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario-Iran Trade
1998-2002
( thousands o f Canadian dollars)
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Exports Imports
Top 10 Exports 2002 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Dishwashing/Bottle Processing Machinery $1,683
Stone/Ore Handling Machinery $1,260
Radiation/Electrical Detection Equipment $1,215
Pharmaceuticals $1,204
Electric Welding/Soldering Equipment $760
Pet/Animal Food $683
Medical/Dental X-Ray Equipment, etc. $665
Circuit Switches/Protectors $554
Bulldozers, Graders, etc. $552
Bovine Semen $537
Ontario-Iran: Top Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top 5 Middle Eastern Trade Partners
Exports 2002 (% of total exports)
Israel 0.11%
Saudi Arabia 0.06%
United Arab Emirates 0.04%
Egypt 0.03%
Turkey 0.03%
Iran (7th) 0.01%
Imports 2002 (% of total imports)
Israel 0.17%
Turkey 0.09%
Iran 0.02%
Egypt 0.01%
United Arab Emirates 0.01%
AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, CANADA
Registered to the ISO 9001-2000
Top 10 Imports 2002 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Knotted Carpets $9,088
Fresh/Dried Nuts $8,017
Flat, Hot-Rolled, Uncoated Iron/Steel $4,626
Fresh/Dried Dates, Figs, Pineapples, etc. $2,103
Heterocyclic Compounds $1,828
Other Heterocyclic Compounds $595
Worked Monumental/Building Stone $523
Other Dried Fruit/Nuts $297
Pickled Vegetables/Fruits/Nuts $261
Fresh/Dried Grapes $2,929
March 2003, Ontario Exports Inc.
www.ontarioexportsinc.com
Publié également en français
Sources: Statistics Canada and Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Ontario - Iran
Trade Factsheet
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$15,987 $13,232 $18,825 $68,196 $44,795
ONTARIO GOODS EXPORTS TO IRAN
Ontario - Iran: Two-Way Trade
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Value in Thousands of Canadian Dollars
$41,552 $27,567 $34,712 $33,275 $23,855
ONTARIO GOODS IMPORTS FROM IRAN
Ontario - Iran Goods Trade
(1995 - 2004)
(Thousands o f Canadian Dollars)
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Exports Imports
Top 10 Goods Exports 2004 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Soybeans $6,425
Medications – prepared for retail use $2,809
Machinery for working rubber & plastic $2,563
Corn (maize) $2,443
Machinery $2,112
Pumps for liquids & liquid elevators $2,009
Interchangeable hand tools $1,993
Self-propelled bulldozers, graders, etc. $1,454
Metal foundry moulding boxes, bases, etc. $1,399
Moving, grading etc. machinery; snow ploughs $1,368
Ontario - Iran: Top Goods Exports and Imports
Ontario’s Top Five Trade Partners
Management Systems Registered to the ISO 9001-2000
Top 10 Goods Imports 2004 (HS4 code) C$ (000’s)
Nuts - fresh/dried $6,166
Grapes - fresh/dried $5,378
Carpets/floor coverings - knotted $5,172
Heterocyclic compounds $699
Fruit, nuts, etc. – prepared/preserved $369
Monument stone – worked $339
Marble, etc. $257
Carpets/floor coverings – woven $247
Chemical products for pharmaceutical use $244
Dates, figs, pineapples, etc. - fresh/dried $1,660
www.ontarioexportsinc.com
May 13, 2005 Ontario Exports Inc. - Source: Industry Canada—Strategis, May 13, 2005
Ontario - Iran Goods Trade
As a Percentage of Total Ontario Goods
Trade
(19 9 5 - 2 0 0 4 )
0.00%
0.01%
0.02%
0.03%
0.04%
0.05%
0.06%
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Exports Imports
Goods Exports 2004
(% of total goods exports)
United States 90.66%
United Kingdom 1.97%
China 0.65%
Norway 0.56%
Mexico 0.55%
Iran (51) 0.03%
Goods Imports 2004
(% of total goods imports)
United States 69.14%
China 5.55%
Mexico 5.04%
Japan 3.31%
Germany 1.97%
Iran (70) 0.02%
Publié également en français
General Political Environment:
Iran has been an Islamic theocratic republic since 1979. The political system is partially
democratic in that the President and some legislative bodies are popularly elected but the ability
of conservative clerics to bar candidates from contesting elections narrows Iranians’ spectrum of
political choice. Much state power rests with conservative-dominated unelected bodies.
A relatively liberal era in Iranian politics ended in February 2004 when conservatives were swept
into power legislative elections. The previous Majlis (legislature) had been dominated by
reformers but a combination of public dissatisfaction with the government and the fact that many
reformers were not allowed to contest the election made a conservative victory virtually inevitable.
Observers were surprised when the hard-line conservative former mayor of Tehran, by Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad’s won the June presidential run-off election against conservative Akbar Hashemi
Rafsanjani. Since assuming office, Ahmadinejad has become known for his populist domestic
agenda and a confrontational stance toward the United States and Israel.
Iran and much of the international community are engaged in a three and a half year impasse with
respect to Iran’s nuclear programme. Iranian officials say that the country wants to master the
nuclear fuel cycle for peaceful purposes but the United States and Israel, among others, fear that
Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and want the programme halted.
On December 23, 2006 the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1737 which
imposed limited sanctions against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities. A more stringent
set of sanctions (UNSC Resolution 1747) was imposed on March 24, 2007.
On May 23, 2007, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran is continuing
its uranium enrichment activities and, as such, is non-compliant with Resolutions 1737 and 1747.
As a result, pressure for more far-reaching UN sanctions is likely in the near term. In the
meantime, the United States is using unilateral financial restrictions to isolate Iran economically.
Investment Environment:
The much-anticipated Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA) was instituted in
2001. The new law allows for easier repatriation of profits, streamlines approval procedures, and
offers protection against nationalization and expropriation. Furthermore, Iran intends to privatize
a number of state-owned telecommunications and oil enterprises in the near future.
Despite these developments, significant levels of corruption and a complex bureaucracy continue
to underline the challenging nature of Iran’s business climate. Iranian courts are governed by
hard-line clerics and remain opaque, corrupt and very powerful.
US restrictions will further complicate the task of doing business in Iran by drastically curtailing
potential sources of financial intermediation. The United States Treasury department already
forbids US citizens and companies from dealing with two Iranian state-owned banks and it has
indicated that more such directives are imminent. As a result, many commercial banks – most of
which have significant US operations – are terminating their Iran business.
Political Violence:
Since the beginning of the nuclear standoff the possibility of a US military strike against Iranian
nuclear facilities has been mooted. However, the risk of a strike is assessed as low owing to the
operational difficulty of the task and Iranian retaliatory capabilities.
There is a significant risk of anti-foreign protests resulting from the nuclear standoff as evidenced
by the pro-nuclear demonstrations which occurred at the British and French Embassies in 2005.
There has been a growing trend of unrest by marginalized ethnic groups across Iran in the past
few years. This has included violent unrest by ethnic Kurds in the Kermanshah and Kordestan
provinces, ethnic Baluchis in southeastern Sistan va Baluchistan province and Iranian Arabs
centred in and around the city of Ahvaz in oil-rich Khuzestan province.
Economics Iran
High nemployment
& sub idies affect the
outloo .
u
s
k
Source: EIU, EDC Economics Source: Bloomberg
Economic Indicators
01-05 avg. 2006 2007 2008
GDP (%) 5.5 5.8 5.0 4,0
Inflation (% avg.) 14,0 14.6 17.8 15,5
Fiscal Balance (% of GDP) 0.4 0.0 -4.1 -5.5
Exports (US$bn) 37.9 70.5 76.5 80.3
Imports (US$bn) -29.8 -53.9 -61.3 -65.3
Current Account (US$bn) 5.1 11.4 8.9 8.1
Reserves ( months of imports) 7.0 9.2 10.0 10.4
External Debt (US$bn) 16.2 24.8 24.9 24.7
Debt Service Ratio (due) 4,2 3.2 4.6 4.6
Exchange Rate (to USD; end of year) 8478,9 9357,0 9731,0 10315,0
Market Spotlight: 2006 was a solid year for Iran. GDP growth accelerated. This reflected its
expansionary fiscal policy, which was boosted by a series of oil windfalls. The main trust of economic
policy is to reduce social and regional disparities while creating jobs. However, it has failed to tame
inflation. The hydrocarbon sector needs to be upgraded, but investors are nervous about the UN
sanctions and Iran’s rhetoric. Trade with Iran, which has been affected by the U.N. Security Council
Resolution 1737 that was adopted on December 23, 2006, could face tougher economic sanctions
now that Iran has refused to suspend nuclear activities. Iran’s “Money Laundering Bill” (MLB) has
been finalized after US actions against Bank Saderat & Bank Sepah, which have made it difficult to
do transaction in US$ dollars. Iran decided that oil sales should be paid in Euros. Tehran has been
shifting its foreign-held assets out of dollars since 2003 and has found new trade partners. The Oil
Stabilization Fund (OSF) has been used to finance larger spending & loans to private sector. External
current account surpluses have led to comfortable foreign exchange reserves. External debt
problems are a story of the past. Fitch downgraded Iran rating to “B+”.
Macroeconomic policy: The former administration fostered Iran’s integration in the global economy
while the current leadership wants to reduce social & regional disparities and create jobs. Despite
uncertainty, GDP growth accelerated due to the recovery in agriculture - resulting from better weather
– and the performance of the non-oil sector, but it has been due mainly to larger government
spending. GDP growth rate, which was 5.8% last year, was respectable by historical standards, but
failed to meet the development plan target of 7-8% a year to address unemployment. Every year
about 750,000 Iranians join the labor market. Moreover, to catch up with the rest of the Gulf countries,
Iran will need to upgrade its infrastructure and technology. However, investors are nervous about the
nuclear issue. After an initial stimulus, GDP growth is likely to slowdown during 2007-08. The pursuit
of current policies over the longer run would lead to GDP growth rate falling to 4% a year while
inflation would remain double digits. Thus, the independence of the central bank, elimination of
administrative controls, greater exchange rate flexibility, phasing out of subsidies and reinvigorate the
privatization program are the main structural obstacles to growth and job creation.
Budget/Inflation: Over the short run, Iran can afford to follow its “creative” fiscal “expansionary
policy”. With the help of its Oil Stabilization Fund (OSF) resources, it has been able to bring the
budget “into balance” or to reduce significantly the overall fiscal deficit. Otherwise, it would register a
deficit equivalent to 20% of GDP, excluding oil revenues. Subsidies for energy, food and bank credit
are equivalent to 25% of GDP or US$55bn while energy alone accounts for US$38.5bn. Iran imports
refined oil products and sell them domestically at subsidized prices. Inflation fell in 2005 to 10%, but
has been rising again to about 18% due to the expansionary fiscal policy and economic distortions. In
Iran stimulating economic activity to generate jobs through fiscal and monetary policies have resulted
in persistent double digits inflation, which in turn have undermined the goal of achieving high
sustainable growth rates over the medium term.
External sector: The external position is solid with external current account surpluses that are likely
to be repeated in 2007 and 2008. The external debt and debt servicing are at manageable levels.
Worse come to worse, Iran can repay its external debt obligations tomorrow. Foreign exchange
reserves could be in the area of US$60bn by year-end. Nevertheless, Iran is known to impose “silent
ban” when irritated by trading partners. Iran has signed the IMF Article VIII, which refrain from
imposing restrictions on current account payments. Broader UN sanctions are a standing possibility.
Assuming the pursuit of current policies and average oil prices of US$55 a barrel, the current account
would turn into deficit in five years and foreign reserves would drop to 3 months of imports.
Outlook: Iran can afford to defy UN demands for now. The medium-term outlook depends on key
reforms that would have been facilitated by the current oil windfalls.
Economic
Credit Agencies
Moody’s: N/A
S&P: N/A
Fitch: B+
Nominal GDP (2006)
US$220bn
Population (2006):
68.6 million
Total Trade / GDP:
49.8 %
Currency: Iranian rial
Oil output: 4.1mn b/d; exports
2.5mn b/d; average price US$55.
Exchange regime:
Managed floating
Merchandise imports from
Canada:
Cdn$322mn (2006)
Main sources of Foreign
Exchange (excl. FDI):
Oil exports (78.9%)
Largest Merchandise
Trading Partner:
Japan (17%) Germany (10%)
Main imports:
Intermediate goods (46%);
Capital goods (35%)
Risks to the Outlook
March 2007
JLussier@edc.ca
www@edc.ca
Outlook is better: with
strong oil prices: low
external debt.
Crude Oil Prices
US/bbl
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Mar-02 Mar-03 Mar-04 Mar-05 Mar-06 Mar-07
Tehran
Total Area 1,636,000
Currency Rial (IRR)(2006)
Language(s) Farsi
National Holiday 11 February, National Day
Type of State Islamic Republic
Type of Government
Islamic Consultative Assembly ("Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami")
Spiritual Leader
Head of State
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
Head of Government
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Main Political Parties
No political parties are allowed, but there are several recognizable political groupings: Executives
of Construction, Followers of the Imam's Line and the Leader (conservative), Islamic Coalition
Association, Islamic Iran Solidarity Party, Islamic Partnership Front, Militant Clerics Association,
Second Khordad Front (pro-reform), Tehran Militant Clergy Association.
Ministers Foreign Affairs: Manucher Mottaki
Finances Safdar HOSEINI
Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
GDP: (billion) $240.99
GDP per capita: $3,454.19
GDP Growth rate: (%) 5.3
Unemployment: (%)
Inflation: (%) 14.6
km2
Foreign Representation in Canada
Abbas ASSEMI
Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.
Canadian Representation Abroad
James Carrick
Iran Canada
1 CAN$= 8,373.54
n/a
n/a
Canadian Exports to $308,953,849
Canadian Imports from $44,495,450
Iran
Iran
$1,439.27
$44,174.60
2.7
6.3
2
President
Representation:
Economic Information: (2006)
Political Information:
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A long dark journey from lawbreaker to lawmaker
By Serge Leclerc
I WAS BORN a product of rape.
My mother was a 13 year old Cree girl who ran away from home when she was raped and never returned. She gave birth to me in an abandoned building somewhere in Quebec or northern New Brunswick.
My mother migrated to the inner city of Toronto. She couldn’t read and write, couldn’t speak English, and worked two jobs as a dishwasher, 16 hours a day.
Inner city church
My mother was also a Christian. On Sundays, she would take me to an inner city church. She talked about Jesus and said, “You can be anything you want to be. You have been created well. There is a God who loves you.”
At eight years old, my view of God changed. I played truant from school and was incarcerated in St. John’s Training School, run by the same men who ran the Mount Cashel Orphanage. They called themselves Christian brothers, wore black cassocks and represented God.
I had my jaw broken at nine years old. I was locked up, naked, in the pitch black in a room no bigger than a clothes closet. I became a runaway, living in abandoned buildings and heated garages and eating out of garbage cans. Then they would catch me and bring me back.
There was a man at the school that used to beat on me with a sawed-off goalie stick. He had drilled holes in the paddle so that when it hit wet skin, it would make little blood blisters. He would beat me till I collapsed or he got tired.
‘Brain damaged’;
At 10 years old, I went to the stable, broke off a pitchfork tine, marched into that man’s office and buried six inches of it in his belly. He took me to court and said I was brain damaged.
I thought that was pretty cool. It was better than being labelled a squaw, a half-breed, a bastard, and no good. I had learned to do the unexpected because if people thought I was brain damaged, they left me alone.
They sent me to a maximum security training school that they informed me was escape proof. Two years later, I escaped for the third time by burning down the gymnasium, stealing a truck and driving it through the fence. They took me back to court and said I was irretrievably brain damaged, beyond hope, beyond redemption.
