US and Iranian Peace Laureates’ Delegation Urges Negotiated Solution to the US-Iran Stalemate
The Nobel Women’s Initiative is a new project of women Nobel Peace Laureates, including Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Rigoberta Menchu and Betty Williams. In April 2006, Jody Williams and Shirin Ebadi– feeling a particular responsibility as US and Iranian Peace Laureates issued a joint statement on the growing tensions between their governments. That was the first step in a series of actions the Nobel Women’s Initiative is undergoing to promote a non-violent resolution of the current crisis between the US and Iran.
From June 6-8, 2006 Prof. Williams and Dr. Ebadi led a delegation of American and Iranian civil society representatives to Vienna for meetings with representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors, prior to the Board of Governors meeting the following week. Members of the delegation met with Austria’s Foreign Minister, Ms Ursula Plaasnik, as Austria serves as current President of the European Union, Permanent Missions to the IAEA from Egypt (Vice Chair of the Board), Canada, The Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom, Germany and France (the ‘EU 3′ playing a key role) as well as with IAEA officials. Williams and Ebadi also met with Director General Dr. ElBaradei.
Williams and Ebadi not only led this delegation to meet with relevant governments, but most importantly to broaden dialogue between Iranian and US civil society. Non- governmental organizations working on issues including the rights of women and children, human rights, landmines and nuclear disarmament participated in two days of dialogue. They exchanged experiences and explored ways for further cooperation and follow-up. American delegates included representatives of the Feminist Majority Foundation, American Friends Service Committee, Global Fund for Women, Institute for Policy Studies, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and Greenpeace International. Iranian delegates include representatives of NGO’s working on landmine clearance, women’s rights, children’s rights and environmental issues.
The delegates issued a Statement for Peace and the Nobel Women’s Initiative held a press conference on 8 June at the Vienna International Centre.
Williams and Ebadi call for a negotiated resolution to the US-Iran standoff while in Vienna. AP Photo. (above)
