On Friday, the Norwegian ambassador to Iran was summoned to the carpet by the Iranian regime. It is the second time in a month and a half that this has happened. According to the Iranian news agency Fars, the topic of the meeting was the statement President Masud Gharahkhani made in an interview with one of the opposition media. Long-time parliamentary representative for Høgre, Michael Tetzschner, understands that Gharahkhani, with his Iranian background, is involved in what is happening in Iran. But he believes that Gharahkhani cannot comment on this by virtue of being president of the Storting. – He does not speak on behalf of the Storting, even though many share his personal view of Iran and we all have a common value base. Tetzschner has, among other things, a seat on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and on the Control and Constitution Committee at the Storting. He refers to the division of labor in politics, where the Storting adopts foreign policy and the government exercises it. – There is no room for foreign policy maneuvers through the presidency. The presidency does not have the powers to implement decisions in the Storting, that is for the government to do. Critical of the regime There have been several demonstrations and strong reactions both in Iran and in other countries when 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody. Gharahkhani has on several occasions expressed himself critically of the Iranian regime on social media. The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has sparked demonstrations in several places around the world. Here from a demonstration in Germany. Photo: Henning Kaiser / AP In the interview, which is said to have led to the Norwegian ambassador having to appear again before the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the president of the Storting advocated regime change in Iran. – I stand up for human rights and democracy. and what I said in my interview is that a good leader does not kill his own people. A good leader does not beat his sister and brother. and that Iran should build on freedom and democracy. That is what the young people in the streets are now fighting for, Gharahkhani told news on Monday. In the past, he has also sent video greetings to the protesters in Iran. The Speaker of the Storting, Masud Gharahkhani, sends a greeting in Persian to the people of Iran. This is happening in connection with the situation in the country after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died. – Engaged As Speaker of the Storting, Gharahkhani is the highest representative of the National Assembly. This means, among other things, that he must act unitedly and not be partisan. He is also exempt from committee work at the Storting. Tetzchner believes Gharahkhani would have been freer to criticize Iran if he had been an ordinary representative or a member of the foreign affairs committee. – Then he could have asked questions to the Foreign Office about whether they are doing enough and working hard enough, and in that way brought out the values we stand for together in Norway. But Tetzchner will not go so far as to say that the president of the Storting has misunderstood his role. – No, I would rather say that he is an overzealous and committed representative from Buskerud, who must also be allowed to participate in the debate. but then he should do it in the same way as other representatives. Gharahkhani did not have the opportunity to sit for an interview with news on Tuesday evening. But in a text message he writes that he has respect for Michael Tetzschner’s view. In addition, he writes that the role of president of the Storting has always been shaped by those who have the role. – I have a strong commitment to freedom, democracy and human rights. That is why I have got involved in both Ukraine and Iran, writes Gharahkhani.
ttn-69
Michael Tetzschner chastises the president of the Storting for Iran scandals – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
