Hands Off Cain issued the following statement as Italian...

Hands Off Cain issued the following statement as Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini's official visit to Iran came to an end on January 27th.
"Minister Frattini's visit to Iran resulted in an unexpected crutch for the Mullahs' regime. His affirmation with regard to the forthcoming political elections that 'the development of democracy necessitates the most widespread public participation possible' was a serious stand in favour of the regime and against the popular boycott of the elections, that are already being considered a sham as only candidates deemed 'Islamically correct' by the Guardians Council's ultimate judgment can stand.
"In last year's administrative elections, only 10% of eligible voters in Tehran and just 12% nationwide turned out to vote. Disqualifying 45% of the so-called reformist candidates can only further discourage voter turnout. Frattini's positive evaluation of public participation in elections is tantamount to supporting a regime that could be swept away by the overwhelming majority of Iranian citizens who no longer perceive any difference between conservative and reformist mullahs. Iranians simply no longer want their lives run by men in turbans, beards and kaftans dictating law on the basis of the Koran.
"The myth of a reformist President Kathami in opposition to the conservative Ayatollah Khamenei is no longer bought by most western countries. A few exceptions, including Italy - but not the United States that subjects financial aid to a regime change - do not intend to renounce commercial ties with Tehran and make do with a generic augury for a bilateral dialogue with Europe on human rights issues.
"It is necessary to note that in saying 'no' to the presentation of a resolution calling for a worldwide moratorium to the UN General Assembly's latest session, Minister Frattini himself had announced that Italy would exert direct pressure against the death penalty with retentionist countries.
Well, as he visited Tehran, Iranian authorities hanged a woman and a minor. However there is no trace in media reports of any protest against these executions by Frattini with either Kathami or Kharrazi, who represent a regime that is second only to China as the world's most prolific executioner.
"On the contrary, Minister Frattini announced that 'Italy will send over its anti-drug chief and station an anti-drug expert at its Tehran embassy to help intensify the co-operation between the two countries in the fight against drug-trafficking.
"According to HOC data, since 1991, Iran has put to death around 5,000 drug-traffickers, whereas around 900,000 people, around 60% of Iran's prison population, are serving time for drug-related crimes. We hope that Italy does not want to co-operate in any way in this judicial massacre."