Leader: Islamic Nations should extend assistance to Palestinians (26.4.2001)Tehran, April 26, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyed Ali Khamenei said on
Thursday that the Islamic Nations specially the great Muslim states should actively extend
assistance to the Palestinian people. Speaking in a special reception to the dignitaries
who had taken part in the International Conference on Palestinian Intifada (April 24-25),
the Supreme leader said that the Islamic States should embark on publicity to explain the
events in the occupied Palestine and the cause of the Palestinian campaign to the public
opinion and urge the western states to condemn the Zionist regime. The leader said that
the Islamic States should seriously adopt strong stand concerning the Palestinian issue
and the Zionist regime, so that the western states will heed the Arab and the Islamic
States demand to review their policy on Palestinians. "Syria and Lebanon despite
their close borders with the Zionist regime have exercised satisfactory resistance to the
latter's aggressions. The other Arab and Islamic States would also help the Palestinian
people through different ways," the Supreme leader said. The leader said, "Let's
believe that the territory of Palestine will be liberated and repatriation of the
Palestinian nation to their homeland will be well done." "We have placed faith
in promise and help from God and believe that the current situation in the Middle East
will change through sacred struggle," the Supreme leader pointed out. The leader made
it clear that the campaign in Palestine aims to liberate the entirety of
Palestine, not
part of the state and the contemporary Palestinian generation should know that Palestine
belongs to them and they deserve the right to return home. Ayatollah Khamenei said that if
the popular movement in Palestine strengthened, not only the Zionist regime, also any
stronger regimes could not survive. The leader dismissed the idea that destruction of the
Zionist regime is something impossible because the big powers have provided it with full
support and advanced weapons. The Supreme leader also cautioned against exploiting the
Intifada as a bargaining chip and called on the Palestinian leaders to stand against those
who may do so. The leader voiced the Islamic Republic of Iran's full support for
liberation of Palestine and said that Iran supports the Palestinians as a religious
obligation and will stand against any threats in this respect. Ayatollah Khamenei called
for the Muslim Nations financial assistance to alleviate the sufferings of the
Palestinians. Before the Leader's remarks, several dignitaries from Palestine, Lebanon and
Syria expressed gratitude to the leader for his guidelines at the International Conference
on Palestinian Intifada. Leader: Muslims can no more remain indifferent towards suppressions of Palestinians (24.4.2001)Tehran, April 24, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said here Tuesday that Muslims can no longer afford to be indifferent to daily suppressions of Palestinian people. Addressing participants in the international conference in support for the Palestinian Intifada, including speakers and representatives of the national assemblies of Islamic countries, the Supreme Leader stated: "Israel must be made to understand that continuation of suppression of Palestinian people and its acts of aggression against areas with Palestinian inhabitants will bring her in direct and serious confrontation with all Arab and Muslim nations." Stressing that the occupation of Palestine was in accordance with a complex scheme, the Leader stated that there are documents showing collaboration of the Zionists with the Nazi Germany. "There are documents showing close collaboration of the Zionists with the Nazi Germany, and exaggerated numbers relating to the Jewish Holocaust were fabricated to solicit sympathy of the world public opinion, lay the ground for the occupation of Palestine and to justify the atrocities of the Zionists." "There is even evidence on hand that a large number of non-Jewish hooligans and thugs of Eastern Europe were forced to migrate to Palestine as Jews. The purpose was to install in the heart of the Islamic world an anti-Islamic state under the guise of supporting the victims of racism and to create a rift between the East and the West of the Islamic world after 1400 years of unity between those two parts."