They placed me in a group home. The first night, I jumped out a second floor window in my underwear to take on the world.
Money and fear
By the time I was 15, I was leading one of the toughest and largest street gangs in Toronto. I was a confirmed alcoholic and carried a gun in an era when most police officers didn’t. I learned the power of money and fear.
I was running alcohol stills and extortion rackets, but the thing I liked to do most was fight. In 1967, I became one of Canada’s earliest drug dealers and embarked on a journey as a 20-year drug addict and 13-year intravenous drug user. As co-leader of one of Canada’s most powerful drug crime families, I was generating $130 million a year of poison to pollute the minds and bodies of children across North America,
I had already spent more than half my life in prison, and in 1984 began a new nine-year sentence for a $40 million drug bust.
When I walked into the maximum security penitentiary, a 25 year old inmate decided that I didn’t look that tough and that he would gain a reputation by taking me down. I beat on him with a three-foot steel table leg and went into solitary confinement.
A choice in solitary
Seven months later, a volunteer allowed himself to be strip searched and humiliated in order to come into solitary confinement and tell me that I had a choice.
I could believe I was an animal that walked on two legs, with no purpose in life. Or I could choose to believe that there was a Creator and I had great value and purpose. He said that I had royally screwed up my life and everybody else’s that I had come into contact with. Then he left.
What an interesting way to present the gospel.
A few months later, I watched a 19 year old boy commit suicide in the cell beside me. He had put himself in that cell by buying crystal meth from my drug dealers. Then I thought about what that volunteer had said, and I realized he was right. For the first time in my life, I considered suicide.
Coffee and doughnuts
In a super maximum security penitentiary with 175 of Canada’s toughest convicts, I was invited to go to a chapel, to see these funny Christians who liked coffee and doughnuts and liked to sing songs.
One day, I asked one of the volunteers, “I would like a Bible so I can read what you’re talking about.”
He said, “There are none.”
“I said, “I need a Bible.”
He said, “I’ll smuggle one in.”
He brought me a Gideon New Testament. I studied it and learned about this gang leader named Jesus. When they threw the gang leader in the joint and then put him on the cross, all his gang members ran and hid. I could understand that. What I couldn’t understand was why they came out of hiding. Then I realized they came out of hiding and allowed themselves to be killed and persecuted for the truth.
Cold cement floor
I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour by myself, at 2 am, kneeling on a cold cement floor. I told Jesus, “You said that if I follow you, I’ll know truth, step out of darkness and know freedom.”
Since that time, it’s been an interesting journey. In 1985, when I came to the Lord, I was classified as one of the most violent men in the Canadian penitentiary system. I had spent over six years in solitary confinement, been investigated for prison murders, been charged with instigating prison riots and assaulting guards and been one of the kingpins in the drug trade in any prison I had walked into. And here I was following Jesus. I stopped swearing. I quit smoking dope. I quit carrying a homemade brass shank strapped to my left arm.
With a grade five education, I became the first convict in Canadian history to achieve a university degree while in prison, earning a double honours degree in sociology and social work from the University of Waterloo.
Going places
When I got out of prison in 1988, God led me to places I thought I would never go to. I became one of the chief speakers for Crimestoppers International, travelling across North America to speak to over three million young people. I founded ministries for battered women and street children, started the first chapter of Prison Fellowship Canada and became regional director of Teen Challenge Saskatchewan.
In 2007 I was elected to the Saskatchewan legislature, the first person in North America to go from lawbreaker to lawmaker. (Usually it’s the other way around.)
And when people ask me how this happened, I tell them about the God that changes lives I tell them what God can do through a Gideon’s Bible and the faithful people who brought it to a man in solitary confinement.
Serge Leclerc will be speaking at a Gideons fundraiser banquet September 12, 6 pm, at Chilliwack Secondary School.
September 2009
I WAS BORN a product of rape.
My mother was a 13 year old Cree girl who ran away from home when she was raped and never returned. She gave birth to me in an abandoned building somewhere in Quebec or northern New Brunswick.
My mother migrated to the inner city of Toronto. She couldn’t read and write, couldn’t speak English, and worked two jobs as a dishwasher, 16 hours a day.
Inner city church
My mother was also a Christian. On Sundays, she would take me to an inner city church. She talked about Jesus and said, “You can be anything you want to be. You have been created well. There is a God who loves you.”
At eight years old, my view of God changed. I played truant from school and was incarcerated in St. John’s Training School, run by the same men who ran the Mount Cashel Orphanage. They called themselves Christian brothers, wore black cassocks and represented God.
I had my jaw broken at nine years old. I was locked up, naked, in the pitch black in a room no bigger than a clothes closet. I became a runaway, living in abandoned buildings and heated garages and eating out of garbage cans. Then they would catch me and bring me back.
There was a man at the school that used to beat on me with a sawed-off goalie stick. He had drilled holes in the paddle so that when it hit wet skin, it would make little blood blisters. He would beat me till I collapsed or he got tired.
‘Brain damaged’;
At 10 years old, I went to the stable, broke off a pitchfork tine, marched into that man’s office and buried six inches of it in his belly. He took me to court and said I was brain damaged.
I thought that was pretty cool. It was better than being labelled a squaw, a half-breed, a bastard, and no good. I had learned to do the unexpected because if people thought I was brain damaged, they left me alone.
They sent me to a maximum security training school that they informed me was escape proof. Two years later, I escaped for the third time by burning down the gymnasium, stealing a truck and driving it through the fence. They took me back to court and said I was irretrievably brain damaged, beyond hope, beyond redemption.
They placed me in a group home. The first night, I jumped out a second floor window in my underwear to take on the world.
Money and fear
By the time I was 15, I was leading one of the toughest and largest street gangs in Toronto. I was a confirmed alcoholic and carried a gun in an era when most police officers didn’t. I learned the power of money and fear.
I was running alcohol stills and extortion rackets, but the thing I liked to do most was fight. In 1967, I became one of Canada’s earliest drug dealers and embarked on a journey as a 20-year drug addict and 13-year intravenous drug user. As co-leader of one of Canada’s most powerful drug crime families, I was generating $130 million a year of poison to pollute the minds and bodies of children across North America,
I had already spent more than half my life in prison, and in 1984 began a new nine-year sentence for a $40 million drug bust.
When I walked into the maximum security penitentiary, a 25 year old inmate decided that I didn’t look that tough and that he would gain a reputation by taking me down. I beat on him with a three-foot steel table leg and went into solitary confinement.
A choice in solitary
Seven months later, a volunteer allowed himself to be strip searched and humiliated in order to come into solitary confinement and tell me that I had a choice.
I could believe I was an animal that walked on two legs, with no purpose in life. Or I could choose to believe that there was a Creator and I had great value and purpose. He said that I had royally screwed up my life and everybody else’s that I had come into contact with. Then he left.
What an interesting way to present the gospel.
A few months later, I watched a 19 year old boy commit suicide in the cell beside me. He had put himself in that cell by buying crystal meth from my drug dealers. Then I thought about what that volunteer had said, and I realized he was right. For the first time in my life, I considered suicide.
Coffee and doughnuts
In a super maximum security penitentiary with 175 of Canada’s toughest convicts, I was invited to go to a chapel, to see these funny Christians who liked coffee and doughnuts and liked to sing songs.
One day, I asked one of the volunteers, “I would like a Bible so I can read what you’re talking about.”
He said, “There are none.”
“I said, “I need a Bible.”
He said, “I’ll smuggle one in.”
He brought me a Gideon New Testament. I studied it and learned about this gang leader named Jesus. When they threw the gang leader in the joint and then put him on the cross, all his gang members ran and hid. I could understand that. What I couldn’t understand was why they came out of hiding. Then I realized they came out of hiding and allowed themselves to be killed and persecuted for the truth.
Cold cement floor
I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour by myself, at 2 am, kneeling on a cold cement floor. I told Jesus, “You said that if I follow you, I’ll know truth, step out of darkness and know freedom.”
Since that time, it’s been an interesting journey. In 1985, when I came to the Lord, I was classified as one of the most violent men in the Canadian penitentiary system. I had spent over six years in solitary confinement, been investigated for prison murders, been charged with instigating prison riots and assaulting guards and been one of the kingpins in the drug trade in any prison I had walked into. And here I was following Jesus. I stopped swearing. I quit smoking dope. I quit carrying a homemade brass shank strapped to my left arm.
With a grade five education, I became the first convict in Canadian history to achieve a university degree while in prison, earning a double honours degree in sociology and social work from the University of Waterloo.
Going places
When I got out of prison in 1988, God led me to places I thought I would never go to. I became one of the chief speakers for Crimestoppers International, travelling across North America to speak to over three million young people. I founded ministries for battered women and street children, started the first chapter of Prison Fellowship Canada and became regional director of Teen Challenge Saskatchewan.
In 2007 I was elected to the Saskatchewan legislature, the first person in North America to go from lawbreaker to lawmaker. (Usually it’s the other way around.)
And when people ask me how this happened, I tell them about the God that changes lives I tell them what God can do through a Gideon’s Bible and the faithful people who brought it to a man in solitary confinement.
Serge Leclerc will be speaking at a Gideons fundraiser banquet September 12, 6 pm, at Chilliwack Secondary School.
September 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Jeff Merkley (Senator)
Join Senator Merkley for a Telephone Town Hall
As Congress continues to tackle the challenge of fixing our health care system, Senator Merkley wants to hear your thoughts, what's working and what isn't, and how we can best make it work for Oregon's families and businesses. Senator Merkley knows that not everyone can make it to his town hall meetings, and that's why he wanted to make sure Oregonians have every avenue available to them to reach out to him and make their concerns known.
On September 30th, Senator Merkley will hold a Telephone Town Hall, where Oregonians can ask Senator Merkley questions and share their views about the current effort to reform health care.
Join Senator Merkley for a Telephone Town Hall and make your voice heard.
As Congress continues to tackle the challenge of fixing our health care system, Senator Merkley wants to hear your thoughts, what's working and what isn't, and how we can best make it work for Oregon's families and businesses. Senator Merkley knows that not everyone can make it to his town hall meetings, and that's why he wanted to make sure Oregonians have every avenue available to them to reach out to him and make their concerns known.
On September 30th, Senator Merkley will hold a Telephone Town Hall, where Oregonians can ask Senator Merkley questions and share their views about the current effort to reform health care.
Join Senator Merkley for a Telephone Town Hall and make your voice heard.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
پیام شاهزاده رضا پهلوی به مناسبت آغاز سال تحصیلی ۸۹- ۱۳۸۸
اول مهر ماه ۱۳۸۸
به نام خداوند جان و خرد
هم میهنانم،
سال تحصیلی نوین در حالی آغاز می شود که ملت ایران سوگوار بهترین فرزندان اش است. سوگوار نداها و سهراب ها، سوگوار ترانه ها و مهدی های اش، سوگوار دختران و پسران شیردل و خردمندی که با آنکه هنوز در آغاز راه آموزش بودند، اما تنها و تنها با ایستادن بی قید و شرط شان در برابر ستم و نادانی، تنها و تنها با نه گفتن شان به دیو خشم و آری گفتن شان به ایزد مهر، بزرگ ترین درس ها را، نهایت دانایی را، به ما، و به جهان، آموختند: آزادگی! پس به جاست که در آستانه ی این فصل یادگیری، هنر به یاد آوردن را از یاد نبریم و نام آن جاودانان سپند را، بزرگ بداریم: بر روان پاک یکایک شان، درود می فرستیم.
دانش آموزان، دانش جویان، فرهنگیان،
ایران ما دوران های تاریکی بسیاری را از سرگذرانده است، دوران هایی که چون امروز، در یک اشغال فرهنگی و تمدنی تمام عیار به سر می برده است. در چنین دوران هایی بوده است که ابن مقفع های مان را در تنور خلیفه سوزانده اند، حلاج های مان را، تا که اسرار هویدا نکنند، به دار خشک اندیشی و پی ورزی آویخته اند، و سهروردی هامان را، در زندان های دروغ باوران، به قتل رسانده اند. آری، بر ما، رنج دوران ها رفته است، با این حال اما، همواره ایستاده ایم، و به مرگ نه، و به زندگی، آری گفته ایم.
آموزگاران، استادان، و پژوهشگران عزیزم،
به خوبی آگاهم و می دانم که چگونه، بار غم نان بر دوش های شما سنگینی می کند، می دانم که شکستن قلم های تان را هنر می شمارند، می دانم که ولی فقیه بار دیگر دندان تیز کرده است تا قلب دانش را از سینه ی آبی این سرزمین برون کند و خرافه را جایگزین خردگرایی کند و فلسفه و دانش های انسانی را تا سطح علوم خفیه و اوراد غریبه پائین کشد، با این حال اما، فراموش نکنید که همه ی این ها، نعره های برامده از افسردگی دیوی رو به مرگ بیش نیست؛ هر روز که می گذرد، از حجم تاریکی کم، و بر بار روشنایی افزوده می شود.
عزیزانم،
دبیرستان در فرهنگ ما، که دبستان و دانشگاه نیز برایندی از آن هستند، همواره جای آموزش راستی و نیکی و پرهیز از دروغ و بدی بوده است، نظام اهریمنی ولی فقیه اما، با پیروی از طبیعت وارونه و سنت راستی ستیزانه اش، کوشیده است که دروغ را جایگزین راستی، و بدی را جایگزین نیکی گرداند و از این طریق، سامانه ی ارزشی فرهنگ کهن ما را، دچار اختلال درونی و تناقض کند. از این رو، روشن است که اول مهر ماه، که روز تجدید پیمان اهل دانش و فرهنگ با روشنایی و خرد است، برای متولیان تاریک منشی و نگون اندیشی، برای نگهبانان دشت های بی فرهنگی، کابوسی مرگ آور باشد. کمر این نظام دوزخی، که از روز نخست برای کشتن دانش و شکستن اندیشه آمد، تا که در فقدان دانایی و آزادی، دولت ضحاک را برپا دارد و تاریکی و خشم را بر ایران ما چیره کند، در نهایت به دست خود اهل خرد، یعنی در دانشگاه است که شکسته خواهد شد.
هم میهنانم،
نظام ولایت فقیهی که امروز بر سرزمین ما چیره شده است، برایند همه ی وارونه اندیشی ها و کژ کرداری های تاریخی ماست. این نظام نامقدس، همه آنچیزی را نمایندگی می کند، که با نخ جهل و با سوزن زور، به تاریخ ما کوک زده شده است؛ حکومت دینی، به عنوان وصله ی ناجور، وارونگی ایران و ایرانی ست، و امروز بر ما فرزندان راستین کوروش است، که به یاری خرد ِ روشنگر، کژی ها را راست کنیم، و وارونگی ها را، باز آراییم.
ایرانیان،
ایران، گهواره ی خرد، سرزمین روشنگری و احترام به طبیعت، و بوم اندیشه های شاد است. ایران همان سرزمینی ست که روزی در جندی شاهپورهای اش، پژوهشگرانی از چهار سوی جهان برای کسب دانش و داد و ستد بینش گرد هم می آمدند، ایران همان سرزمینی ست که روزی تیسفون اش پناهگاه بزرگ ترین فیلسوفان فراری اروپا بود، ایران همان سرزمینی ست که دانشمندان نیک اندیش اش نخستین دانشنامه ی جهان بشری را پایه گذاری کردند؛
هم میهنانم،
به راستی که برای چنین سرزمینی که همواره مهمان دار دانش و میزبان گشاده دست دانشمندان بوده است، مایه ی شرم و سرافکندگی است که امروز در اش، در آستانه ی هزاره ای نوین، نه تنها اندیشیدن جرم باشد و جای اندیشه ورز در زندان، بلکه حتا نوادگان همان فیلسوفان فراری دیروز را نیز، بطور غیابی در دادگاه محکوم کنند و افکار شان را، به جوخه ی اعدام سپارند. به تیغ سپردن و تبر آجین کردن اندیشه و اندیشه ورز، این است آن سنت ننگینی که خمینی پایه اش گذاشت، و امروز، خامنه ای، بر ژرفنای پلیدی های اش می افزاید.
