Spokesperson's Department
Office of the President

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Caspian Makin, fiancé of the late Neda Soltan who was brutally murdered in
the 2009 Iranian election protests, to President Peres:

"I came to Israel as an ambassador of the Iranian people, as a messenger
from the camp of peace"

Caspian Makin-fiancé of the late Neda Soltan, who was brutally murdered
during the 2009 Iranian election protests, and whose death became a rallying
point and symbol for the opposition-arrived to Israel and requested a
meeting with President Peres. The Office of the President was glad to answer
positively.

During their meeting this morning, Caspian Makin told the President that
"Neda was a progressive person, a freedom fighter, and these traits flowed
through her veins. She loved people with every small inch of her soul.
Before her murder we spoke a lot about her goals, and we both knew the
danger. After she was murdered, she became a symbol of freedom across the
entire world. Her brave and firm protest brought unity to the Iranian people's
struggle and I hope that her actions will lead to change in the future."

President Peres replied to Makin, "In Israel we feel a historic connection
to the Iranian people. Iran is not enriched uranium, but rather a prosperous
and ancient culture. The uprising of many Iranians restored the honor
typical to this Iranian culture. More than an economic or military struggle,
I see this struggle as a moral fight; and Neda was a brave soldier in that
struggle."

The President added, "What happened to Neda proves that even if someone can
murder a young, unarmed female, nobody can murder what she symbolized and
represented. You can murder a person, but not a spirit. One candle can
scatter a lot of darkness. And this candle will not be extinguished. In this
struggle, I am sure that the progressive and moral Iran will emerge
victorious."

In a personal tone the President said to Makin, "I am so glad that you came
to us. I know that you carry a burden of immense grief. It is not an easy
thing for a loving person to lose his love-there is little consolation. Yet
despite us being members of separate nations, you will feel and find in
Israel a lot of friendship, warmth, and respect for your fight. I am glad
you gave me the opportunity to express my condolences for your great
tragedy, and also mention my great hope for the future."

Makin responded to President Peres warmly, "I am very surprised by your
words. Your words express in the most beautiful way possible all the
feelings I have saved in my heart. I am moved by my visit to Israel because
this is a country managed well, a country which respect all its citizens.
The Israeli people enjoy total freedom and this stands in stark contrast to
what occurs under the Iranian regime and its leaders. To my sorrow, the
proof of this difference is the murder of my fiancée Neda."

At the end of the meeting the President told his special guest that he is
shocked by the treatment of protestors in Terhan and that he has "great
respect for the Iranian protestors who go out to fight for freedom, unarmed,
and receive in return bullets in cold blood. I have no doubt you will win.
You represent a truth that never grows old, a freedom that has no
alternative."

The President also wished the Iranian people a happy Persian New Year.

Makin replied to the President "I came to Israel as an ambassador of the
Iranian people, as a messenger from the camp of peace. I have no doubt that
the soul and spirit of Neda felt the sensitivity and warmth I received in
this meeting. The fight will go on."

Photographs can be obtained here or by request. The photographs depict Makin
and the President. In one hand Makin holds a peace dove given to him by the
President. Please Credit Photo (Free of Charge): Jossef Avi Yair Engel

For More Information:
Ayelet Frish - Spokesperson of the President 050-620-5111
Meital Jaslovitz - Assistant to Spokesperson of the President 050-420-5230

3 HaNassi St., Jerusalem Israel 92188 Tel. +972-2-6707256 Fax.
+972-2-6707295
Email: spokesperson@president.gov.il