Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is criticizing the Obama administration for looking to engage in a round of "hot dog diplomacy" with Iran in the wake of the government's violent crackdown on protestors.
For the first time in 30 years, the State Department had encouraged embassies around the world to invite Iranian diplomats to Fourth of July festivities. But with the unrest in Iran, Ros-Lehtinen -- the top Republican on the House Foreign Committee -- is questioning the decision.
“I am stunned that some find it appropriate for U.S. officials to comingle with officials, representatives and agents of the Iranian regime this Independence Day," she said in a statement. "What kind of message does this send to the Iranian people, who are bravely standing up for the same rights and freedoms which Americans celebrate on this day?
"It is time for the United States to rescind this invitation and, instead, express our unwavering support for the Iranian people and their dreams and ideals," she said. "This Independence Day, we must stand with all who yearn to live free, instead of fraternizing with their oppressors.”
Asked about the invites at his press conference today, Obama noted the U.S. doesn't have formal diplomatic relations with Iran, but added that it's up to the diplomats to decide whether to engage with the U.S.
"I think that we have said that if Iran chooses a path that abides by international norms and principles, then we are interested in healing some of the wounds of 30 years in terms of U.S.-Iranian relations," he said. "But that is a choice that the Iranians are going to have to make."
A State Department spokesman Monday said there had been no thought given to rescinding the invites.
"We have made a strategic decision to engage on a number of fronts with Iran. And -- and we tried many years of isolation, and we're pursuing a different path now," spokesman Ian Kelly said.
Sarah Palin take a bow
Posted by: Amp Garrett | June 24, 2009 at 02:39 PM
If Ros-Lehtinen wants to lead the charge of the lightweight brigade over there, be my guest, but don't expect me to pay for yet another war brought on by the right wing hot heads who's only solution to everything is to make it worse by inflaming it.
Posted by: borisjimski | June 23, 2009 at 04:32 PM