فرهنگیان،
اشغال فرهنگی و تمدنی با خود مقاومت فرهنگی و تمدنی نیز می آورد. فردوسی ها و خیام ها، بیرونی ها و ابن راوندی های ما، قله های سنت مقاومت در برابر بیگانگان اند. امروز این بر همه ی اهل فرهنگ است که سنت مقاومت را به فرزندان میهن بیاموزند و اجازه ندهند که ضحاکان زمان، بر سفره ی مغز جوانان این سرزمین کهن بنشینند. ترانه های خیام و سرودهای فردوسی پادزهر سم مهلکی اند که نظام ولایت فقیه و سنت تاریک اندیشانه ای که بر آن استوار است، به زور، در کام فرهنگ و تمدن ایرانزمین فروریخته اند؛ به آن آتشی که هیچ گاه در دل هیچ یک از ما نخواهد مرد ایمان داشته باشیم و مشعل خردی را که فردوسی ها و خیام ها در برابر تازش تاریک اندیشان نگه اش داشتند و نگذاشتند که خاموش شود، در چهارگوشه ی میهن، بالا بگیریم.
هم میهنانم،
قفل هر دانشی را، با کلید زبان همان دانش باز می توان کرد و قفل هر تمدنی را، با کلید زبان همان تمدن. ایران ما، که در پیوندگاه همه ی فرهنگ ها و در نقطه ی وصل همه ی تمدن ها جای گرفته است، برای پائیدن و بر جای ماندن، همواره راهی نداشته است جز آموختن زبان همه ی تمدن ها، و در پر شکوه ترین دوران های اش نیز، نقش میانجی و مترجم بزرگ تمدنی ای را بازی کرده است، که دست تمدن های دیگر را در دست یکدیگر نهاده است. و اینگونه بوده است که جهان در ایران، همواره صلح تمدنی خود را جسته، و در بسیاری گاه ها نیز، یافته است.
عزیزانم،
اکنون صده هاست که این بازیگر بزرگ تاریخ تمدن، یعنی ایران ما، آنگونه که باید و شاید، دیگر به زبان تمدن خویش آشنا نیست. پرسش این است: در غیاب آشنایی با زبان تمدن خود، چگونه می توان تمدن های دیگر را به گونه ای بایسته فهمید، و مهم تر از آن، به درون یک گفتگوی تمدنی گام نهاد و از پس نقش میانجی گرانه و صلح آورانه ای که تاریخ بر دوش ما گذاشته است برآمد؟
چگونه می توان پایه های تمدن اروپا، یعنی آتن و روم را فهمید، در حالی که پایه های تمدن خود، یعنی تیسفون و شوش را به خوبی درنیافته ایم؟ چگونه می توان تمدن سترگ چین و یا فرهنگ غنی هند را درک کرد، در حالی که هنوز از درک موزون تاریخ پر شکوه خود برنیامده ایم؟ راست این است که پیشفرض هر گفتگوی تمدنی، نخست، یک گفتگوی درونی با تمدن و فرهنگ خویش است. تنها از گذر شناخت خود است که می توان به شناخت غیر برآمد. پس برای آنکه جهان را بشناسیم، نخست باید که ایران را بشناسیم.
دانش آموزان، دانشجویان، فرهنگیان،
به باور من، ایران ما، به همان اندازه که نمی تواند و در طبیعت اش نیست که در را به روی تمدن ها و فرهنگ های دیگر بربندد، به همان سان نیز نمی تواند و در طبیعت اش نیست که ریزه خوار خوان فرهنگ ها و تمدن های دیگر باشد. عزت نفس ملت کهن ما، چنین امری را برنمی تابد. پس بیائیم و در آغاز این فصل نوین، با یکدیگر پیمانی فرهنگی بندیم، دست در دست یکدیگر نهیم، و ایران مان را باری دیگر از ریشه، باز اش یابیم و باز اش آراییم و باز اش سازیم.
درخت، هر چه کهن سال تر، ریشه های اش تنومندتر، و در باغ پر گل تمدن ها، کدامین درخت کهن سال تر از درخت تمدن ایران ما؟ زبان های ایرانی را، زبان کوروش ها و داریوش ها، زبان جاماسب ها و بزرگ مهرها را به فرزندان ایرانزمین بازآموزیم و شرایطی را فراهم کنیم، که ایرانی، در هر کجا که هست، مفسر ایران، و صاحب امتیاز تمدن ایرانی باشد. دوام ما، به مثابه ی یک ملت فرهنگی، در این حق و امکان تفسیر نهفته است.
هم میهنانم،
ایران را، در ریشه های اش بجوییم و دوباره، نه با نگاهی رویه نگر، بلکه با چشمی مرکب و ژرف بین، کشف اش کنیم. ما، به عنوان میراث داران یک تمدن مادر و زایا، می توانیم جهان مان را با همدلی و هم اندیشی و هم توانی، از تاریکی به در آوریم و به سوی روشنایی، تندرستی، و شادی برانیم. اگرچه اینک روزهای سختی را پشت سر می گذاریم، اما شکی نداشته باشیم، که پیروزی با ماست.
خداوند نگهدار ایران باد
رضا پهلوی
به نام خداوند جان و خرد
هم میهنانم،
سال تحصیلی نوین در حالی آغاز می شود که ملت ایران سوگوار بهترین فرزندان اش است. سوگوار نداها و سهراب ها، سوگوار ترانه ها و مهدی های اش، سوگوار دختران و پسران شیردل و خردمندی که با آنکه هنوز در آغاز راه آموزش بودند، اما تنها و تنها با ایستادن بی قید و شرط شان در برابر ستم و نادانی، تنها و تنها با نه گفتن شان به دیو خشم و آری گفتن شان به ایزد مهر، بزرگ ترین درس ها را، نهایت دانایی را، به ما، و به جهان، آموختند: آزادگی! پس به جاست که در آستانه ی این فصل یادگیری، هنر به یاد آوردن را از یاد نبریم و نام آن جاودانان سپند را، بزرگ بداریم: بر روان پاک یکایک شان، درود می فرستیم.
دانش آموزان، دانش جویان، فرهنگیان،
ایران ما دوران های تاریکی بسیاری را از سرگذرانده است، دوران هایی که چون امروز، در یک اشغال فرهنگی و تمدنی تمام عیار به سر می برده است. در چنین دوران هایی بوده است که ابن مقفع های مان را در تنور خلیفه سوزانده اند، حلاج های مان را، تا که اسرار هویدا نکنند، به دار خشک اندیشی و پی ورزی آویخته اند، و سهروردی هامان را، در زندان های دروغ باوران، به قتل رسانده اند. آری، بر ما، رنج دوران ها رفته است، با این حال اما، همواره ایستاده ایم، و به مرگ نه، و به زندگی، آری گفته ایم.
آموزگاران، استادان، و پژوهشگران عزیزم،
به خوبی آگاهم و می دانم که چگونه، بار غم نان بر دوش های شما سنگینی می کند، می دانم که شکستن قلم های تان را هنر می شمارند، می دانم که ولی فقیه بار دیگر دندان تیز کرده است تا قلب دانش را از سینه ی آبی این سرزمین برون کند و خرافه را جایگزین خردگرایی کند و فلسفه و دانش های انسانی را تا سطح علوم خفیه و اوراد غریبه پائین کشد، با این حال اما، فراموش نکنید که همه ی این ها، نعره های برامده از افسردگی دیوی رو به مرگ بیش نیست؛ هر روز که می گذرد، از حجم تاریکی کم، و بر بار روشنایی افزوده می شود.
عزیزانم،
دبیرستان در فرهنگ ما، که دبستان و دانشگاه نیز برایندی از آن هستند، همواره جای آموزش راستی و نیکی و پرهیز از دروغ و بدی بوده است، نظام اهریمنی ولی فقیه اما، با پیروی از طبیعت وارونه و سنت راستی ستیزانه اش، کوشیده است که دروغ را جایگزین راستی، و بدی را جایگزین نیکی گرداند و از این طریق، سامانه ی ارزشی فرهنگ کهن ما را، دچار اختلال درونی و تناقض کند. از این رو، روشن است که اول مهر ماه، که روز تجدید پیمان اهل دانش و فرهنگ با روشنایی و خرد است، برای متولیان تاریک منشی و نگون اندیشی، برای نگهبانان دشت های بی فرهنگی، کابوسی مرگ آور باشد. کمر این نظام دوزخی، که از روز نخست برای کشتن دانش و شکستن اندیشه آمد، تا که در فقدان دانایی و آزادی، دولت ضحاک را برپا دارد و تاریکی و خشم را بر ایران ما چیره کند، در نهایت به دست خود اهل خرد، یعنی در دانشگاه است که شکسته خواهد شد.
هم میهنانم،
نظام ولایت فقیهی که امروز بر سرزمین ما چیره شده است، برایند همه ی وارونه اندیشی ها و کژ کرداری های تاریخی ماست. این نظام نامقدس، همه آنچیزی را نمایندگی می کند، که با نخ جهل و با سوزن زور، به تاریخ ما کوک زده شده است؛ حکومت دینی، به عنوان وصله ی ناجور، وارونگی ایران و ایرانی ست، و امروز بر ما فرزندان راستین کوروش است، که به یاری خرد ِ روشنگر، کژی ها را راست کنیم، و وارونگی ها را، باز آراییم.
ایرانیان،
ایران، گهواره ی خرد، سرزمین روشنگری و احترام به طبیعت، و بوم اندیشه های شاد است. ایران همان سرزمینی ست که روزی در جندی شاهپورهای اش، پژوهشگرانی از چهار سوی جهان برای کسب دانش و داد و ستد بینش گرد هم می آمدند، ایران همان سرزمینی ست که روزی تیسفون اش پناهگاه بزرگ ترین فیلسوفان فراری اروپا بود، ایران همان سرزمینی ست که دانشمندان نیک اندیش اش نخستین دانشنامه ی جهان بشری را پایه گذاری کردند؛
هم میهنانم،
به راستی که برای چنین سرزمینی که همواره مهمان دار دانش و میزبان گشاده دست دانشمندان بوده است، مایه ی شرم و سرافکندگی است که امروز در اش، در آستانه ی هزاره ای نوین، نه تنها اندیشیدن جرم باشد و جای اندیشه ورز در زندان، بلکه حتا نوادگان همان فیلسوفان فراری دیروز را نیز، بطور غیابی در دادگاه محکوم کنند و افکار شان را، به جوخه ی اعدام سپارند. به تیغ سپردن و تبر آجین کردن اندیشه و اندیشه ورز، این است آن سنت ننگینی که خمینی پایه اش گذاشت، و امروز، خامنه ای، بر ژرفنای پلیدی های اش می افزاید.
فرهنگیان،
اشغال فرهنگی و تمدنی با خود مقاومت فرهنگی و تمدنی نیز می آورد. فردوسی ها و خیام ها، بیرونی ها و ابن راوندی های ما، قله های سنت مقاومت در برابر بیگانگان اند. امروز این بر همه ی اهل فرهنگ است که سنت مقاومت را به فرزندان میهن بیاموزند و اجازه ندهند که ضحاکان زمان، بر سفره ی مغز جوانان این سرزمین کهن بنشینند. ترانه های خیام و سرودهای فردوسی پادزهر سم مهلکی اند که نظام ولایت فقیه و سنت تاریک اندیشانه ای که بر آن استوار است، به زور، در کام فرهنگ و تمدن ایرانزمین فروریخته اند؛ به آن آتشی که هیچ گاه در دل هیچ یک از ما نخواهد مرد ایمان داشته باشیم و مشعل خردی را که فردوسی ها و خیام ها در برابر تازش تاریک اندیشان نگه اش داشتند و نگذاشتند که خاموش شود، در چهارگوشه ی میهن، بالا بگیریم.
هم میهنانم،
قفل هر دانشی را، با کلید زبان همان دانش باز می توان کرد و قفل هر تمدنی را، با کلید زبان همان تمدن. ایران ما، که در پیوندگاه همه ی فرهنگ ها و در نقطه ی وصل همه ی تمدن ها جای گرفته است، برای پائیدن و بر جای ماندن، همواره راهی نداشته است جز آموختن زبان همه ی تمدن ها، و در پر شکوه ترین دوران های اش نیز، نقش میانجی و مترجم بزرگ تمدنی ای را بازی کرده است، که دست تمدن های دیگر را در دست یکدیگر نهاده است. و اینگونه بوده است که جهان در ایران، همواره صلح تمدنی خود را جسته، و در بسیاری گاه ها نیز، یافته است.
عزیزانم،
اکنون صده هاست که این بازیگر بزرگ تاریخ تمدن، یعنی ایران ما، آنگونه که باید و شاید، دیگر به زبان تمدن خویش آشنا نیست. پرسش این است: در غیاب آشنایی با زبان تمدن خود، چگونه می توان تمدن های دیگر را به گونه ای بایسته فهمید، و مهم تر از آن، به درون یک گفتگوی تمدنی گام نهاد و از پس نقش میانجی گرانه و صلح آورانه ای که تاریخ بر دوش ما گذاشته است برآمد؟
چگونه می توان پایه های تمدن اروپا، یعنی آتن و روم را فهمید، در حالی که پایه های تمدن خود، یعنی تیسفون و شوش را به خوبی درنیافته ایم؟ چگونه می توان تمدن سترگ چین و یا فرهنگ غنی هند را درک کرد، در حالی که هنوز از درک موزون تاریخ پر شکوه خود برنیامده ایم؟ راست این است که پیشفرض هر گفتگوی تمدنی، نخست، یک گفتگوی درونی با تمدن و فرهنگ خویش است. تنها از گذر شناخت خود است که می توان به شناخت غیر برآمد. پس برای آنکه جهان را بشناسیم، نخست باید که ایران را بشناسیم.
دانش آموزان، دانشجویان، فرهنگیان،
به باور من، ایران ما، به همان اندازه که نمی تواند و در طبیعت اش نیست که در را به روی تمدن ها و فرهنگ های دیگر بربندد، به همان سان نیز نمی تواند و در طبیعت اش نیست که ریزه خوار خوان فرهنگ ها و تمدن های دیگر باشد. عزت نفس ملت کهن ما، چنین امری را برنمی تابد. پس بیائیم و در آغاز این فصل نوین، با یکدیگر پیمانی فرهنگی بندیم، دست در دست یکدیگر نهیم، و ایران مان را باری دیگر از ریشه، باز اش یابیم و باز اش آراییم و باز اش سازیم.
درخت، هر چه کهن سال تر، ریشه های اش تنومندتر، و در باغ پر گل تمدن ها، کدامین درخت کهن سال تر از درخت تمدن ایران ما؟ زبان های ایرانی را، زبان کوروش ها و داریوش ها، زبان جاماسب ها و بزرگ مهرها را به فرزندان ایرانزمین بازآموزیم و شرایطی را فراهم کنیم، که ایرانی، در هر کجا که هست، مفسر ایران، و صاحب امتیاز تمدن ایرانی باشد. دوام ما، به مثابه ی یک ملت فرهنگی، در این حق و امکان تفسیر نهفته است.
