Barry Rosen to Voice of America: Islamic Republic’s “Hostage Diplomacy” Must Stop
Barry Rosen, former hostage of the U.S. Embassy in Iran, called the hunger strike campaign for the freedom of hostages in Iran a successful campaign and stated that his message has been conveyed to all parties negotiating with Iran. He urged all hostages engaged in the hunger strike to end it to preserve their health.
Barry Rosen said on Tuesday, January 25, in an exclusive interview with Voice of America regarding receiving a human rights award in Vienna: “It was unexpected. The award was given by the Iranian-Austrian Doctors Association. I went with them to the studio of an artist named Bahrooz Hakmat, who is a very cultured person. He received me in his home and welcomed me. Many Iranian-Austrians, most of whom were doctors, came there and while I was not expecting it, they gave me this sculpture that symbolizes a prison and these birds coming out of it represent hostages who will one day be freed.”
Mr. Rosen added: “This symbol is very important to me. I will keep it in my home and will always look at it and remember all the hostages who were taken captive, and remember the love that was bestowed upon me by the entire Iranian society.”
He continued: “When they gave me this award, they called me the modern Baskerville. For you and many viewers, I should say that Mr. Baskerville was 35 years old and in 1909 fought alongside the revolutionaries of Tabriz in a war to free Iran from Qajar rule and establish a rule of law that would limit despotism. Even comparing me to Baskerville is unbelievable because I am not like him, but it is very honorable for me.”
Barry Rosen, who had hunger struck for five days, spoke about his recovery process: “I must say I am still very weak. I am very tired, everything makes me want to sleep. My body has not yet recovered. At 77 years old, it is not easy and recovery does not happen quickly. Even last night, the doctors who gave me that award took me again for examination, and this was about the fourth time that Iranian-Austrian doctors examined me and gave their time to me for free simply because they value me as a human being. This is the real Iran, this is a complete manifestation of humanity that has always been said about Iran, is said, and is believed.”
The “Organization to Help Hostages Around the World,” of which Barry Rosen and Nizar Zakka are board members, announced in a statement that it is ending the hunger strike campaign.
Barry Rosen said about this campaign: “I sincerely believe my message has been heard and not only the families of the hostages but the hostages themselves who have spoken with me have told me that my message has been heard loud and clear everywhere. My call to all individuals and hostages who have been on hunger strike is to end it, but I want to emphasize that it is they who make this decision.”
He added: “I know that in the conditions they are in prison, this is very difficult, so I ask them first to think of their own health, but this decision is theirs and I respect whatever decision they make. What is important is that their lives are saved so they can live again, be with their families again, and be able to kiss their spouses and children.”
Barry Rosen, who negotiated with the U.S. negotiating delegation on the first day of his presence in Vienna, also met with a delegation from Europe and spoke about the details: “I met with three representatives from the European negotiating delegation; Enrique Mora, the EU coordinator, and representatives from France and Germany. All three treated me with great respect and honored me by saying that what I am doing for the hostages who are in captivity is important.”
Mr. Rosen also said: “Although these negotiations are confidential, I can sincerely say that the three European countries and the European Union are working not only to reach an agreement, but are striving for the freedom of all hostages; not just American hostages but all other hostages which are approximately 20 people. I have a good feeling about this and I think the statement I gave will remain a legacy for the European Union and the three European countries.”
Barry Rosen said: “This message must be continually and constantly given to the Islamic Republic of Iran that they must think about the human rights violations they are committing, must release all hostages, and must never again engage in any hostage-taking whatsoever. As I said before, first of all because it is shameful for the Islamic Republic of Iran to act like a rogue state, and second, how can Iranian merchants and traders return when at any moment they might be taken hostage, and this is very meaningless. They should be part of the global community and not outside of it.”
Mr. Rosen added: “They must understand that they cannot advance their work through hostage diplomacy and treat people brutally. These who are hostages suffer. Their families also suffer and this is a severe violation of human rights. I believe the international community, America, and Europe must establish a mechanism that if Iran engages in hostage-taking again, it will be punished. We cannot constantly treat the Islamic Republic like children and buy their favor. Yes, the international community can. In my view, Iranian diplomats in any country or even in the United Nations should be expelled in the event of hostage-taking. Even the President of the Islamic Republic should not be able to speak in the United Nations because his presence only diminishes the credibility of that body. He himself is a criminal who has killed more than five thousand people and does not even care.”
Source: Voice of America
