The National Peace Council's Executive Director, Narges Mohammadi, expanded on reasons behind the council's formation and its long-term activities in interview with Rooz. Read the interview below.
Rooz (R): The National Peace Council's Executive Committee - how was it formed, what are its composition and goals?
Narges Mohammadi (NM): Since the fall of 2007, when rumors of war against Iran were hard more than ever before in the international arena, Ms. Shirin Ebadi issued an open call for the Iranian civil society to be in the forefront of the movement to oppose war and institute peace and human rights in Iran. Ms. Ebadi's suggestion was to form a National Peace Council comprised of broad political, social, and cultural groups. A provisional committee was initially established and, after months of hard work and negotiations with various political parties and civil society groups, the committee was successful in holding the National Peace Council's first gathering, which was attended by 83 members. Because the National Peace Council is made up various groups, the body appointed several members to serve on an Executive Committee, which is charged with implementing the council's resolutions and following up on their execution. The Executive Committee has 15 members. In the voting process for these 15 members, the National Peace Council Executive Committee's Vice President, Spokesperson and Treasurer were appointed. I serve as the National Peace Council Executive Committee's President, Mr. Isa Sharkhiz is the Vice President, and the Treasurer and Spokesperson are Mr. Shah Hosseini and Mr. Soltani, respectively.
R: What activities will be covered by the council?
NG: One of our important activities is to propagate and advocate for peace. In effect, education is one of the missing chains of this discussion in Iran and we have attempted to pay special attention to it. Like other countries in the world, we strive to strengthen the culture of dialogue in Iran in order to achieve sustainable peace, because our slogan is peace and human rights. In the view of the National Peace Council, these two issues are interconnected.
R: Every civil action and social campaign has its own particular expenses. Which individuals or groups finance your campaign's activities? After all, you may travel, correspond or hold meetings.
NM: This movement has no connection to governments or political groups inside or outside the country. The 83 founding members are determined to personally cover all expenses, whatever they may be.
R: Have you thought about setting up meetings between members of the council and the international civil society community or activists from other nations?
NM: The anti-war movement does not recognize boundaries. Anyone, in Africa or Iran or Europe can be a member. International peace-seekers, whether black or white, whether Muslim or Jewish, all work to realize a common goal, which is to institute peace. We are looking to be active on an island. Our view is toward propagating the culture of peace in today's world.
R: The government has traditionally viewed civil society activism with disdain. How do you think it will react to the National Peace Council's activities?
NG: Only the future can answer how the Islamic Republic government would regard a movement seeking peace, whether it would confront or allow it to pursue its activism. One cannot make any precise predictions in this regard. In any case, we are engaged in an completely non-political movement, our slogan is peace and human rights, and it is clear what we are opposed to. Therefore, I do not think that the regime could have any justification for confronting our movement.