هم میهنانم،
ایران را، در ریشه های اش بجوییم و دوباره، نه با نگاهی رویه نگر، بلکه با چشمی مرکب و ژرف بین، کشف اش کنیم. ما، به عنوان میراث داران یک تمدن مادر و زایا، می توانیم جهان مان را با همدلی و هم اندیشی و هم توانی، از تاریکی به در آوریم و به سوی روشنایی، تندرستی، و شادی برانیم. اگرچه اینک روزهای سختی را پشت سر می گذاریم، اما شکی نداشته باشیم، که پیروزی با ماست.
خداوند نگهدار ایران باد
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Alarm Bells for Zebarjad Historical Mound in Izeh
18 September 2009
LONDON, (CAIS) -- Recent activity near the Zarzian Period site of Zebarjad near Izeh in Khuzestan Province, in southwestern Iran has raised alarm for the cultural enthusiasts, as a group of people has began erecting walls around the ancient site, reported the Persian service of ISNA on Wednesday.
“With regard to the destruction of the historical Zebarjad mound [as the result of erecting a wall around the site], we have informed the Khuzestan Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation (KCHTO)”, said Faramarz Khushab, a member of Friends of Izeh’ Cultural Heritage Society (FICHS).
Khushab stated: “Society has warned the KCHTO about the destruction and the wall construction around the site. This is the beginning of a construction process over the site and [society] asked the organisation to stop them.”
He added “The erection of a wall [around the site] is the beginning of the construction over the mound, in which the KCHTO should intervene and prevent its destruction.”
The historical site of Zebarjad date to proto-Elamite period, which its archaeology expands to Zarzian Period (18,000-8,000 BCE). No methodical archaeological research has ever been carried out on the site.
The Zarzian Period is an archaeological culture of late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods in Iran, Central Asia and Iraq. The Zarzian culture claimed to have participated in the early stages of ‘Broad Spectrum Revolution’ (BSR). The culture is found associated with remains of the domesticated dog and with the introduction of the bow and arrow. It seems to have extended north into the Kobystan region and into Eastern Iran as a forerunner of the Hissar and related cultures.
The historical mound is registered on Iran’s National Heritage List.
According to local folklore, the mound is called Zebarjad (meaning topaz), since in the past locals have found large numbers of the gemstones over and near the mound.
LONDON, (CAIS) -- Recent activity near the Zarzian Period site of Zebarjad near Izeh in Khuzestan Province, in southwestern Iran has raised alarm for the cultural enthusiasts, as a group of people has began erecting walls around the ancient site, reported the Persian service of ISNA on Wednesday.
“With regard to the destruction of the historical Zebarjad mound [as the result of erecting a wall around the site], we have informed the Khuzestan Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation (KCHTO)”, said Faramarz Khushab, a member of Friends of Izeh’ Cultural Heritage Society (FICHS).
Khushab stated: “Society has warned the KCHTO about the destruction and the wall construction around the site. This is the beginning of a construction process over the site and [society] asked the organisation to stop them.”
He added “The erection of a wall [around the site] is the beginning of the construction over the mound, in which the KCHTO should intervene and prevent its destruction.”
The historical site of Zebarjad date to proto-Elamite period, which its archaeology expands to Zarzian Period (18,000-8,000 BCE). No methodical archaeological research has ever been carried out on the site.
The Zarzian Period is an archaeological culture of late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods in Iran, Central Asia and Iraq. The Zarzian culture claimed to have participated in the early stages of ‘Broad Spectrum Revolution’ (BSR). The culture is found associated with remains of the domesticated dog and with the introduction of the bow and arrow. It seems to have extended north into the Kobystan region and into Eastern Iran as a forerunner of the Hissar and related cultures.
The historical mound is registered on Iran’s National Heritage List.
According to local folklore, the mound is called Zebarjad (meaning topaz), since in the past locals have found large numbers of the gemstones over and near the mound.
Richard Burr-Senator
September 18, 2009
Earlier this week, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform proposal. I agree that the need for health care reform is clear and appreciate the Finance Committee chairman's commitment to working across the aisle on this important issue, but the proposal he put forth fails several crucial tests. In addition to increasing spending and raising taxes, it also cuts Medicare by nearly half a trillion dollars. It makes no sense to jeopardize health coverage for seniors to pay for health care reform. Additionally, this plan is not financially sustainable over the long-term.
Reforming our health care system is important, but it is even more important that we get this right so that our children and grandchildren do not have to spend a lifetime correcting our mistakes. Members of Congress must listen to the concerns of their constituents, rather than focus on arbitrary timelines and rushed solutions.
Also, the House took up legislation this week addressing the Obama Administration’s proposal calling for a complete and immediate federal takeover of student loans by eliminating the successful Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL). This means that students and parents will soon only have one option when it comes to getting a loan to go to college: the federal government. The Senate will be asked to take up this legislation in the coming weeks.
Up to now, students, parents, and schools have benefitted from having a broad choice of lenders for student loans. Competition among private lenders allows for students to seek out and get the best terms and service on their loans. I am opposed to creating a federal monopoly on student loans because it will lead to reduced customer service, more bureaucratic red tape, and no choices as private lenders are squeezed out of the market. It also means American taxpayers will be responsible for putting up $100 billion each year to cover student loans. This takeover will only hurt our students and their families as they pursue a higher education, and I will continue my efforts to prevent such a takeover.
Yesterday, on the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland, the Administration decided to abandon an important missile defense program for the defense of NATO and our allies in Poland and the Czech Republic. In my opinion, the decision to turn our back on this project was naïve and damaging to our national security interests. In April, the President said—in Prague, no less—that as long as Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activity remained a threat, we would go forward with the missile defense program. Yesterday’s action stands in direct contrast to that commitment. It is clear to me that an armed Iran still poses a threat, and I am afraid getting rid of this program will only empower Russia and Iran, while our eastern European friends question our reliability as an ally.
Additionally, the Senate passed a resolution I co-sponsored with Senator Hagan honoring High Point Furniture Market on their 100th anniversary this week. Next week we expect to take up an appropriations bill to fund the Department of Interior. For timely updates from Washington, please visit my blog.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
*Please do not respond to this email address. To contact me please click here, or visit my website burr.senate.gov.
Asheville
Federal Building
151 Patton Avenue, Suite 204
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 350-2437
Fax: (828) 350-2439
Rocky Mount
100 Coast Line Street, Room 210
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (252) 977-9522
Fax: (252) 977-7902
Washington, DC
217 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3154
Fax: (202) 228-2981
Winston-Salem
2000 West First Street
Suite 508
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Phone: (800) 685-8916
Phone: (336) 631-5125
Fax: (336) 725-4493
Gastonia
City Hall
181 South Street, Room 222
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 833-0854
Fax: (704) 833-1467
Wilmington
201 North Front Street
Suite 809
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (888) 848-1833
Phone: (910) 251-1058
Fax: (910) 251-7975
Earlier this week, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform proposal. I agree that the need for health care reform is clear and appreciate the Finance Committee chairman's commitment to working across the aisle on this important issue, but the proposal he put forth fails several crucial tests. In addition to increasing spending and raising taxes, it also cuts Medicare by nearly half a trillion dollars. It makes no sense to jeopardize health coverage for seniors to pay for health care reform. Additionally, this plan is not financially sustainable over the long-term.
Reforming our health care system is important, but it is even more important that we get this right so that our children and grandchildren do not have to spend a lifetime correcting our mistakes. Members of Congress must listen to the concerns of their constituents, rather than focus on arbitrary timelines and rushed solutions.
Also, the House took up legislation this week addressing the Obama Administration’s proposal calling for a complete and immediate federal takeover of student loans by eliminating the successful Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL). This means that students and parents will soon only have one option when it comes to getting a loan to go to college: the federal government. The Senate will be asked to take up this legislation in the coming weeks.
Up to now, students, parents, and schools have benefitted from having a broad choice of lenders for student loans. Competition among private lenders allows for students to seek out and get the best terms and service on their loans. I am opposed to creating a federal monopoly on student loans because it will lead to reduced customer service, more bureaucratic red tape, and no choices as private lenders are squeezed out of the market. It also means American taxpayers will be responsible for putting up $100 billion each year to cover student loans. This takeover will only hurt our students and their families as they pursue a higher education, and I will continue my efforts to prevent such a takeover.
Yesterday, on the 70th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Poland, the Administration decided to abandon an important missile defense program for the defense of NATO and our allies in Poland and the Czech Republic. In my opinion, the decision to turn our back on this project was naïve and damaging to our national security interests. In April, the President said—in Prague, no less—that as long as Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activity remained a threat, we would go forward with the missile defense program. Yesterday’s action stands in direct contrast to that commitment. It is clear to me that an armed Iran still poses a threat, and I am afraid getting rid of this program will only empower Russia and Iran, while our eastern European friends question our reliability as an ally.
Additionally, the Senate passed a resolution I co-sponsored with Senator Hagan honoring High Point Furniture Market on their 100th anniversary this week. Next week we expect to take up an appropriations bill to fund the Department of Interior. For timely updates from Washington, please visit my blog.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
*Please do not respond to this email address. To contact me please click here, or visit my website burr.senate.gov.
Asheville
Federal Building
151 Patton Avenue, Suite 204
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 350-2437
Fax: (828) 350-2439
Rocky Mount
100 Coast Line Street, Room 210
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (252) 977-9522
Fax: (252) 977-7902
Washington, DC
217 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3154
Fax: (202) 228-2981
Winston-Salem
2000 West First Street
Suite 508
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Phone: (800) 685-8916
Phone: (336) 631-5125
Fax: (336) 725-4493
Gastonia
City Hall
181 South Street, Room 222
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 833-0854
Fax: (704) 833-1467
Wilmington
201 North Front Street
Suite 809
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (888) 848-1833
Phone: (910) 251-1058
Fax: (910) 251-7975
John Barrasso-Senator
September 18, 2009 |
| ||||||
| ||||||
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ariamehr TV
http://www.abctv1.com/ARIAMEHRHOME.html
DR. Saeed Sakuee CEO and President of Ariamehr
International Broadcasting Corp.
This TV station is being run by the donations /
Contributions of Patriotic, freedom loving Iranians.
Ariamehr International Broadcasting Television's sole
purpose is to Inform, Educate Politically the people of Iran,
and challenge the current regime in Iran.
DR. Saeed Sakuee CEO and President of Ariamehr
International Broadcasting Corp.
This TV station is being run by the donations /
Contributions of Patriotic, freedom loving Iranians.
Ariamehr International Broadcasting Television's sole
purpose is to Inform, Educate Politically the people of Iran,
and challenge the current regime in Iran.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Canadian Politicians, Iranian Mullahs, Terrorism, and Kleptocracy
http://www.petitiononline.com/cndmulkl/petition.html
To: International Court of Justice, Ban Ki-moon Secretary General United Nations,Transparency International Secretariat Prime Minister of Canada Right Honorable Stephen HARPER et al
Justice for All
Peyman DOUSTI
Pawn
E-mail: ImmortalGuardofIran@yahoo.com
Freedom, Justice, Honor, Courage
******************************************************************
Date of Issue:
Friday May 22nd, 2009
File Number:
Canadian Politicians, Iranian Mullahs, Terrorism, and Kleptocracy
Terms:
1.Petition is constituted as a legal document.
2.Asset is defined as fund or anything which has monetary value.
3.Element is defined as a person who is assisting a Revolutionary Guard, Basij, some form of Paramilitary, associating with ruling class of Islamic Republic of Iran.
4.Entity is defined as a person who is assisting a Revolutionary Guard, Basij, some form of Paramilitary, associating with ruling class of Islamic Republic of Iran.
5.Involvement is defined as a person, group, or a political party intentionally or unintentionally is assisting element of Islamic Republic of Iran to transfer asset to Canada.
6.Reserving the right to expand or recede on the terms of this petition.
7.Life cycle of this petition is not applicable to other key component of this petition.
8.Reserving the right to expand or recede any portion of this legal document. Regardless of circumstances.
Warning Issued:
1.Prior of issuing this petition, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Office of the Privacy Commission, FINTRAC, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canadian Dignitaries from all three level of governments, Canadian Red Cross, media outlets, and activists were warned about this dire situation. Most importantly, the above entities has been aware of the plight in Iran and the above Canadian elements have done nothing to stop it.
Background:
1.On October 16th, 2006 it became clear that cleric Ali Akbar Hashemi RAFSANJANI, who was an international terrorist from Iran with his son Mehdi, and his daughter Faezeh RAFSANJANI owned HWY 407 in Province of Ontario, country of Canada. In addition, they owned Center Point Mall Center which was located in Province of Ontario, country of Canada.
2.There is sufficient reason to believe that RAFSANJANI and his families have more assets in Canada.
3.There is sufficient reason to believe that there are other individuals that they are acting on behalf of RAFSANJANI in Canada and are protecting his families' assets in Canada.
4.There is sufficient reason to believe that there are other individuals from Islamic Republic of Iran that they use Canada as a base to invest in Canada.
Legal Evidence:
1.CIC2004001660 Citizenship and Immigration Canada Media 6/14/04 0:00 any documents, memos, reports, letters, emails, voice mail transcripts or other written or recorded material concerning direct foreign investment by companies and individuals of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada, including but not limited to Highway 407, the Center Point shopping Center in Toronto. Also any material on visits, official or unofficial, to Canada by member of the Iranian government, and/or family members of former Pres. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsnajani (aka Rafsamjani), including son Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani (aka Rafsamjani), and daughter Faezeh Hashemi. Timeframe January 1, 2000-June 14, 2004.”
2.International Trade Canada, Trade Commissioner Service stated that “Iran actively encourages foreign investment in most sectors but requires the involvement of a local partner to whom a technology is transferred. Generally, the local partner is expected to have a minimum share of 51% in the project. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA) covers foreign investments including BOT projects and Buy Back contracts. Buy Back contracts are the mechanism used by the Ministry of Oil to award oil and gas production contracts and are closer to service agreements than Production Sharing Agreements. Iran has set up multiple economic and free trade zones which offer 10 - 15 year tax holidays and duty free imports to promote investment. There is no Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement between Canada and Iran. For more information, contact the Iranian and Foreign Joint Venture Investment Association: info@iran-investment.com other useful information is available at: http://www.ipanet.com.”
3.International Trade Canada, Trade Commissioner Service advised “Medium and long-term financing is available from commercial banks in Iran although foreign investors are encouraged to find offshore sources of finance as commercial banks give preference to national investors. Foreign companies can best access local commercial finance through an Iranian joint venture partner. In many cases, the ability of foreign firms to secure external financing is a driving factor in the establishment of joint ventures and in the awarding of contracts
4.Iran - Canada Cola Corporation (a Canadian company based in Richmond Hill, Ontario) has signed a contract with Modabber Holding Investment Company (an Iranian private joint stock company owned by Imam Executive Headquarters) for the distribution of non-alcoholic children's canned beverages in Iran valued at approximately $3-4 million, as well as for the distribution of glass and PET bottles in Iran valued at approximately $2 million.
5.Iran - Seveil Incorporated Canada (a Canadian company based in Toronto, Ontario) is the exclusive agent of Westeel Grain Storage Systems for the Iranian market. During the past two years, this company has managed to win 11 projects to establish storage facilities for grains and oilseeds in Iran. Seveil has the largest share of the Iranian market for such projects in recent years (over 90%).