Stressing that the world Muslims should be a source of encouragement and inspiration
for Palestinian people to continue their resistance, the Leader further remarked:
"People of Palestine know well that their Islamic resistance has managed to harness
the Israeli atrocities. The strength of Islamic resistance lies in its ability to wreak
crushing blows in response to Israeli actions, and not in relying on diplomatic efforts
and mediation of others." The International Conference on Palestinian Intifada was
inaugurated here Tuesday morning with the Leader's speech and in the presence of heads of
the three branches of government and political and cultural figures as well as speakers
and parliamentarians from Muslim states. Representatives from different Palestinian groups
are also participating in the conference. The conference is expected to provide support
for the Palestinian Intifada, draw up strategy for the Palestinian uprising against
occupation of the Palestinian territories and make decision on how to take practical steps
to help the Palestinian Intifada succeed in restoring the rights of the
Palestinians. The
Supreme Leader noted in his remarks that the internal unity of Palestinian people and
different Palestinian movements lies in the fundamental point that anything that detracts
Palestinians from the right path and causes to ignore the principle enemy will not
certainly be in the interests of the Palestinian cause. "Today, it has become
abundantly clear that those who thought that the question of Palestine related to only a
small part of the Islamic world were making a huge mistake," stated the Leader.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said the huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and
other armaments of mass destruction in Israel are not only for defenseless Palestinian
people but "this arsenal is stockpiled in Israel to materialize the design to
dominate the Islamic world, especially the Middle East." The Leader said that today
Hizbollah is fighting for liberation of occupied lands while Israel attacks Syria in
retaliation that clearly shows the "satanic intention of Israel and her Western
supporters." Therefore, stressed the Leader, the following two points should serve as
the general guidelines for the fight against the usurper Zionist regime: containing the
usurper regime within its borders, containing its economic and political breathing space
and serving its linkages with its surrounding environment as well as continuation of
resistance and struggle of Palestinian people within their own homeland and offering them
the needed help. Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the pressures exerted on Iran by the
arrogant powers, especially America, for its support for Palestine and said as they have
said in plain terms, "America's major problem with Iran relates to the opposition of
the Islamic Republic of Iran to the humiliating peace plans for Palestine and other things
such as the ridiculous claims of human rights violations and manufacturing of weapons of
mass destruction," that are nothing but "excuses and pretexts". The Leader
said that occupation of Palestine is part of a satanic design by the world domineering
powers, perpetrated by the British in the past and being carried out today by the United
States to weaken the solidarity of the Islamic world and to sow the seeds of disunity
among Muslims. Pointing to the reasons that stopped the first Intifada, including promises
to meet the demands of Palestinians by peaceful means, Ayatollah Khamenei said passage of
10 years has shown that all efforts by the supporters of the Zionists were aimed at
rescuing Israelis from the heavy pressures stemming from the relentless struggle of
Muslims. "Time has also shown that rosy promises given to Palestinian negotiators
were nothing but mere illusions." Reminding the participants of their heavy
responsibility in showing their commitment to the Intifada, Ayatollah Khamenei further
stated that today all Muslims of the world have pinned their eyes on this destiny-making
struggle of Palestinian people and have greater hope in this Intifada. "The so-called
peace process and the Oslo scheme placed the Palestinians in a situation that made them
realize there is no other way but an all-out popular uprising," remarked the Supreme
Leader. The Leader continued by saying that Israel that once used to bully its way around
in the region and dictated its wishes on the Arab nations is now disheartened and
frustrated and kneels down in face of the grandeur of th Islamic resistance. "This is
only a small part of the immense power of Arab and Muslim nations. You should rest assured
that if all the power and potential or even a part of it is employed effectively we will
see the demise of Israel." Addressing the participants in the conference, Ayatollah
Khamenei said that they can mobilize potentials of their countries for the liberation of
Palestine, urging all Muslims and Arabs to support the struggle of Palestinian people.
"I assure you that the Israeli regime is decayed from within and the present
generation is by no means prepared to make any sacrifice for its preservation. With the
grace of Allah, Arab and Muslim nations are today stronger than any other time in the past
50 years." Leader says Tunisia, cradle of Islam in Africa (22.4.2001)Tehran, April 22, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said
on Sunday that Tunisia is the cradle of Islam in Africa. In a meeting with Tunisian Prime
Minister Muhammad Ghannouchi, the Supreme Leader said Tunisia has longstanding
civilization and called for making use of the capacity for the cultural and economic
cooperation between the two countries. Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Muslim World has a
single identity and the West makes every endeavor to prevent the Muslim World from relying
upon its own capability. The Supreme Leader said that the Muslim nations have determining
capabilities which should be utilized to serve the interests of the Muslims in the region.
