Former Canadian foreign minister discusses executions in Iran, Western policy toward Tehran, the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan, and the cancellation of the Free Iran gathering in Paris.
In an interview with Simay Azadi on the sidelines of the Free Iran World Summit in Paris, former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird discussed the Iranian regime’s human rights record, the wave of executions in Iran, Western policy toward Tehran, democratic alternatives to the current regime, and the cancellation of the June 20 Free Iran gathering in Paris.
During the interview, Baird argued that the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and nuclear ambitions make it impossible to negotiate or appease Tehran. He also discussed Canada’s past policy toward Iran, expressed support for the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom, endorsed the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s Ten-Point Plan, and criticized the French authorities’ decision to cancel the Free Iran rally.
Read the full text of the interview below (edited for clarity):
Simay Azadi: Thank you very much, Mr. Minister, for accepting this interview with Simay Azadi. Let me begin with this question. Yesterday, in your speech at the Free Iran gathering, you said that Iran’s regime is evil and that nobody should negotiate with evil. Can you elaborate on that? Why do you consider this regime evil?
John Baird: I think its abysmal human rights record, its extensive use of the death penalty against political opponents, its nuclear program, and its material support for terrorism throughout the region make this regime evil.
You can’t negotiate with evil, you can’t appease evil, and you can’t work with evil.
Simay Azadi: You just referred to Iran’s ongoing human rights violations. We have witnessed a wave of executions in recent months, especially after the war broke out. Why do you think the regime has increased the number of executions, particularly targeting January protesters and members of the MEK?
John Baird: Iran has shown massive political abuses and extensive use of the death penalty going back 40 years.
I think of 1988, and I think of what happened in the aftermath of January.
This regime only uses one tool against its political opponents: brutal force.
Whether it’s peaceful protesters, students, teachers, or resistance fighters, the regime responds with force.
The world has got to take note of this and recognize the true evil that we’re confronting.
Simay Azadi: When you were Canada’s foreign minister during Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government, Canada recognized the 1988 massacre as a crime against humanity and cut diplomatic relations with the regime.
What do you think the world should do today when it comes to the Iranian regime? What should Canada, the United Kingdom, and European countries do in their relations with Tehran?
John Baird: They need to do two things.
First, realize what we’re dealing with and call it what it is: evil.
Second, understand that this regime only understands one thing: power. It understands a clear and consistent message.
You can’t appease them, you can’t negotiate with them, and you can’t trust them.
They understand strength and consistency, and you don’t back down.
In Canada, one of the things we were most concerned about was not only Iran’s abysmal human rights record but also its complete lack of respect for diplomacy.
Look at what happened to the British Embassy, the American Embassy, and the Saudi Embassy.
We were not confident that Iranian security officials would protect Canadian diplomats.
That’s why even dealing with these people diplomatically doesn’t work. They have no respect for diplomatic conventions such as the Vienna Convention.
Simay Azadi: In your opinion, what is an alternative to this regime, and what is not an alternative?
John Baird: I think people in Iran—and indeed people around the world—understand one thing: the people of Iran want to get rid of dictatorship.
Whether that’s the hereditary dictatorship that existed before the religious fascists took over in 1979, the Iranian people need something that gives them hope.
They need something that can rebuild Iran and improve their lives.
That’s why people should look at the Ten-Point Plan put forward by the NCRI under the leadership of Madam Rajavi.
If we gathered a group of constitutional experts and asked them to design a ten-point plan, I don’t think we could come up with a better one.
Take six months, hold an assembly, and move from dictatorship to freedom, diversity, equality between men and women, and a system without religious hierarchy.
Simay Azadi: You spoke about appeasement and about why we should not negotiate with this regime. Yet French authorities canceled the Free Iran gathering here in Paris while Iranians were traveling from around the world to attend.
What message does this send to the Iranian regime and to the Iranian people? What should have been done?
John Baird: It’s a victory for evil, and it’s a setback for freedom.
We were very disappointed by the French government’s decision to cancel the rally.
When people think of France, the first word that comes to mind is liberté.
I think the message sent here in Paris is a very negative one for the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the Iranian people.
Simay Azadi: If you would like to send a message to the Iranian people, especially the Resistance Units who will be watching this interview on Simay Azadi, what would it be?
John Baird: We have your back.
We support you.
The world is watching.
I can speak for many millions of Canadians who dream of a better future for the Iranian people.
Canadians will continue to stand with them and support them in this great struggle.
Earlier this year, the regime was at its weakest point.
The regime remains in a very vulnerable position.
Freedom will come one day.
And hopefully we won’t have to return to Paris next year.
Hopefully we’ll hold the next Free Iran conference in Tehran.
Simay Azadi: We hope so too. Thank you very much for this interview with Simay Azadi.
John Baird: Thank you.