6.Element of Islamic Republic of Iran was able to infiltrate in Canadian political system by making political campaign contribution to certain candidates that these candidates were most likely to be elected to offices, and once candidates elected to the offices. Obviously, the agent of the Islamic Republic of Iran has bought the offices for the cleric regime in Canada, and entity like Rafsanjani was able to make investment in Canada despite his criminal record. Particularly, the Islamic Republic of Iran was a corrupt system, and there was no accountability to public. In June 2005, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada reported that “a Freedom House report stated that the country is “prone to corruption.” For example, the report stated that the “bureaucracy gives preferential hiring treatment to graduates of theological seminaries, veterans of the Iran-Iraq war and Besij militiamen rather than to candidates based on their skills and merits” (Freedom House June 2005). Following 1979 revolution, Islamic charitable foundations or “bonyads” {it means charity organization}, came under the State’s jurisdiction (RFEL/RL 5 Apr. 2005) and received many assets from Iran’s wealthiest families (Freedom House June 2005). Freedom House estimated that bonayds control between 10 and 20 per cent of Iran’s gross domestic product. Source also stated that, under that authority of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah {sign of god} Ali Khamenei, and the clerics, the bonyads have become “huge commercial conglomerates” that operate with no accountability and are not subject to any auditing procedures (ibid.; RFE/RL 5Apr. 2005. Freedom House also reported that “loyal supporters and relatives of the regime” are exempted from anti corruption laws.” Further in the matter of “bonyad” or charity foundation, “one way the Rafsanjani and other clerical families maintain their grip is through the Bonyad foundations, says Shaul Bakhash, a visiting fellow at the Brooking Institution, a Washington-based research organization. After the revolution, the Bonyads expropriated assets of foreigners and the former shah’s friends, says Bakhash, who has written extensively on Iran…Companies under Bonyad control account for as much as third of Iran’s economy, he says. The Bonyad don’t disclose their accounting or pay taxes; they get subsidized loans and report only to the Supreme Leader, he says. “The economic power structure is even more opaque than the political system, “Bakhash says. “The Bonyads funnel money to senior religious figures for patronage and suspected clandestine activities. Interestingly, “the Bonyads have been link with funding terror organizations;” such as, providing fund for murdering author of “The Satanic Verses.”
7.The Islamic Republic in Iran had a liaison office in Canada and it is called “Iran Canada Business Council” which is “found in 1992” and the Council had clear mandate and are established on two pillars: one) to “promote and support trade and investment between Iran and Canada [and last to] serve as an advisory body to Government in Canada on matters related to trade and economic relations with Iran.” Furthermore, this Council had its own unique benefit for Iran and Canada which are as follow: “The Iran Canada Business Council provides members with exceptional opportunities to develop business with Iran. Through a wide network of senior business and government contacts both in Canada and in Iran, the Council is able to provide members with entrée into one of the most important and growing markets in the Middle East” which means this Council had connection with high ranking clerics in Iran and Canadian politicians. Most importantly, this Council had its own unique privilege which was providing “opportunities to meet with senior level Iranian business and government missions to Canada.” One of Iranian investor in Canada was mullah Rafsanjani that he built Highway 407 and Center Point Mall in city of Toronto, Province of Ontario, Canada. Interestingly, mullah Rafsanjani was a senior high ranking member of terrorist Hezbollah organization, and wanted by international authority due to his atrocities that he committed in Argentina, as well as, other nations, and Canadian Government allowed an infamous terrorist Rafsanjani to make investment in Canada. Indeed, Canada was sponsoring terrorism because Canada had become an economic nest for terrorist Hezbollah organization which was contrary to Criminal Code of Canada.
i)“83.03 Every one who, directly or indirectly, collects property, provides or invites a person to provide, or makes available property or financial or other related services
ii)(a) intending that they be used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out any terrorist activity, or for the purpose of benefiting any person who is facilitating or carrying out such an activity, or
iii)(b) knowing that, in whole or part, they will be used by or will benefit a terrorist group, is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.”
iv)There was also this vital point that individuals were representing the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada that they were member of Revolutionary Guard and Canadian Government was fully aware of their background because on August 14th, 2004 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada reported that “structure of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also known as the Sepah and the Pasdaran; its size; its economic activities in construction.” Furthermore, the Immigration and Refugee Board stated that “Iran specialist Michael Eisentadt noted that “the IRGC {Revolutionary Guard} is a key institution in Iran today due to its role as guardian of the revolution, and due to the fact that many senior Revolutionary Guard officers have close personal and family ties to key members of Iran’s clerical establishment” (MERIA Mar. 2001). Additionally, Eisentadt emphasizes that the role the IRGC plays “in the advancement of future senior officers “is” crucial”. Furthermore, that the IRGC maintains considerable influence in domestic security affairs and particularly with respect to political opposition (Byman et al. 2001, 29.”
v)In March 2006 Export Development Canada reported that “the economic disparities in Iran 75% of national income is in the hands of 10% of the population, is a major challenge” which means 90% of Iran’s population was controlling 25% of Iran’s wealth, and making a factual point that after “twenty-five years […] Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the revolution that topple Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a dozen families with religious ties control much of Iran’s 110 billion gross domestic product and shape its politics, industries and finances, says Ray Takeyh, a professor and director of studies at National Defense University’s Near East and South Asia Center in Washington.” Simply, element of Islamic Republic in Iran funnel money in Canada and portion of money was given to Canadian politicians and rest of the money would be put in construction industry in Canada.
vi)There were serious detrimental effects on Iranian, when the cleric regime was investing in Canada and did not invest in Iran because Iranian were facing economic hardship; such as, high unemployment rate and high inflation rate which were having direct effect to quality of life in Iran.
vii)According to Ontario Export Inc. real GDP Growth from year 2000 to year 2002 beings from “4.1%, 0.8% and 4.0%” and CPI inflation from year 2000 to year 2002 “35.4%, 27.3% and 17.5%” unemployment rate from year 2000 to year 2002 begins with “18.1%, 21.7% and 24.9%.”
viii)In March 2007 Export Development Canada reported inflation rate of Iran in year 2006 which was 14.6% and in year 2007, it was 17.8%.
Investigation:
i) Charity Foundations in TO, ON
Canadian Government was fully aware that the Islamic Republic of Iran was establishing bogus charity foundations in Canada Mr. Ahmadreza TABRIZI President of TAIM Canada Inc. office is located at 30 Kern Road, North York, Ontario M3B 1T1 Canada and as Mr. TABRIZI, “Iran Canada Business Council”, clearly stated that he knew high ranking cleric in Iran, and Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada knew well that Revolutionary Guards main task was to make invest in construction industry, as well as, charity foundation. Quite frankly, Mr. TABRIZI was an agent of Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada that he inaugurated “Parya Trillium Foundation” in November 2002 at 30 Kern Road North York, Ontario M3B 1T1 Canada, and Arisha TABRIZI was member of The Law Society of Upper Canada and his law firm was located at 103-30 Kern Rd
North York, Ontario M3B 1T1 and name of law firm is “Tabrizi Law Office Professional Corporation.”
In November 2002 several honorary members attended inauguration for this charity foundation as follow Mayor of Toronto David MILLER, Jim PETERSON, John GODFRY, Alan ROCK from Liberal Party, and Dr. Joseph WONG as Mr. TABRIZI {his last name means that he is from city of Tabriz} claimed that this Parya Foundation did not promote political issues or religious value and he claimed that “we started private fundraising and raised an amount of approximately $30,000.00 CDN. Then, he began to insult Iran’s national language by referring to Persian language as Farsi language as he stated “I would like to give few words in Farsi, Our English speaking audience should excuse me as it is difficult for me to translate it in English.”
The board of “Parya Trillium Foundation” has eight members and among them Arshia TABRIZI, and Dr. Amir MAZINANI were Special Interest Persons in this investigation. There were no doubts that Ahmadreza TABRIZI was father of Arisha TABRIZI. There was Dr. Amir MAZINANI, who was residing at 81 Lord Seaton Road. North York, Ontario M2P 1K6 Canada that in 1984 to 1986 received tuition scholarship from Islamic Republic of Iran and according to Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada after 1979 revolution in Iran only those individuals that they were participant to 1979 revolution in Iran or had loyalty to Islamic Republic of Iran were allowed to attend universities. Moreover, there was a requirement that all university students prior of writing their admission exam to university, all students were required to answer to a questionnaire which would prove their loyalty to the theology state in Iran that the candidate for university was loyal to Islamic Republic in Iran and would uphold value of Islamic Republic in Iran. Therefore, Mr. Amir MAZINANI was loyal to Islamic Republic in Iran because he received scholarship from Islamic Republic in Iran.
Lastly, apparently Mr. Amir MAZINANI was working for his own company with name of “Mazinani Consulting Inc.” and his field of work was “Computer Peripheral and Pre-Packaged Software Wholesaler Distributors 518210 - Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services Computer consulting, Web design and hosting, Domain name, Digital image processing, Digital ID card, Digital security systems (Exporting) IT consulting for companies Web site design for companies Digital security system for local and remote Digital video and video processing to enhance the picture.”
ii) TABRIZI Formed other Councils:
Ahmadreza TABRIZI continuously was expanding his activity on ground of Non Profit Organization and had formed a council with name of “Persian Circle” which was Non Profit Organization and it had social and cultural objective, at the same time, it was trying to act as a bridge between new Iranian immigrants to Canada.
On February 12th, 2004 Mr. Ahmadreza TABRIZI incepted “Canadian for Bam Reconstruction Committee” and its office is located at 30 Kern Rd. North York, Ontario M3B 1T1. Keynote Speakers was Maria MINNA former Minister for International Cooperation, and Guest Speaker was city of Toronto Mayor David MILLER.
TABRIZI formed “Canadian for Bam Reconstruction Committee” because on December 26th, 2003 at about 05:26 hours earthquake shook the ground violently in city of Bam in Iran and claimed 41, 000 lives and 20, 000 sustained serious physical injuries, 60,000 people became homeless during cold winter time, and 70% of the city turned into rubble. TABRIZI promised that this committee would direct the fundraising money to Iran in order to built school. However, according to Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Revolutionary Guards have monopolized construction industry in Iran, now, there was no doubt that TABRIZI was member of Revolutionary Guards in Iran because he wanted to build school in Iran. In addition, Mr. Ahmadreza TABRIZI and Arshia TABRIZI were part of Liberty Development Corporation which was located at 505 Highway 7 East, suite 303 Thornhill, ON L3T 7T1, and it was incorporated with Darcon Inc. with Mr. Latif FAZEL at same location of Liberty Development Corporation. Also be advice that Mr. FAZEL stated that Darcon Inc. was located in city of Markham, whereas it was located in Thornhill.
TABRIZI claimed that a school was built in Iran and posted on his website that “a dormitory for girls as per photos were build and named as donation of Iranian-Canadian members who are part of CRBC.” The picture illustrated that there were young boys whom were running around and there were no little girls around to be found. Plus, in Iran schools had walls so unsupervised person could not walk in the school. The picture illustrated that there was no wall.
TABRIZI stated that “International Development and Relief Foundation I(IDRF) would collect all contributions and would issue tax receipt and invoices.” Why above institute was collecting money from public? Why above institute was not doing follow-up on project and TABRIZI was doing follow-up? Did any Canadian politicians do follow-up on the project and how money was funneled to Iran? There were countless questions to ask, but it was a difficult task to investigate and to found out answer for the above questions, when Canadian politicians were shaking hands with murderers in Iran.
So far, there was no independent body to verify accuracy of TABRIZI’s claim that if truly money which was generate from “Canadian for Bam Reconstruction Committee” was used toward reconstruction of city of Bam because this picture was shown reconstruction for “Earthquake in city Ghaen, located in Iran's Khorasan Province” and how Bam is related to Province of Khorasan? However, there were six pictures which show that a school is under construction.
Dr. Payam AKHAVAN reported that “suffice it to say that recently the survivors of the Bam earthquake in Iran protested about why the Iranian government is sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Hezbollah in Lebanon when the survivors of the earthquake still have not been provided with adequate housing. And in a democratic Iran, surely, people will ask whether it's worth spending $15 billion on a controversial nuclear program that risks military confrontation with the west at a time when, officially, there's a 25% unemployment rate, and unofficially, a rate that could be as high as 40%.”
On February 10th, 2006 Ahmadreza TABRIZI donated “$4000.00 CDN to “Under The Azure Dome.” The “Under The Azure Dome” was an organization which prepared cultural events in Toronto, and asked individuals to volunteer for this organization. Of course a volunteer would leave behind her /his name with the organization in order to in touch with the volunteers.
Ahmadreza TABRIZI had taken part in “Iranian Canadian Congress” which was a Non Profit Organization, non partisan and non religious. Interestingly, this organization had a mandate to “identify, present and promote the true leaders of the Iranian-Canadian community who can be the voice of the community and to assist them in becoming prominent members of the Canadian society in all level of civic life including at the Municipal, Provincial, and Federal level.” TABRIZI had close ties with Islamic Republic in Iran, and it was frighten to know that he was recruiting individuals to be elected in office in Canada.
On Sunday March 25th, 2007 Mohandes Ahmadreza TABRIZI held a graduate gathering in Toronto for students of Tehran Polytechnic Amir Kabir University. He claimed that in 1969 he was graduated from a university.
When time came to verify Ahmadreza TABRIZI’s NGO if it was legitimate or it was illegitimate, it appeared that Royal Canadian Mounted Police {RCMP} would be right candidate to give direction on how to verify a NGO, and a letter was written to RCMP on how to verify a NGO.
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am interested to verify a NGO in Canada if it is legitimate or not, how can I do that please?
Thank you,
Kind regards
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded by making the below statement.
Hello,
“The RCMP does not maintain a list of NGOs, a search of Google may find information on the organization you're looking for.”
Thank you.
Webmaster
National Communication Services
Services nationaux de communications
RCMP-GRC
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R2
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) was another government agency which would be useful for verifying NGO and a letter was written to the above governmental agency.
Dear Sir/Madam:
I would like to obtain some financial information on certain NGOs on matter of transaction. Kindly inform me how can I obtain this information from FINTRAC?
Thank you,
Kind regards
iii) The FINTRAC responded as follow:
“In response to your comments to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) dated …, we offer this email. The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act does not allow us to disclose specific information about persons or entities covered by the legislation. Therefore FINTRAC does not provide "references" concerning any reporting entity.”
Canada Tax Revenue refused to answer to similar above question.
iv) Why TABRIZI was Imploring New Arenas to Engage in Canada?
Fedayeen Organization (2004-2006)…it all depends on the case. The Iranian regime knows very well that many have fled Iran for socioeconomic reasons. However, as a general rule, if a person has been implicated in anti-government activities and/or working with subversive organization, whether pro-Monarchy or socialist, and known to have sought political asylum in a foreign country, her/his relatives will definitely be questioned. Whether they would be prosecuted or not depends on several factors and the severity of each factor…the regime is still as intolerant of dissident as it was more than a decade ago, but it has become sophisticated in handling these cases.” Were these charity foundations, and NGO some form of instruments for TABRIZI to collect data on Iranian dissidents in Canada?
TABRIZI has made substantial amount of political campaign contribution to Mayor of Toronto David MILLER.
Toronto 2003 Civic Election Contributions to Candidates
1.“LIBERTY DEVELOPMENT CORP $2,000”
2.“TAIM CANADA INC $1,000”
3.“30 KERN ROAD LTD $2,500.00 CDN”
4.“TABRIZI ARSHIA $800.00 CDN”
5.“Arshia TABRIZI $300.00 CDN”
6.“Ahmad TABRIZI $250.00 CDN”
There were reasonable questions on horizon that who below individuals, how were they related to Ahmadreza TABRIZI or did the register office enter their names incorrectly?
1.“TABRIZI AHMAD $750.00 CDN
2.TABRIZI MOHAMMAD REZA $250.00 CDN”
3.Ms. Gity NASHEY TABRIZI $400.00 CDN
4.M. Motamedi $200.00 CDN
There was a way of checking and verifying the above entities under Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sch.
Subsection; “93.No person shall obstruct a person making and investigation or examination under this Act or withhold, conceal or destroy anything relevant to the investigation or examination. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 93.”