Ayatollah Khamenei called for the regional states' attention to Islam and a responsive
approach toward the Islamic movements. The Leader said that the Zionists have attempted to
forge political and economic dominance over the Muslim World and appreciated the Tunisia's
closure the Zionist regime's representative office in Tunis. The Supreme Leader said that
Palestine is the a major global issue adding that it is not the matter of one nation
itself, but that of all Muslims. First Vice-President Hassan Habibi was also present in
the meeting. Ghannouchi said that Tunisia has attached great importance to developing ties
with the Islamic Republic of Iran adding that Tunisia is keen on fostering cooperation
with Iran in the field of industry and trade. The Tunisian premier said that the Islamic
states should strengthen ties to deal with common threats posed to the Muslims adding that
the Zionist regime is one threat to the Muslim World which should be dealt with in the
political and economic aspects. Ghannouchi said that campaign against the Zionist regime
will continue until the return of Holy Qods al-Sharif to the Muslims. The Republic of
Tunisia lies in North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the west and by Libya to the
southeast with coastline on the Mediterranean to the north and east. In the 1930s a
campaign for independence from French rule began. France granted Tunisia internal
self-government in September 1955 and full independence on March 20, 1956. The
Constitution of 1956 recognizes Islam as the state religion. Leader hails Hizbullah's outstanding role in Islamic world (21.4.2001)Tehran, April 21, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said here Saturday that thanks to struggles of the Islamic Resistance forces against the Zionist regime, the Lebanese Hizbullah has attained an outstanding role in the world of Islam. Ayatollah Khamenei, receiving Hojjatoleslam Seyed Hassan Nasrullah, Secretary-General of Lebanese Hizbullah Movement and a number of Lebanese Hizbullah officials, said that given their own inherent power emanating from their faith in God, unity and cooperation among all Hizbullah forces should be further strengthened. The Leader stressed the need for further amity among Hizbullah of Lebanon and other Lebanese groups to maintain unity in the face of the Zionists' plots. The Supreme Leader said Intifadha of al-Aqsa Mosque is the result of the Lebanese Hizbullah's struggles and devotion. The current Intifadha in Palestine is in fact awakening of the sense of dignity and strength among Palestinian Muslims through Lebanese Islamic resistance, said the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei said the Zionist regime's position in the region is highly unstable and added that Hizbullah should be vigilant as before and take the initiative in fighting the Zionist regime. Hailing Syria's key role and resistance in the region and in the face of the Zionist regime's threats, the Leader said Syrian militarymen, who were killed in Israel's recent attack on Lebanon, are martyrs for the cause of Palestinians. BG/AH/RR End ::irna 16:50 Leader: Army's young personnel indebted to revolutionary veterans (17.4.2001)Tehran, April 17, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
said on Tuesday that the army's young generation are indebted to the veteran revolutionary
personnel whose sacrifices freed the army from the aliens. Commander-in Chief of the Armed
Forces said in a meeting with Army commanders on the occasion of Army Day (April 18) that
the Army shoulders two major tasks namely: defending the nation and the country and its
responsibilities in countering threats. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the
armed forces form a pillar of national strength adding that the armed forces are required
to follow the model of Imam Ali (AS) -- symbol of sacrifice, bravery, piety and faithful.
