From the Rantburg Diplomacy Desk:
Iran's State Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Tuesday called for expansion of bilateral cooperation with Switzerland.| "Or at least a more favorable interest rate paid on our, er...rainy day funds." |
In a meeting with the new Swiss ambassador to Iran Philippe Welti, Rafsanjani assessed Tehran-Bern ties as positive and said the ground for continued relations between the two sides exists, IRNA reported. Commenting on the US and western approach to international regulations and human rights, he said the 'hell' created in Guantanamo and Iraqi prisons are not apparently fit for human rights activists to comment on.| Said noted humanitarian and long-time civil rights activist Rafsanjani, thoughtfully stroking his beard. |
Rafsanjani also noted that the crimes committed against the Palestinian and Iraqi nations, including the ban on young girls from pursuing education on account of their religious beliefs and the unilateral closure of Al-Manar TV channel are clear examples of human rights violations.| Someone get His Excellency a map...that's all happening in France, not Suissa. And the girls can go to school, they can't wear hijab to school. |
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on key bilateral, regional and international developments. Welti, for his part, said the Swiss government respects the Palestinian nation's rights.| "I've already been to Yasser's grave twice! And I bought a souvenir baseball hat and shot glass..." |
The Swiss ambassador also said that the torture of prisoners in Guantanamo and Iraq was clearly a violation of human rights laws and runs counter to international values."Yasss, truly. How much do you think you might need to launder through keep in your, er...rainy day fund?" |
Welti stressed the importance of bolstering bilateral cooperation in all political, economic and commercial fields. | "We understand you'll be going into the tractor business soon. Normally we don't do agriculture, but call my secretary and we'll have lunch sometime." |
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