69. (1) A candidate shall ensure that,
(a) one or more campaign accounts are opened at a financial institution, exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign and in the name of the candidate’s election campaign;
(b) all contributions of money are deposited into the campaign accounts;
(c) all payments for expenses, except for a nomination filing fee, are made from the campaign accounts;
(d) contributions of goods or services are valued;
(e) receipts are issued for every contribution and obtained for every expense;
(f) records are kept of,
(i) the receipts issued for every contribution
(ii) the value of every contribution,
(iii) whether a contribution is in the form of money, goods or services,
and
(iv) the contributor’s name and address;”
…
“Who may contribute
(3) Only the following may make contributions:
1. An individual who is normally resident in Ontario.
2. A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.”
Also, there was “Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” which would block investigation that under section “14 (3)-Presumed invasion of privacy, a disclosure of personal information is presumed to constitute an unjustified invasion of personal information if the personal information…f) Described an individual’s finances, income, assists, liabilities, net worth, bank balances, financial history or activities or creditworthiness”. However, there is a court order under Court File No. 789/00 Date heard February 28th, 2002, Ontario Superior Court of justice, Divisional Court in matter of LANE, McCOMBS and LaFORME JJ. Would over rule above “Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” because when “[2] The Commissioner's order upheld the decision of the City of Toronto (the "City") refusing disclosure of an electronic copy of campaign contribution records from the 1997 municipal election. For the reasons that follow, I would allow the application for judicial review and direct that the requested information be disclosed to the applicant…[30] Again, in my view, the Commissioner's conclusion was not reasonable. As I have indicated, the disclosed paper documents contain specific private information such as the contributors' names, addresses, amount contributed, and the candidate to whom the contribution was made. The only additional personal information contained in the electronic database that is not in the disclosed paper documents is the telephone numbers of the contributors. [31] I accept the position of the applicant that the only way that he can meaningfully scrutinize the information about campaign contributions is through the electronic database. Public scrutiny of the democratic election process and the integrity of the process governing political campaign contributions is a matter of significant public importance. In my view, in light of the fact that all but the telephone numbers of the contributors is already required to be disclosed, the public interest in disclosure of the database to enable meaningful scrutiny of the democratic process clearly outweighs other considerations. [32] It follows that the Commissioner's decision not to apply the public interest override in s. 16 of the MFIPPA was unreasonable. [33] In the result, I would allow the appeal, set aside the decision of the Commissioner, and order that the electronic database sought by the applicant be disclosed.”
The real question came down to this point that in November 2003 for municipal election, it was clear that David MILLER would win the election because other candidates were tangling with their own demons and scandals and voters were turn off by them, and MILLER appeared as a good boy, he was holding a broom and promising that he would clean-up the City. Thus, TABRIZI made significant amount of campaign contribution to MILLER because MILLER was a right person and he would win the election and there was no way to lose the election. Now, there was a question that did TABRIZI received instructed from the cleric regime to make a campaign contribution to MILLER?
Kindly be advise that Mr. MILLER has accepted donation from a strip joint with name of Zanzibar Tavern Inc. for amount of “$300” where ladies were exploited sexually by men, and this illustrated level of mentality of Mr. MILLER.
v) Liberal Party was Favorite Party:
In 1999, Arshia TABRIZI made $200.00 CDN political campaign contribution to Liberal Party, Azin TABRIZI made $250.00 CDN political campaign contribution to Liberal Party and S. TABRIZI made $400.00 CDN political campaign contribution to Liberal Party.
“2005 Central Party By-Election Campaign Period Return CR-4 Ontario Liberal Party Scarborough - Rouge River By-Election Statement Of Campaign Period Income and Expenses for the Period From October 26, 2005 to February 24, 2006 Reza MORIDI contributed $ 175.00 CDN.
Mr. TABRIZI was vibrant to announce that “now we are witnessing the presence of a new successful runner Dr. Moridi who hopefully will be representative of Liberal Party from Richmond Hill in Queens Park, Dr. Moridi {keep up the good work} we wish you success and all the best.”
On August 02nd, 2007 Naresh Raghubeer and David Harris from Canadian Coalition for Democracy reported this article that “Last week, Ontario Auditor-General Jim McCarter reported that the province's Immigration and Citizenship Ministry has been dispensing millions of dollars in grants to ethnic groups under a process that is "not open, transparent or accountable." In many cases, groups got money simply because their members were chummy with ministry insiders. "In essence, the decisions behind 'who got what' were often based on conversations, not applications," Mr. McCarter concluded. But Mr. McCarter's report does not merely highlight a failure of process in an otherwise sound government disbursement program. What the Auditor-General documents is nothing less than a taxpayer-funded political black market based on "ethnic" and religious vote-buying. The Iranian-Canadian Community Centre's $200,000 grant was disbursed despite there being "no written request for funding.”
On July 28th, 2007 York Region reported “Richmond Hill Liberal candidate Reza Moridi doesn’t think money awarded to a local charity group by the Dalton McGuinty government needs to be given back, despite findings that no formal process was followed to receive the money. His comments come in the wake of a scathing report from Auditor General Jim McCarter on how charity groups received millions in questionable provincial grants. The report led to the resignation Thursday of Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle. The grant money has been described as a slush fund by Opposition parties. Mr. McCarter concluded the granting process was not open, transparent or accountable. His report paints a damning picture of the process under which the Iranian-Canadian Community Centre (ICCC) and other groups received money, even though it falls short of saying groups got preference because of ties to the provincial Liberals.”
Criminal Code of Canada:
Terrorist Financing Offences: “83.03 Every one who, directly or indirectly, collects property, provides or invites a person to provide, or makes available property or financial or other related services
(a) intending that they be used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out any terrorist activity, or for the purpose of benefiting any person who is facilitating or carrying out such an activity, or
(b) knowing that, in whole or part, they will be used by or will benefit a terrorist group, is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.
Theft: “322. (1) Every one commits theft who fraudulently and without colour of right takes, or fraudulently and without colour of right converts to his use or to the use of another person, anything, whether animate or inanimate, with intent
(a) to deprive, temporarily or absolutely, the owner of it, or a person who has a special property or interest in it, of the thing or of his property or interest in it;
(b) to pledge it or deposit it as security;
(c) to part with it under a condition with respect to its return that the person who parts with it may be unable to perform; or
(d) to deal with it in such a manner that it cannot be restored in the condition in which it was at the time it was taken or converted.
(2) A person commits theft when, with intent to steal anything, he moves it or causes it to move or to be moved, or begins to cause it to become movable.
(3) A taking or conversion of anything may be fraudulent notwithstanding that it is effected without secrecy or attempt at concealment.
(4)For the purposes of this Act, the question whether anything that is converted is taken for the purpose of conversion, or whether it is, at the time it is converted, in the lawful possession of the person who converts it is not material.
Special Interest Persons:
1.Iran Canada Business Council
2.Ahmad Reza TABRIZI
3.Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament of Ontario Reza MORIDI {Liberal Party}
4.Mayor of Toronto David MILLER
5.Dr. Oskar SIGVALDASON
6.Mr. Samir ZALZAL
7.Mr. Joseph TAVANA
8.Mr. Farrokh KHAKLILI
9.Mr. Ken HAVES
10.Mr. Masoud (Massey) GHATAVI
11.Mr. Hussein K. AMAD
12.Mr. Erick BLANCHETTE
i) Corporates:
1.Acres International Limited
2.Agra International
3.Aquarius Shipping Inc.
4.BTI Services Inc.
5.Canadian Bearings Ltd.
6.Charles Tennant & Co. (Canada) Limited
7.CTI Datacom Inc.
8.David Nairne & Associates Ltd.
9.Dreco Energy Services Ltd.
10.Eriez of Canada Limited
11.Export Development Corporation
12.General Electric Canada Ltd.
13.General Motors of Canada Ltd - Diesel Division
14.Ingersoll-Rand Canada Inc.
15.Newsco Directional & Horizontal Services Inc.
16.Ontario Exports Inc.
17.Pacific Industries International Inc. (Pii)
18.Petro-Techna International Ltd.
19.Renaissance Energy Ltd.
20.S.A. Global International Inc.
21.SGS Canada Inc.
22.Simons International Corporation
23.SNC-Lavalin International Inc.
24.TAIM Canada Inc.
25.Tavana & Co. Chartered Accountants
26.Scotiabank.
Detrimental Effect of Kleptocracy for Iran and Canada:
According to Transparency International
a) In case of Iran
i)London, 25 March 2004 --- “Political corruption undermines the hopes for prosperity and stability of developing countries, and damages the global economy,” said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International (TI), launching the TI Global Corruption Report 2004 (GCR 2004) today. “The abuse of political power for private gain deprives the most needy of vital public services, creating a level of despair that breeds conflict and violence. It also hits the pockets of taxpayers and shareholders worldwide. The problem must be tackled at the national and international level,” he said. “The GCR 2004, with a special focus on political corruption,” said Eigen, “is a call to action to bring integrity and accountability into governance, to stop bribery by multinational companies, and to curb the flow of stolen assets into secret bank accounts in the west.” TI is the leading international non - governmental organisation combating corruption worldwide. “Democracies can no longer tolerate bribery, fraud and dishonesty,” states former US President Jimmy Carter in a foreword to the GCR 2004, “especially as such practices disproportionately hurt the poor.”
ii)“Political corruption deprives millions of health care, education and the prospects of a sustainable future,” said TI-Zimbabwe Chair John Makumbe at the launch of TI’s GCR 2004 in London today.
b) In case of Canada
i)Canada's political approach to the normative control model of Islamic Republic of Iran has short term gain for Canada. However, in long run, it would create murky water between Canada and Iran.
ii)Canadian politicians deceived their own citizens by claiming that they were at war on terror while Canadian politicians were in payroll of the theocratic regime in Iran. The theocratic regime in Iran had been supplying insurgents in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq with arsenal. Hence, Canada was at proxy war with Iran.
Enforcement:
According to Transparency International
1.Donations to political parties and candidates to elected office must not be a means to gain personal or policy favours. Parties and candidates must practise transparency. Governments must implement adequate conflict -of-interest legislation.
2.Political parties, candidates and politicians should disclose detailed information about assets, donations, inkind donations, loans and expenditure, on an annual basis as well as before and after elections, to an independent agency.
3.Independent public oversight bodies endowed with the necessary resources must effectively supervise the observance of regulatory laws and measures. Together with independent courts, they must ensure that offenders are held accountable and duly sanctioned.
4.Diversified funding should be sought through: state funding and subsidised access to the media; the encouragement of small donations and membership fees; and controls on corporate, foreign and large individual donations. Spending limits should be considered.
5.Candidates and parties must be given fair access to the media. The media should play an independent role, free from political interference, both in election campaigns and in the broader political process.
6.Civil society should have the opportunity to actively participate in promoting adequate legislation in the field of political finance and in the monitoring of political finance and its impact on political representation.
Method of Filing:
1.E-mails
2.Several regular mails in order to avoid interception of mails
3.Registered mails
Recipients of This Petition:
International Court of Justice
Peace Palace
Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague
The Netherlands via registered mail
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General
United Nations
1st ave. and 46th Street
New York, NY 10017 USA via registered mail
Transparency International Secretariat
Alt-Moabit 96
10559 Berlin, Germany via registered mail
Method of Serving:
1.Prime Minister of Canada Right Honorable Stephen HARPER via registered mail
2.Liberal Party of Canada {Federal level} via regular mail
3.New Democrat Party {Federal level} via regular mail
4.E-mailed to three level of governments in Canada
5.Posting on http://iranzamin2529.blogspot.com
Goal to Achieve:
1.This petition is constituted as a legal document which will be used during legal proceeding or any form of preceding against any individuals or body of governments whom are collaborating with theocratic regime elements directly or indirectly to transfer assets from Iran to Canada.
2.All individuals shall be held accountable and responsible for taking part in kleptocracy of Iran and Iranian.
3.Alternative Service Der livery shall not apply to these assets.
4.All assets are none negotiable and none transferable.
5.All assets are properties of Iran and Iranian.
6.All assets shall be return to Iran and Iranian plus interest shall be reimbursed to Iran and Iranian.
7.All three levels of Canadian Governments {municipalities, provincial, and federal} from each provinces {East Coast to West Coast} must disclose all assets of Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada in great details.
8.International Court of Justice does not allow Canadian politicians, as well as, element of Islamic Republic of Iran to continue kleptocracy of Iran, directly or indirectly, because Canadian politicians are contributing to human rights violation in Iran directly and indirectly.
9.Transparency International involves itself in this matter and would identify all assets of theocratic regime in Canada in order to safeguard interest of Iran, Iranian, and Canadian.
Life Cycle of This Petition:
1.Commenced: Friday May 22nd, 2009.
2.Expired: Friday October 02nd, 2009.
3.Requirement: 100 Signatures.
4.Petition would remain on line.
5.This petition effects remain perpetual, until the goals of this legal document is achieved.
Author of This Petition:
1.Petitioner of this paper acted in good faith at all times.
2.Petitioner of this paper acted in the name of justice for all.
Thank you
Kind regards
To: International Court of Justice, Ban Ki-moon Secretary General United Nations,Transparency International Secretariat Prime Minister of Canada Right Honorable Stephen HARPER et al
Justice for All
Peyman DOUSTI
Pawn
E-mail: ImmortalGuardofIran@yahoo.com
Freedom, Justice, Honor, Courage
******************************************************************
Date of Issue:
Friday May 22nd, 2009
File Number:
Canadian Politicians, Iranian Mullahs, Terrorism, and Kleptocracy
Terms:
1.Petition is constituted as a legal document.
2.Asset is defined as fund or anything which has monetary value.
3.Element is defined as a person who is assisting a Revolutionary Guard, Basij, some form of Paramilitary, associating with ruling class of Islamic Republic of Iran.
4.Entity is defined as a person who is assisting a Revolutionary Guard, Basij, some form of Paramilitary, associating with ruling class of Islamic Republic of Iran.
5.Involvement is defined as a person, group, or a political party intentionally or unintentionally is assisting element of Islamic Republic of Iran to transfer asset to Canada.
6.Reserving the right to expand or recede on the terms of this petition.
7.Life cycle of this petition is not applicable to other key component of this petition.
8.Reserving the right to expand or recede any portion of this legal document. Regardless of circumstances.
Warning Issued:
1.Prior of issuing this petition, Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Office of the Privacy Commission, FINTRAC, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canadian Dignitaries from all three level of governments, Canadian Red Cross, media outlets, and activists were warned about this dire situation. Most importantly, the above entities has been aware of the plight in Iran and the above Canadian elements have done nothing to stop it.
Background:
1.On October 16th, 2006 it became clear that cleric Ali Akbar Hashemi RAFSANJANI, who was an international terrorist from Iran with his son Mehdi, and his daughter Faezeh RAFSANJANI owned HWY 407 in Province of Ontario, country of Canada. In addition, they owned Center Point Mall Center which was located in Province of Ontario, country of Canada.
2.There is sufficient reason to believe that RAFSANJANI and his families have more assets in Canada.
3.There is sufficient reason to believe that there are other individuals that they are acting on behalf of RAFSANJANI in Canada and are protecting his families' assets in Canada.
4.There is sufficient reason to believe that there are other individuals from Islamic Republic of Iran that they use Canada as a base to invest in Canada.
Legal Evidence:
1.CIC2004001660 Citizenship and Immigration Canada Media 6/14/04 0:00 any documents, memos, reports, letters, emails, voice mail transcripts or other written or recorded material concerning direct foreign investment by companies and individuals of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada, including but not limited to Highway 407, the Center Point shopping Center in Toronto. Also any material on visits, official or unofficial, to Canada by member of the Iranian government, and/or family members of former Pres. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsnajani (aka Rafsamjani), including son Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani (aka Rafsamjani), and daughter Faezeh Hashemi. Timeframe January 1, 2000-June 14, 2004.”
