Openness and cooperation with the international human rights machinery is an important tool in this effort. We are also encouraged that in Iran, the Khatami administration sought to advance the rule of law and international dialogue. But despite expressions of good intentions, the actual record remains troubling. Alongside greater freedom of expression, Iran arbitrarily shuts down publications. And while we welcome the government's announcement that the issue of the fatwa against Salman Rushdie is closed, we remain concerned by the disavowals of that decision issued by other prominent Iranian elements and by increases of the bounty on the writer's life.
Minorities continue to be persecuted in Iran.
The world was shocked by the execution of Ruhollah Rowhani for religious crimes and remains preoccupied with the confirmation of death sentences on other Iranian Baha'is. Mr. Chairman, in this 50th anniversary year, when the universality of human rights is being reconfirmed and celebrated around the world, it is clear from any accounting that there is much work to be done. This unfortunate truth is undeniable. But since the creation of the United Nations, and the articulation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the world has a vehicle by which to combat abuses of human rights. The United States pledges to continue to fight, struggle, and eventually triumph in this great cause, both at home and abroad.