American Enterprise Institute

Washington

31^st October 2006

Dears,

Baluchistan National Movement – Iran is pleased to acknowledge its profound appreciation for the conference entitled “The Unknown Iran, Another Case for Federalism”. BNM-Iran hereby expresses its thanks to Mr Michael Ladeen for his valuable and timely efforts to organise and chair the conference.

As expressed rightly by Mr Ladeen in his opening remarks, there is lack of knowledge on diversity and socio-political issues of Iran in the West. The reasons for such shortcomings are many folds, such as the centralized and unitary system of governance, prevalence of undemocratic systems, non-existence of democratic institutions and political parties, non-objective educational systems, and dormant voices and suppressed political movements of oppressed nationalities in Iran; and also indifferences of the world’s major powers.

Now that the world community decided to take part and interests to further democracy in the Middle-East and worldwide, the need for information on societies is paramount to devise effective and practical approach to the issues. However in the conference on the 26^th Oct 2005 the issue of diversity in Iran and federalism were not presented in a measured context despite the participants efforts. It was necessary for the conference to explain in a structured manner the diversities of Iran and its nationalities, and to outline the case for a federal system in future Iran. There are abundant facts and figures (official and independent) which can be consulted and referred, to illustrate scientifically the exact nature of diverse societies and the degree of marginalisation of oppressed nationalities in Iran.

In view of BNM-Iran, the conference achieved most of its aims, namely bringing to open ‘the discussion on question of diversity in Iran and federalism’ among learned circles and institutions, to policy makers in Iran and above all before the Iranian opposition outside Iran.

It is crucial for BNM-Iran to bring to AEI’s attention that regrettably Baloch case was totally misrepresented due to biased opinion on question of nationalities by the Baloch speaker. He draws his misleading opinions from his political affiliation with non-progressive monarchists of Iran, and has no support or influence in Balochistan of Iran.

BNM-Iran believes that spread of ‘the fear of disintegration of Iran’ is an obsolete tool by oppressors to deny marginalised nationalities their democratic rights. The unrepresented nationalities of Iran seek an integral Iran in which they live in harmony and peace without suppression or fear of persecution. It is BNM-Iran’s firm belief that only a just system as federal ensures Iran’s integrity and sovereignty.

BNM-Iran hereby expresses its readiness for cooperation in facilitating information and if needed participation in such events in future in relation to Iran and question of its nationalities.

Baluchistan National Movement looks forward to such informative discussions by American Enterprise Institute.

Yours truly,

Signed

For the BNM-Iran

P.S.

BNM-Iran is a political organisation, promoting democracy and equal rights and participation in power for Baloch and other nationalities in Iran. It has been engaged in political activities for past 3 decades, but never was allowed to exercise its rights and to work without persecution in Iran by the successive regimes. To learn more on BNM-Iran’s political activities please visit our web-site (www.zrombesh.org) or contact us.