WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- With tensions high between the U.S. and Iran around nuclear issues and Iraq, Paul Kawika Martin, 37, the political director of Peace Action, will fly to Iran this Wednesday, February 28th, on a 14-day civilian diplomacy delegation organized by another peace group, Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR).

Martin joins a 24-member delegation, the third FOR peace mission to Iran, to speak directly with a cross section of Iranians and to build bridges of understanding between the two countries.

"I wish the Bush Administration had the wisdom to use diplomacy to solve their disagreements with the Iranian government. Instead, I will go do what the majority of Americans want: Dialogue with Iran," said Martin.

The delegates will meet with media, academics, Muslim religious leaders and representatives of minority Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian communities. They will visit arts centers and non-governmental organizations, including women's and environmental groups. They will speak directly with former president Khatami and Dr. Khatari of the Society for Chemical Weapons Victims Support.

The delegation will be writing reports (http://www.forusa.org/programs/iran) and Martin will blog (http://www.Peace-Action.org) during the trip.

Upon return, Martin will engage in meetings with Members of Congress, their staff, colleague organizations and public presentations. Additionally, Peace Action will deliver a petition (http://www.peace-action.org/iranpetition.html) signed by over 50,000 people to the State Department and leaders in Congress denouncing military intervention in Iran.

Celebrating its 50-year anniversary, Peace Action, the United States' largest peace and disarmament organization with over 100,000 members and nearly 100 chapters in 34 states, works to achieve the abolition of nuclear weapons, promote government spending priorities that support human needs and encourage real security through international cooperation and human rights. http://www.Peace-Action.org

Editors Note:

Martin is available for interviews in Iran (8.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC) by calling in the evenings or scheduling a time via email pmartin@peace-action.org:

3/1 - 3/5 and 3/12 -3/13 Fedossi hotel, Tehran +98 21 66727026 - 31

3/6 - 3/7 Aryobarzan hotel, Shiraz +98 711 2247182 - 4

3/8 - 3/10 Sadaf hotel, Isfahan +98 311 2203236

Martin will return to the States at 6:00 PM Eastern on March 13 and will be available for in-person interviews in New York and Washington, DC. SOURCE Peace Action

-0- 02/25/2007