Washington 0
20 March 2019

President Trump issued a statement marking the Persian new year, asserting that "sadly, the Iranian people are once again unable to share fully in the joy of this occasion. This year, as they have each year for the past four decades, they mark the arrival of spring under the heavy burden of the oppression of their country's ruthless and corrupt regime". "The Iranian people", the message went on to note "... deserve a government that is accountable to them and that treats them with dignity and respect". Trump added that "the U.S. continues to condemn the dictatorial Iranian regime. We pledge never to turn a deaf ear to the calls of the Iranian people for freedom, and we will never forget their ongoing struggle for human rights". Secretary Pompeo also issued a video message for the occasion. 

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