Speech by Virginia Romero Bañon, Lawyer and Spanish Senator (2011-2015)
International Women’s Conference at Ashraf 3 – Albania – July 14, 2019
I’d like to thank you for the three days I was here with you. And I thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in these gatherings.
I got to know the Iranian Resistance movement in 2012 when I was a senator at the Spanish senate. I got acquainted with women who struggled for the establishment of freedom and democracy in Iran under the leadership of Maryam Rajavi.
I was impressed by the commitment and strength of these women and men, as well. I was also impressed by the fact with this resistance movement, Maryam Rajavi had decided to restore justice and freedom to her country and to restitute human rights and women’s rights which had been usurped by a despotic regime.
More amazing was the fact that this movement kept up its struggle without letting up despite the torments, incarcerations, attacks on Ashraf and Liberty, and the slaughters.
I must say that these savageries failed to undermine your struggle, rather, they have made you stronger and more determined so that today, you can demonstrate to the world and other countries, the current circumstances in Iran under the (clerical) regime’s rule.
The first time I travelled to Paris was in 2013, where I could see the greatness of this movement, the quality of its members and the kindness of its women. Then, every year, I saw the support for this resistance. And I saw Mrs. Rajavi presenting her 10-point plan which is a genuine constitution, befitting a great woman politician.
As Mrs. Rajavi pointed out in her speech yesterday, this regime will not change on its own, it must be changed. So, under the leadership of President-elect Maryam Rajavi, you are not only ready for regime change but also for leading and guiding a new Iran towards justice, and towards defense of human rights and women’s rights which have been taken away from you.
As life and the trend of events change swiftly in other countries, I see that the path towards freedom is getting closer to its goal. We and you are reaching the goal. The best evidence for this is the building of Ashraf 3.
I won’t be wrong if I say that we are all astonished by what you have built and achieved. We were also impressed by seeing the museum and we were moved by your suffering. The world must see this museum. For me and all of us who are here today with you, you are the symbol of strength and courage, and of commitment and kindness.
As we have repeatedly said in these three days, your victory is our hope.
We must warn other governments that establishing relations with and aiding the mullahs’ regime through economic relations, is the same as helping the perpetrators of the torture and slaughter of thousands of people.
The only solution to end this despotic regime is to recognize the Iranian Resistance and its president-elect Mrs. Maryam Rajavi as the only solution for a free Iran.
In the end, I would like to say that I have great faith that this gathering will soon be celebrated in Iran, a free Iran with the presence of Maryam Rajavi as its president.
As the resistance units say, (We are) ready, ready, ready.
