Middle East Committee seeks peaceful solution in Iran

The General Assembly approved a resolution by a vote of 531 to 127 to seek a peaceful and diplomatic solution in Iran. This is the text of the resolution: “1. Acknowledge the church’s support of a peaceful, diplomatic means to resolve the tensions developing as a result of Iran’s nuclear program between the United States Iran[, European Union nations, Iran’s Arab neighbors, and Israel, and affirm that the provisions of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Act should apply to all nations in the region without double standards. “2. Call for the direct, unconditional negotiations between the United States and Iran with the goal of finding and implementing a peaceful resolution [and affirm the longer term goal of reestablishing diplomatic relations. “3. Oppose preemptive military action by any nation against Iran [and by Iran against any nation. “4. Call for a renewed effort at all levels—people-to-people, interfaith groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and government—to help the United States and Iran eliminate the tensions that have existed between our two nations and to unite the people of the United States and Iran in efforts for their common good.” “5. Encourage members, councils, and appropriate offices of the General Assembly Mission Council/Presbyterian Mission Agency to support measures both to prevent war and to open channels for citizen diplomacy, cultural exchange, and rebuilding long-valued relationships with the church in Iran in a new context. “6. Direct the Stated Clerk to communicate this resolution to the church, and to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State of the United States, every member of Congress, [the government of Iran,]the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the president of the United Nations General Assembly, and all missions to the United Nations.”