UANI Statement Condemning Council On Foreign Relations’ Invitation To Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

(New York, N.Y.) — United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Chairman Senator Joseph I. Lieberman and CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace released the following joint statement today condemning the decision by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) to extend an invitation to host Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a U.S. sanctions-designated human rights abuser who approved the deaths of thousands of political prisoners. Senator Lieberman is a CFR member.  

“The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) has made a terrible mistake in extending an invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to speak at a private roundtable event while in New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly. President Raisi is a murderer, hostage taker, and human rights abuser. His presence at CFR gives him the legitimacy he does not deserve and will be a stain on the reputation of a respected organization.

“As concerned advocates, former U.S. government officials, and American citizens, we are shocked that CFR would provide a platform to the leader of a government that is a serious and active threat to both Americans and Iranians, through assassination plots against former U.S. government officials, attempts to kidnap or kill American citizens on U.S. soil, taking Americans hostage, attacking U.S. military personnel, and systematically targeting, torturing, and killing the Iranian people. Hosting President Raisi, whether publicly or behind closed doors, is a slap in the face to those living under constant threat, including the brave Iranians who have risked their lives to end the Iranian regime’s stranglehold over their nation in the name of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom.’ It is particularly offensive that this meeting comes as Iranians are marking the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s murder at the hands of regime agents.  

“Part of CFR’s Mission is to convene meetings where global leaders and prominent thinkers come to discuss and debate major international issues. President Raisi is not a prominent thinker and should not be treated as a global leader. 

“There is still time for CFR to reverse course. Ebrahim Raisi is a U.S.-sanctioned murderer whose government is plotting to kill Americans. We call upon CFR Board Chairman David M. Rubenstein and CFR President Michael Froman to cancel this harmful and offensive event.” 

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