Obama addresses Iranian youth calling for revolution

PanARMENIAN.Net - President Barack Obama on Sunday, March 20, used his annual commemoration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, to underscore his administration's repeated argument that the Iranian government is on the wrong side of the popular, pro-democracy movement sweeping across the region.

"We all know that these movements for change are not unique to these last few months," stated Obama in a Sunday press release. "The same forces that swept across Tahrir Square were seen in Azadi Square in June of 2009."

Tehran's Azadi Square was the site of massive anti-government protests following the controversial re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, for whom, opponents claimed, the contest was rigged. Pro-government paramilitary forces violently suppressed the demonstration and dozens of people were killed. Likewise, recent Iranian protests inspired by the Egyptian and Tunisian revolts have been stymied by force.

"Just as the people of the region have insisted that they have a choice in how they are governed, so do the governments of the region have a choice in their response," Obama stated. "So far, the Iranian government has responded by demonstrating that it cares far more about preserving its own power than respecting the rights of the Iranian people."

In Obama's 2011 Sunday commemoration of Nowruz, the president addressed only the Iranian people and not their government. The message was also specifically aimed at young people.

"You, the young people of Iran - carry within you both the ancient greatness of Persian civilization, and the power to forge a country that is responsive to your aspirations," Obama stated. "And though times may seem dark, I want you to know that I am with you," Obama said, CNN reported.