Akbar Ganji, Iran's leading investigative journalist and a critic of hard-liners, remains in prison for what is widely believed to be his critical articles rather than attending the conference. Allies of reformist President Mohammad Khatami, whose faction is locked in a power struggle with the hard-liners, have accused the judiciary of using the conference as an excuse to silence or harass opponents. We do not seek tension with anyone, even America. But we have serious objections to American policies, and as long as these problems are not resolved we will insist on our position. The United States broke diplomatic ties with Iran after the 1979 Islamic revolution which overthrew the U.S.-backed shah.
Relations remain strained, with Iran subjected to U.S. economic sanctions.
But Iran has rebuffed these offers, demanding practical goodwill gestures, including an end to the sanctions. Khatami also said a possible change of administration in the United States in the presidential election this year would not significantly affect ties. This is not compatible with logical and democratic standards. There will not be a lasting peace. And if there is, it will not be fair.