Bozorgmehr Ziaran is the Iranian ambassador in the Netherlands since 2005. He was educated at the College of International Relations in Teheran and attended St. Jones University in New York and Harvard University in Cambridge (USA). He calls himself `the most optimistic Iranian in existence.'
What do you think of the exclusion of Iranian students by the University of Twente?
`It's very unreasonable, because it's in direct conflict with the right to education. It is a basic right of every individual to have free access to education. There is not a single law that can be used to exclude Iranian students from this right. That is discrimination. On the other hand, if Iranian universities will exclude Dutch students, the Netherlands would be insulted as well.'
The universities and the Dutch government refer to a UN resolution.
`Which is interpreted completely wrong. In that resolution, people are asked to take care not to train Iranians in nuclear technology which is directly related to the production of nuclear weapons. I understand that, but it doesn't say anything about the complete exclusion of Iranian students from technological universities. As far as I know, the Netherlands is the only country that excludes Iranian students. And I don't think Dutch universities teach their students how to make a nuclear bomb.'
What are the reactions in Iran?
`They're very negative. Articles on the matter are published in Iranian papers. They have no understanding for the situation and write that Iranians are being discriminated against. Whether Dutch universities have a bad reputation in Iran? Not yet, I hope, but if this measure remains in force, that might happen.'
Do you get a lot of reaction from Iranians in the Netherlands?
`I get a lot of phone calls and e-mails from Iranian students that feel insulted and want me to talk to the Dutch government to come to a solution.'
What can you do for them?
`I have spoken with the Dutch authorities on the matter and asked them to review their decision. We're still talking, but I can't say any more than that I feel optimistic. I hope that before long, my countrymen can go study at Dutch universities once more.'
If you were invited to speak here, would you go into discussion with the University of Twente?
`Yes, I'm open to any discussion. I think it's important that the Iranian community is heard. I'm their representative.'
