Contact: Sue Walitsky: 202-224-4524
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement in advance of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Roundtable entitled, “Iran at a Crossroads?”

“The Iranian people are currently engaged in a struggle to determine the future of their country. I continue to urge the Iranian regime, in the strongest terms, to cease the violent crackdown on their people, to respect their people’s rights, and to ensure the Iranian people’s will is reflected in their government.

“I join President Obama and my colleagues in the Senate and the House in condemning the brutal beatings, threats, and imprisonments that have occurred in the aftermath of Iranian elections. However this chapter in Iranian history unfolds, the courageous actions of peaceful protestors such as Neda Soltan will not be forgotten.

“As President Obama noted yesterday, ‘…this is not about the United States or the West; this is about the people of Iran, and the future that they – and only they – will choose.’ I support the people of Iran as they seek to have their voices heard.”