2.International Trade Canada, Trade Commissioner Service stated that “Iran actively encourages foreign investment in most sectors but requires the involvement of a local partner to whom a technology is transferred. Generally, the local partner is expected to have a minimum share of 51% in the project. The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA) covers foreign investments including BOT projects and Buy Back contracts. Buy Back contracts are the mechanism used by the Ministry of Oil to award oil and gas production contracts and are closer to service agreements than Production Sharing Agreements. Iran has set up multiple economic and free trade zones which offer 10 - 15 year tax holidays and duty free imports to promote investment. There is no Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement between Canada and Iran. For more information, contact the Iranian and Foreign Joint Venture Investment Association: info@iran-investment.com other useful information is available at: http://www.ipanet.com.”
3.International Trade Canada, Trade Commissioner Service advised “Medium and long-term financing is available from commercial banks in Iran although foreign investors are encouraged to find offshore sources of finance as commercial banks give preference to national investors. Foreign companies can best access local commercial finance through an Iranian joint venture partner. In many cases, the ability of foreign firms to secure external financing is a driving factor in the establishment of joint ventures and in the awarding of contracts
4.Iran - Canada Cola Corporation (a Canadian company based in Richmond Hill, Ontario) has signed a contract with Modabber Holding Investment Company (an Iranian private joint stock company owned by Imam Executive Headquarters) for the distribution of non-alcoholic children's canned beverages in Iran valued at approximately $3-4 million, as well as for the distribution of glass and PET bottles in Iran valued at approximately $2 million.
5.Iran - Seveil Incorporated Canada (a Canadian company based in Toronto, Ontario) is the exclusive agent of Westeel Grain Storage Systems for the Iranian market. During the past two years, this company has managed to win 11 projects to establish storage facilities for grains and oilseeds in Iran. Seveil has the largest share of the Iranian market for such projects in recent years (over 90%).
6.Element of Islamic Republic of Iran was able to infiltrate in Canadian political system by making political campaign contribution to certain candidates that these candidates were most likely to be elected to offices, and once candidates elected to the offices. Obviously, the agent of the Islamic Republic of Iran has bought the offices for the cleric regime in Canada, and entity like Rafsanjani was able to make investment in Canada despite his criminal record. Particularly, the Islamic Republic of Iran was a corrupt system, and there was no accountability to public. In June 2005, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada reported that “a Freedom House report stated that the country is “prone to corruption.” For example, the report stated that the “bureaucracy gives preferential hiring treatment to graduates of theological seminaries, veterans of the Iran-Iraq war and Besij militiamen rather than to candidates based on their skills and merits” (Freedom House June 2005). Following 1979 revolution, Islamic charitable foundations or “bonyads” {it means charity organization}, came under the State’s jurisdiction (RFEL/RL 5 Apr. 2005) and received many assets from Iran’s wealthiest families (Freedom House June 2005). Freedom House estimated that bonayds control between 10 and 20 per cent of Iran’s gross domestic product. Source also stated that, under that authority of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah {sign of god} Ali Khamenei, and the clerics, the bonyads have become “huge commercial conglomerates” that operate with no accountability and are not subject to any auditing procedures (ibid.; RFE/RL 5Apr. 2005. Freedom House also reported that “loyal supporters and relatives of the regime” are exempted from anti corruption laws.” Further in the matter of “bonyad” or charity foundation, “one way the Rafsanjani and other clerical families maintain their grip is through the Bonyad foundations, says Shaul Bakhash, a visiting fellow at the Brooking Institution, a Washington-based research organization. After the revolution, the Bonyads expropriated assets of foreigners and the former shah’s friends, says Bakhash, who has written extensively on Iran…Companies under Bonyad control account for as much as third of Iran’s economy, he says. The Bonyad don’t disclose their accounting or pay taxes; they get subsidized loans and report only to the Supreme Leader, he says. “The economic power structure is even more opaque than the political system, “Bakhash says. “The Bonyads funnel money to senior religious figures for patronage and suspected clandestine activities. Interestingly, “the Bonyads have been link with funding terror organizations;” such as, providing fund for murdering author of “The Satanic Verses.”
7.The Islamic Republic in Iran had a liaison office in Canada and it is called “Iran Canada Business Council” which is “found in 1992” and the Council had clear mandate and are established on two pillars: one) to “promote and support trade and investment between Iran and Canada [and last to] serve as an advisory body to Government in Canada on matters related to trade and economic relations with Iran.” Furthermore, this Council had its own unique benefit for Iran and Canada which are as follow: “The Iran Canada Business Council provides members with exceptional opportunities to develop business with Iran. Through a wide network of senior business and government contacts both in Canada and in Iran, the Council is able to provide members with entrée into one of the most important and growing markets in the Middle East” which means this Council had connection with high ranking clerics in Iran and Canadian politicians. Most importantly, this Council had its own unique privilege which was providing “opportunities to meet with senior level Iranian business and government missions to Canada.” One of Iranian investor in Canada was mullah Rafsanjani that he built Highway 407 and Center Point Mall in city of Toronto, Province of Ontario, Canada. Interestingly, mullah Rafsanjani was a senior high ranking member of terrorist Hezbollah organization, and wanted by international authority due to his atrocities that he committed in Argentina, as well as, other nations, and Canadian Government allowed an infamous terrorist Rafsanjani to make investment in Canada. Indeed, Canada was sponsoring terrorism because Canada had become an economic nest for terrorist Hezbollah organization which was contrary to Criminal Code of Canada.
i)“83.03 Every one who, directly or indirectly, collects property, provides or invites a person to provide, or makes available property or financial or other related services
ii)(a) intending that they be used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out any terrorist activity, or for the purpose of benefiting any person who is facilitating or carrying out such an activity, or
iii)(b) knowing that, in whole or part, they will be used by or will benefit a terrorist group, is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.”
iv)There was also this vital point that individuals were representing the Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada that they were member of Revolutionary Guard and Canadian Government was fully aware of their background because on August 14th, 2004 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada reported that “structure of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also known as the Sepah and the Pasdaran; its size; its economic activities in construction.” Furthermore, the Immigration and Refugee Board stated that “Iran specialist Michael Eisentadt noted that “the IRGC {Revolutionary Guard} is a key institution in Iran today due to its role as guardian of the revolution, and due to the fact that many senior Revolutionary Guard officers have close personal and family ties to key members of Iran’s clerical establishment” (MERIA Mar. 2001). Additionally, Eisentadt emphasizes that the role the IRGC plays “in the advancement of future senior officers “is” crucial”. Furthermore, that the IRGC maintains considerable influence in domestic security affairs and particularly with respect to political opposition (Byman et al. 2001, 29.”
v)In March 2006 Export Development Canada reported that “the economic disparities in Iran 75% of national income is in the hands of 10% of the population, is a major challenge” which means 90% of Iran’s population was controlling 25% of Iran’s wealth, and making a factual point that after “twenty-five years […] Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led the revolution that topple Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a dozen families with religious ties control much of Iran’s 110 billion gross domestic product and shape its politics, industries and finances, says Ray Takeyh, a professor and director of studies at National Defense University’s Near East and South Asia Center in Washington.” Simply, element of Islamic Republic in Iran funnel money in Canada and portion of money was given to Canadian politicians and rest of the money would be put in construction industry in Canada.
vi)There were serious detrimental effects on Iranian, when the cleric regime was investing in Canada and did not invest in Iran because Iranian were facing economic hardship; such as, high unemployment rate and high inflation rate which were having direct effect to quality of life in Iran.
vii)According to Ontario Export Inc. real GDP Growth from year 2000 to year 2002 beings from “4.1%, 0.8% and 4.0%” and CPI inflation from year 2000 to year 2002 “35.4%, 27.3% and 17.5%” unemployment rate from year 2000 to year 2002 begins with “18.1%, 21.7% and 24.9%.”
viii)In March 2007 Export Development Canada reported inflation rate of Iran in year 2006 which was 14.6% and in year 2007, it was 17.8%.
Investigation:
i) Charity Foundations in TO, ON
Canadian Government was fully aware that the Islamic Republic of Iran was establishing bogus charity foundations in Canada Mr. Ahmadreza TABRIZI President of TAIM Canada Inc. office is located at 30 Kern Road, North York, Ontario M3B 1T1 Canada and as Mr. TABRIZI, “Iran Canada Business Council”, clearly stated that he knew high ranking cleric in Iran, and Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada knew well that Revolutionary Guards main task was to make invest in construction industry, as well as, charity foundation. Quite frankly, Mr. TABRIZI was an agent of Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada that he inaugurated “Parya Trillium Foundation” in November 2002 at 30 Kern Road North York, Ontario M3B 1T1 Canada, and Arisha TABRIZI was member of The Law Society of Upper Canada and his law firm was located at 103-30 Kern Rd
North York, Ontario M3B 1T1 and name of law firm is “Tabrizi Law Office Professional Corporation.”
In November 2002 several honorary members attended inauguration for this charity foundation as follow Mayor of Toronto David MILLER, Jim PETERSON, John GODFRY, Alan ROCK from Liberal Party, and Dr. Joseph WONG as Mr. TABRIZI {his last name means that he is from city of Tabriz} claimed that this Parya Foundation did not promote political issues or religious value and he claimed that “we started private fundraising and raised an amount of approximately $30,000.00 CDN. Then, he began to insult Iran’s national language by referring to Persian language as Farsi language as he stated “I would like to give few words in Farsi, Our English speaking audience should excuse me as it is difficult for me to translate it in English.”
The board of “Parya Trillium Foundation” has eight members and among them Arshia TABRIZI, and Dr. Amir MAZINANI were Special Interest Persons in this investigation. There were no doubts that Ahmadreza TABRIZI was father of Arisha TABRIZI. There was Dr. Amir MAZINANI, who was residing at 81 Lord Seaton Road. North York, Ontario M2P 1K6 Canada that in 1984 to 1986 received tuition scholarship from Islamic Republic of Iran and according to Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada after 1979 revolution in Iran only those individuals that they were participant to 1979 revolution in Iran or had loyalty to Islamic Republic of Iran were allowed to attend universities. Moreover, there was a requirement that all university students prior of writing their admission exam to university, all students were required to answer to a questionnaire which would prove their loyalty to the theology state in Iran that the candidate for university was loyal to Islamic Republic in Iran and would uphold value of Islamic Republic in Iran. Therefore, Mr. Amir MAZINANI was loyal to Islamic Republic in Iran because he received scholarship from Islamic Republic in Iran.
Lastly, apparently Mr. Amir MAZINANI was working for his own company with name of “Mazinani Consulting Inc.” and his field of work was “Computer Peripheral and Pre-Packaged Software Wholesaler Distributors 518210 - Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services Computer consulting, Web design and hosting, Domain name, Digital image processing, Digital ID card, Digital security systems (Exporting) IT consulting for companies Web site design for companies Digital security system for local and remote Digital video and video processing to enhance the picture.”
ii) TABRIZI Formed other Councils:
Ahmadreza TABRIZI continuously was expanding his activity on ground of Non Profit Organization and had formed a council with name of “Persian Circle” which was Non Profit Organization and it had social and cultural objective, at the same time, it was trying to act as a bridge between new Iranian immigrants to Canada.
On February 12th, 2004 Mr. Ahmadreza TABRIZI incepted “Canadian for Bam Reconstruction Committee” and its office is located at 30 Kern Rd. North York, Ontario M3B 1T1. Keynote Speakers was Maria MINNA former Minister for International Cooperation, and Guest Speaker was city of Toronto Mayor David MILLER.
TABRIZI formed “Canadian for Bam Reconstruction Committee” because on December 26th, 2003 at about 05:26 hours earthquake shook the ground violently in city of Bam in Iran and claimed 41, 000 lives and 20, 000 sustained serious physical injuries, 60,000 people became homeless during cold winter time, and 70% of the city turned into rubble. TABRIZI promised that this committee would direct the fundraising money to Iran in order to built school. However, according to Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Revolutionary Guards have monopolized construction industry in Iran, now, there was no doubt that TABRIZI was member of Revolutionary Guards in Iran because he wanted to build school in Iran. In addition, Mr. Ahmadreza TABRIZI and Arshia TABRIZI were part of Liberty Development Corporation which was located at 505 Highway 7 East, suite 303 Thornhill, ON L3T 7T1, and it was incorporated with Darcon Inc. with Mr. Latif FAZEL at same location of Liberty Development Corporation. Also be advice that Mr. FAZEL stated that Darcon Inc. was located in city of Markham, whereas it was located in Thornhill.
TABRIZI claimed that a school was built in Iran and posted on his website that “a dormitory for girls as per photos were build and named as donation of Iranian-Canadian members who are part of CRBC.” The picture illustrated that there were young boys whom were running around and there were no little girls around to be found. Plus, in Iran schools had walls so unsupervised person could not walk in the school. The picture illustrated that there was no wall.
TABRIZI stated that “International Development and Relief Foundation I(IDRF) would collect all contributions and would issue tax receipt and invoices.” Why above institute was collecting money from public? Why above institute was not doing follow-up on project and TABRIZI was doing follow-up? Did any Canadian politicians do follow-up on the project and how money was funneled to Iran? There were countless questions to ask, but it was a difficult task to investigate and to found out answer for the above questions, when Canadian politicians were shaking hands with murderers in Iran.
So far, there was no independent body to verify accuracy of TABRIZI’s claim that if truly money which was generate from “Canadian for Bam Reconstruction Committee” was used toward reconstruction of city of Bam because this picture was shown reconstruction for “Earthquake in city Ghaen, located in Iran's Khorasan Province” and how Bam is related to Province of Khorasan? However, there were six pictures which show that a school is under construction.
Dr. Payam AKHAVAN reported that “suffice it to say that recently the survivors of the Bam earthquake in Iran protested about why the Iranian government is sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Hezbollah in Lebanon when the survivors of the earthquake still have not been provided with adequate housing. And in a democratic Iran, surely, people will ask whether it's worth spending $15 billion on a controversial nuclear program that risks military confrontation with the west at a time when, officially, there's a 25% unemployment rate, and unofficially, a rate that could be as high as 40%.”
On February 10th, 2006 Ahmadreza TABRIZI donated “$4000.00 CDN to “Under The Azure Dome.” The “Under The Azure Dome” was an organization which prepared cultural events in Toronto, and asked individuals to volunteer for this organization. Of course a volunteer would leave behind her /his name with the organization in order to in touch with the volunteers.
Ahmadreza TABRIZI had taken part in “Iranian Canadian Congress” which was a Non Profit Organization, non partisan and non religious. Interestingly, this organization had a mandate to “identify, present and promote the true leaders of the Iranian-Canadian community who can be the voice of the community and to assist them in becoming prominent members of the Canadian society in all level of civic life including at the Municipal, Provincial, and Federal level.” TABRIZI had close ties with Islamic Republic in Iran, and it was frighten to know that he was recruiting individuals to be elected in office in Canada.
On Sunday March 25th, 2007 Mohandes Ahmadreza TABRIZI held a graduate gathering in Toronto for students of Tehran Polytechnic Amir Kabir University. He claimed that in 1969 he was graduated from a university.
When time came to verify Ahmadreza TABRIZI’s NGO if it was legitimate or it was illegitimate, it appeared that Royal Canadian Mounted Police {RCMP} would be right candidate to give direction on how to verify a NGO, and a letter was written to RCMP on how to verify a NGO.
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am interested to verify a NGO in Canada if it is legitimate or not, how can I do that please?
Thank you,
Kind regards
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded by making the below statement.
Hello,
“The RCMP does not maintain a list of NGOs, a search of Google may find information on the organization you're looking for.”
Thank you.
