By Irwin Cotler (Jerusalem Post)

This synopsis of JPost article by Irwin Cotler appeared in the Daily Alert, published by the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations.

— It is true that during the election campaign Hassan Rowhani appeared to reject the hard line favored by his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His tone is undoubtedly less incendiary.

— However, Rowhani is the same person who struck a conciliatory posture as Iran’s top nuclear negotiator while presiding over the secret advance of the nuclear program.

— Rowhani boasted that even when Iran had suspended uranium enrichment, it was able to make its greatest nuclear advances, saying, “While we were talking with the Europeans in Tehran, we were installing equipment in parts of the facility in Isfahan,” a crucial nuclear site. “In fact, by creating a calm environment, we were able to complete the work in Isfahan.”

Simply put, Rowhani had patented the strategy of using negotiations as a cover for the uranium enrichment program.

Irwin Cotler is a member of the Canadian Parliament and served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.