The Leader said that the Army Day is a turning point in the Army's history and the late
Imam Khomeini put an end to plans to dissolve the army through vigilance. Ayatollah
Khamenei said that the young generation of the Army personnel should work hard to boost
their scientific and practical knowledge and the commanders should avoid arrogance in
dealing with the lower ranks of the army's hierarchy so that they would take effective
steps to upgrade the army's capability. Elaborating on national strength, the Leader
pointed out that national strength has military, economic and political aspects and it
doesn't mean that only military power brings national strength while it doesn't reject the
military power either. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that national strength
takes shape through rightful performance of the officials in different sectors. "If
the legislature worked faithfully to provide legislation taking model from Imam Ali (AS)
and avoiding some corrupt individuals, the national power will further strengthen, the
Supreme Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei referred to attempts being made by world powers to
exercise economic, military and security dominance over nations and said that God willing
and thanks to vigilance of the Iranian nation, global arrogance's attempts to forge
domination over the Iranian nation are doomed to failure. The Supreme Leader criticized
the international organizations working in the field of peacekeeping and human rights for
keeping silent on the oppression of the world powers. "Why the international
organizations advocating peace and human rights do not condemn an aggressor regime that
tramples on the rights of Palestinians?" the Supreme leader said. Prior to the
Leader's remarks, the Army's General Commander Major General Mohammad Salimi presented a
report on the performance of the army's air, navy and the ground forces in maintaining
security along the Iranian borders, programs on boosting self-sufficiency and military
preparedness by holding military exercises. Leader stresses close bonds between officials, people (14.4.2001)Tehran, April 14, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei here Saturday called on officials of the system to pay attention to problems
facing the public. Ayatollah Khamenei told Interior Minister and governors-general from
provinces nationwide that the key to solving problems facing the public is close contacts
with people and pinpointing their problems. The Leader said people attribute functions of
governors general to the system at large and this makes responsibility of officials even
graver. Ayatollah Khamenei said problem of unemployment can be solved and to this end the
High Employment Council should get more dynamic and set plans for employment in
conjunction with all ministries and organs. Leader calls for enhanced cooperation among eastern countries (12.4.2001)Tehran, April 12, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei called for the expansion of relations among powerful eastern countries. Receiving
visiting Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee here Thursday, the Leader said that
such relations were "logical and necessary in the current situation in the
world." "Cooperation among such countries as Iran, India, Russia and China can
be effective in regional and international issues," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Colonialist countries were opposed to this cooperation, Ayatollah Khamenei said, adding
such opposition provided stronger incentive for the eastern countries to strengthen their
relations. "This is because nobody can accept the interference of a country like
America in all world issues," the Supreme Leader added. He said that India and Iran,
given their cultural and emotional commonalties, unique historical relations as well as
regional and international exigencies, could fully expand their bilateral ties and
establish "very close" relations. The Leader called the "full
determination" of the two countries for expanded relations as necessary, adding,
"Iran and India have to implement their agreements reached in the past and present,
so that the trend of expanded relations can be guaranteed." Referring to "the
positive grounds" of expansion of Tehran-New Delhi ties in economic, scientific and
technical fields, the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader said a planned transfer of gas
from Iran to India was "among very helpful and effective projects which can develop
the two countries bilateral ties." Ayatollah Khamenei urged the settlement of
India-Pakistan disputes saying, "We hope a solution can be reached which can
guarantee the rights of Kashmiri residents and provide them with peace and security."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also referred to cultural and emotional bonds between
the two countries and said, "The Iranian nation has looked to the long struggle of
the Indian people with respect which is indicative of deep and invaluable relations
between the two countries." Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the "prestigious"
cultural legacy of India and lauded Vajpayee for his opposition to the demolition of 16th
century Babri Mosque in the country. On his part, Vajpayee conveyed "the best
greetings and wishes" of the Indian people and government to the Iranian supreme
Leader and described his talks with the officials of the Islamic Republic as
"positive". "Iran and India, as the representatives of two ancient
civilizations, could play an important role in the development of the two countries and
for the establishment of peace and security in the region," the Indian prime minister
said. Referring to Pakistan-India dispute, Vajpayee said, "I assure you that we will
do our best for the improvement of our ties with neighboring Pakistan." "We are
exerting all our efforts to return peace and security to Kashmir," he added. Mourning ceremonies held in presence of Leader (6.3.2001)Tehran, April 6, IRNA -- Ceremonies were held here Thursday in presence of the Supreme
Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking the martyrdom anniversary of
Hazrat Hossein Ibn Ali (A.S.), the third infallible Imam of Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH)
household. Heads of three branches of government and people from various walks of life
were present at the ceremony.
Supreme Leader - Mourning (4.3.2001)Mourning ceremonies on the martyrdom anniversary of the third Imam of the Shiites, Imam Hossein (AS) and his loyal followers were held in the Hosseiniyeh Imam Khomeini in presence of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the ceremonies also attended by large number of people from all walks of life, eulogists elaborated on the virtues and various aspects of Imam Hossein's uprising and lamented on the anniversary of karbala epic. The mouring ceremonies in Hosseiniyeh Imam Khomeini will be held during the next four consecutive nights. (IRIB) |