Webmaster
National Communication Services
Services nationaux de communications
RCMP-GRC
1200 Vanier Parkway
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R2
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) was another government agency which would be useful for verifying NGO and a letter was written to the above governmental agency.
Dear Sir/Madam:
I would like to obtain some financial information on certain NGOs on matter of transaction. Kindly inform me how can I obtain this information from FINTRAC?
Thank you,
Kind regards
iii) The FINTRAC responded as follow:
“In response to your comments to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) dated …, we offer this email. The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act does not allow us to disclose specific information about persons or entities covered by the legislation. Therefore FINTRAC does not provide "references" concerning any reporting entity.”
Canada Tax Revenue refused to answer to similar above question.
iv) Why TABRIZI was Imploring New Arenas to Engage in Canada?
Fedayeen Organization (2004-2006)…it all depends on the case. The Iranian regime knows very well that many have fled Iran for socioeconomic reasons. However, as a general rule, if a person has been implicated in anti-government activities and/or working with subversive organization, whether pro-Monarchy or socialist, and known to have sought political asylum in a foreign country, her/his relatives will definitely be questioned. Whether they would be prosecuted or not depends on several factors and the severity of each factor…the regime is still as intolerant of dissident as it was more than a decade ago, but it has become sophisticated in handling these cases.” Were these charity foundations, and NGO some form of instruments for TABRIZI to collect data on Iranian dissidents in Canada?
TABRIZI has made substantial amount of political campaign contribution to Mayor of Toronto David MILLER.
Toronto 2003 Civic Election Contributions to Candidates
1.“LIBERTY DEVELOPMENT CORP $2,000”
2.“TAIM CANADA INC $1,000”
3.“30 KERN ROAD LTD $2,500.00 CDN”
4.“TABRIZI ARSHIA $800.00 CDN”
5.“Arshia TABRIZI $300.00 CDN”
6.“Ahmad TABRIZI $250.00 CDN”
There were reasonable questions on horizon that who below individuals, how were they related to Ahmadreza TABRIZI or did the register office enter their names incorrectly?
1.“TABRIZI AHMAD $750.00 CDN
2.TABRIZI MOHAMMAD REZA $250.00 CDN”
3.Ms. Gity NASHEY TABRIZI $400.00 CDN
4.M. Motamedi $200.00 CDN
There was a way of checking and verifying the above entities under Municipal Elections Act, 1996, S.O. 1996, c. 32, Sch.
Subsection; “93.No person shall obstruct a person making and investigation or examination under this Act or withhold, conceal or destroy anything relevant to the investigation or examination. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 93.”
69. (1) A candidate shall ensure that,
(a) one or more campaign accounts are opened at a financial institution, exclusively for the purposes of the election campaign and in the name of the candidate’s election campaign;
(b) all contributions of money are deposited into the campaign accounts;
(c) all payments for expenses, except for a nomination filing fee, are made from the campaign accounts;
(d) contributions of goods or services are valued;
(e) receipts are issued for every contribution and obtained for every expense;
(f) records are kept of,
(i) the receipts issued for every contribution
(ii) the value of every contribution,
(iii) whether a contribution is in the form of money, goods or services,
and
(iv) the contributor’s name and address;”
…
“Who may contribute
(3) Only the following may make contributions:
1. An individual who is normally resident in Ontario.
2. A corporation that carries on business in Ontario.”
Also, there was “Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” which would block investigation that under section “14 (3)-Presumed invasion of privacy, a disclosure of personal information is presumed to constitute an unjustified invasion of personal information if the personal information…f) Described an individual’s finances, income, assists, liabilities, net worth, bank balances, financial history or activities or creditworthiness”. However, there is a court order under Court File No. 789/00 Date heard February 28th, 2002, Ontario Superior Court of justice, Divisional Court in matter of LANE, McCOMBS and LaFORME JJ. Would over rule above “Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act” because when “[2] The Commissioner's order upheld the decision of the City of Toronto (the "City") refusing disclosure of an electronic copy of campaign contribution records from the 1997 municipal election. For the reasons that follow, I would allow the application for judicial review and direct that the requested information be disclosed to the applicant…[30] Again, in my view, the Commissioner's conclusion was not reasonable. As I have indicated, the disclosed paper documents contain specific private information such as the contributors' names, addresses, amount contributed, and the candidate to whom the contribution was made. The only additional personal information contained in the electronic database that is not in the disclosed paper documents is the telephone numbers of the contributors. [31] I accept the position of the applicant that the only way that he can meaningfully scrutinize the information about campaign contributions is through the electronic database. Public scrutiny of the democratic election process and the integrity of the process governing political campaign contributions is a matter of significant public importance. In my view, in light of the fact that all but the telephone numbers of the contributors is already required to be disclosed, the public interest in disclosure of the database to enable meaningful scrutiny of the democratic process clearly outweighs other considerations. [32] It follows that the Commissioner's decision not to apply the public interest override in s. 16 of the MFIPPA was unreasonable. [33] In the result, I would allow the appeal, set aside the decision of the Commissioner, and order that the electronic database sought by the applicant be disclosed.”
The real question came down to this point that in November 2003 for municipal election, it was clear that David MILLER would win the election because other candidates were tangling with their own demons and scandals and voters were turn off by them, and MILLER appeared as a good boy, he was holding a broom and promising that he would clean-up the City. Thus, TABRIZI made significant amount of campaign contribution to MILLER because MILLER was a right person and he would win the election and there was no way to lose the election. Now, there was a question that did TABRIZI received instructed from the cleric regime to make a campaign contribution to MILLER?
Kindly be advise that Mr. MILLER has accepted donation from a strip joint with name of Zanzibar Tavern Inc. for amount of “$300” where ladies were exploited sexually by men, and this illustrated level of mentality of Mr. MILLER.
v) Liberal Party was Favorite Party:
In 1999, Arshia TABRIZI made $200.00 CDN political campaign contribution to Liberal Party, Azin TABRIZI made $250.00 CDN political campaign contribution to Liberal Party and S. TABRIZI made $400.00 CDN political campaign contribution to Liberal Party.
“2005 Central Party By-Election Campaign Period Return CR-4 Ontario Liberal Party Scarborough - Rouge River By-Election Statement Of Campaign Period Income and Expenses for the Period From October 26, 2005 to February 24, 2006 Reza MORIDI contributed $ 175.00 CDN.
Mr. TABRIZI was vibrant to announce that “now we are witnessing the presence of a new successful runner Dr. Moridi who hopefully will be representative of Liberal Party from Richmond Hill in Queens Park, Dr. Moridi {keep up the good work} we wish you success and all the best.”
On August 02nd, 2007 Naresh Raghubeer and David Harris from Canadian Coalition for Democracy reported this article that “Last week, Ontario Auditor-General Jim McCarter reported that the province's Immigration and Citizenship Ministry has been dispensing millions of dollars in grants to ethnic groups under a process that is "not open, transparent or accountable." In many cases, groups got money simply because their members were chummy with ministry insiders. "In essence, the decisions behind 'who got what' were often based on conversations, not applications," Mr. McCarter concluded. But Mr. McCarter's report does not merely highlight a failure of process in an otherwise sound government disbursement program. What the Auditor-General documents is nothing less than a taxpayer-funded political black market based on "ethnic" and religious vote-buying. The Iranian-Canadian Community Centre's $200,000 grant was disbursed despite there being "no written request for funding.”
On July 28th, 2007 York Region reported “Richmond Hill Liberal candidate Reza Moridi doesn’t think money awarded to a local charity group by the Dalton McGuinty government needs to be given back, despite findings that no formal process was followed to receive the money. His comments come in the wake of a scathing report from Auditor General Jim McCarter on how charity groups received millions in questionable provincial grants. The report led to the resignation Thursday of Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle. The grant money has been described as a slush fund by Opposition parties. Mr. McCarter concluded the granting process was not open, transparent or accountable. His report paints a damning picture of the process under which the Iranian-Canadian Community Centre (ICCC) and other groups received money, even though it falls short of saying groups got preference because of ties to the provincial Liberals.”
Criminal Code of Canada:
Terrorist Financing Offences: “83.03 Every one who, directly or indirectly, collects property, provides or invites a person to provide, or makes available property or financial or other related services
(a) intending that they be used, or knowing that they will be used, in whole or in part, for the purpose of facilitating or carrying out any terrorist activity, or for the purpose of benefiting any person who is facilitating or carrying out such an activity, or
(b) knowing that, in whole or part, they will be used by or will benefit a terrorist group, is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years.
Theft: “322. (1) Every one commits theft who fraudulently and without colour of right takes, or fraudulently and without colour of right converts to his use or to the use of another person, anything, whether animate or inanimate, with intent
(a) to deprive, temporarily or absolutely, the owner of it, or a person who has a special property or interest in it, of the thing or of his property or interest in it;
(b) to pledge it or deposit it as security;
(c) to part with it under a condition with respect to its return that the person who parts with it may be unable to perform; or
(d) to deal with it in such a manner that it cannot be restored in the condition in which it was at the time it was taken or converted.
(2) A person commits theft when, with intent to steal anything, he moves it or causes it to move or to be moved, or begins to cause it to become movable.
(3) A taking or conversion of anything may be fraudulent notwithstanding that it is effected without secrecy or attempt at concealment.
(4)For the purposes of this Act, the question whether anything that is converted is taken for the purpose of conversion, or whether it is, at the time it is converted, in the lawful possession of the person who converts it is not material.
Special Interest Persons:
1.Iran Canada Business Council
2.Ahmad Reza TABRIZI
3.Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament of Ontario Reza MORIDI {Liberal Party}
4.Mayor of Toronto David MILLER
5.Dr. Oskar SIGVALDASON
6.Mr. Samir ZALZAL
7.Mr. Joseph TAVANA
8.Mr. Farrokh KHAKLILI
9.Mr. Ken HAVES
10.Mr. Masoud (Massey) GHATAVI
11.Mr. Hussein K. AMAD
12.Mr. Erick BLANCHETTE
i) Corporates:
1.Acres International Limited
2.Agra International
3.Aquarius Shipping Inc.
4.BTI Services Inc.
5.Canadian Bearings Ltd.
6.Charles Tennant & Co. (Canada) Limited
7.CTI Datacom Inc.
8.David Nairne & Associates Ltd.
9.Dreco Energy Services Ltd.
10.Eriez of Canada Limited
11.Export Development Corporation
12.General Electric Canada Ltd.
13.General Motors of Canada Ltd - Diesel Division
14.Ingersoll-Rand Canada Inc.
15.Newsco Directional & Horizontal Services Inc.
16.Ontario Exports Inc.
17.Pacific Industries International Inc. (Pii)
18.Petro-Techna International Ltd.
19.Renaissance Energy Ltd.
20.S.A. Global International Inc.
21.SGS Canada Inc.
22.Simons International Corporation
23.SNC-Lavalin International Inc.
24.TAIM Canada Inc.
25.Tavana & Co. Chartered Accountants
26.Scotiabank.
Detrimental Effect of Kleptocracy for Iran and Canada:
According to Transparency International
a) In case of Iran
i)London, 25 March 2004 --- “Political corruption undermines the hopes for prosperity and stability of developing countries, and damages the global economy,” said Peter Eigen, Chairman of Transparency International (TI), launching the TI Global Corruption Report 2004 (GCR 2004) today. “The abuse of political power for private gain deprives the most needy of vital public services, creating a level of despair that breeds conflict and violence. It also hits the pockets of taxpayers and shareholders worldwide. The problem must be tackled at the national and international level,” he said. “The GCR 2004, with a special focus on political corruption,” said Eigen, “is a call to action to bring integrity and accountability into governance, to stop bribery by multinational companies, and to curb the flow of stolen assets into secret bank accounts in the west.” TI is the leading international non - governmental organisation combating corruption worldwide. “Democracies can no longer tolerate bribery, fraud and dishonesty,” states former US President Jimmy Carter in a foreword to the GCR 2004, “especially as such practices disproportionately hurt the poor.”
ii)“Political corruption deprives millions of health care, education and the prospects of a sustainable future,” said TI-Zimbabwe Chair John Makumbe at the launch of TI’s GCR 2004 in London today.
b) In case of Canada
i)Canada's political approach to the normative control model of Islamic Republic of Iran has short term gain for Canada. However, in long run, it would create murky water between Canada and Iran.
ii)Canadian politicians deceived their own citizens by claiming that they were at war on terror while Canadian politicians were in payroll of the theocratic regime in Iran. The theocratic regime in Iran had been supplying insurgents in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq with arsenal. Hence, Canada was at proxy war with Iran.
Enforcement:
According to Transparency International
1.Donations to political parties and candidates to elected office must not be a means to gain personal or policy favours. Parties and candidates must practise transparency. Governments must implement adequate conflict -of-interest legislation.
2.Political parties, candidates and politicians should disclose detailed information about assets, donations, inkind donations, loans and expenditure, on an annual basis as well as before and after elections, to an independent agency.
3.Independent public oversight bodies endowed with the necessary resources must effectively supervise the observance of regulatory laws and measures. Together with independent courts, they must ensure that offenders are held accountable and duly sanctioned.
4.Diversified funding should be sought through: state funding and subsidised access to the media; the encouragement of small donations and membership fees; and controls on corporate, foreign and large individual donations. Spending limits should be considered.
5.Candidates and parties must be given fair access to the media. The media should play an independent role, free from political interference, both in election campaigns and in the broader political process.
6.Civil society should have the opportunity to actively participate in promoting adequate legislation in the field of political finance and in the monitoring of political finance and its impact on political representation.
Method of Filing:
1.E-mails
2.Several regular mails in order to avoid interception of mails
3.Registered mails
Recipients of This Petition:
International Court of Justice
Peace Palace
Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague
The Netherlands via registered mail
Ban Ki-moon
Secretary General
United Nations
1st ave. and 46th Street
New York, NY 10017 USA via registered mail
Transparency International Secretariat
Alt-Moabit 96
10559 Berlin, Germany via registered mail
Method of Serving:
1.Prime Minister of Canada Right Honorable Stephen HARPER via registered mail
2.Liberal Party of Canada {Federal level} via regular mail
3.New Democrat Party {Federal level} via regular mail
4.E-mailed to three level of governments in Canada
5.Posting on http://iranzamin2529.blogspot.com
Goal to Achieve:
1.This petition is constituted as a legal document which will be used during legal proceeding or any form of preceding against any individuals or body of governments whom are collaborating with theocratic regime elements directly or indirectly to transfer assets from Iran to Canada.
2.All individuals shall be held accountable and responsible for taking part in kleptocracy of Iran and Iranian.
3.Alternative Service Der livery shall not apply to these assets.
4.All assets are none negotiable and none transferable.
5.All assets are properties of Iran and Iranian.
6.All assets shall be return to Iran and Iranian plus interest shall be reimbursed to Iran and Iranian.
7.All three levels of Canadian Governments {municipalities, provincial, and federal} from each provinces {East Coast to West Coast} must disclose all assets of Islamic Republic of Iran in Canada in great details.
8.International Court of Justice does not allow Canadian politicians, as well as, element of Islamic Republic of Iran to continue kleptocracy of Iran, directly or indirectly, because Canadian politicians are contributing to human rights violation in Iran directly and indirectly.
9.Transparency International involves itself in this matter and would identify all assets of theocratic regime in Canada in order to safeguard interest of Iran, Iranian, and Canadian.
Life Cycle of This Petition:
1.Commenced: Friday May 22nd, 2009.
2.Expired: Friday October 02nd, 2009.
3.Requirement: 100 Signatures.
4.Petition would remain on line.
5.This petition effects remain perpetual, until the goals of this legal document is achieved.
Author of This Petition:
1.Petitioner of this paper acted in good faith at all times.
2.Petitioner of this paper acted in the name of justice for all.
Thank you
Kind regards
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)