Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who has expressed concern about the Islamic Republic’s violent confrontation with protesters against the presidential election outcome, has announced she would pay a rare visit to Iran next year. Reuters reports that last month, Pillay announced that they had talked with Islamic Republic officials about the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran and suggested that Human Rights Council representatives should visit Iran. Pillay, who is a former UN war crimes judge, told Reuters: “Next year will be my formal visit to Iran.”
The Islamic Republic, which dismisses all international criticism of its human rights record, has made no immediate response to Pillay’s announcement. On Friday, Islamic Republic officials announced that they have withdrawn their controversial bid for a seat in the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council, following an agreement with Asian countries. ILNA reported that Ramin Mehmanparast, spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, announced Tehran has agreed with Asian countries that Iran will instead seek membership in a women’s rights body.

source: Radio Zamaneh