An Interview with the French Magazine Point de Vue -

Paris, March 25, 1997

A Dignified Solitude

    From her years as an architecture student in Paris, Empress Farah has kept the love for beautiful monuments. At left she is seen strolling by the Louvre museum.

Question: After have been a "wandering soul" you seem  at present to look for a new haven. Your children are in the United States but you seem to prefer Europe, and France, why?

      I do not like the expression "wandering soul," although I was one when my husband was still alive. At the begining of our exile, we passed despite ourselves from one country to another, accepted or rejected according to political or economic interests. Exiled, I prefer to travel, for if I would remain in a single country, exile would be more difficult to bear. The only country in the entire world where I would like to live permanently is Iran. This said, it is true that I like Europe and France in particular. I feel close to her culture. I also appreciate the warmth with which I am received. In Paris, I receive many testimonies of deep affection, sometimes even in the streets. In the smile of the people I discover both kindness and encouragement.

Question: If your return to Iran should remain but a dream, what would be madam, your greatest wish?

     Going back is not a dream. I am sure that it will happen. But my most heartfelt wish is for Iran to be liberated, to become a liberal and progressive country once again. Iran must regain its place among the free nations.

Question: Would you be ready to return to Iran under the simple name of Mrs. Pahlavi?

    Without the slightest hesitation. ( to be continued )

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Below, Parisians from all walks of life warmly greet Farah Pahlavi

Photos and text, courtesy Point de Vue and Imapress - Paris

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