Leader calls for world peace and justice (31.5.2001)

Tehran, May 31, IRNA -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a meeting with the visiting Georgian Archbishop Iliya II, called for world divine religions to work together toward establishing world peace and morality. He also referred to the injustices and oppression being carried out by world superpowers, saying the United States, as one the known oppressors of the world, will eventually collapse. "An oppressor of humanity was the former Soviet Union which collapsed. America, as another oppressor, will fall down as well," the Supreme Leader said. He said morality is the common message of all divine religions as well as a universal need in today's world. "Today, humanity is plagued by negligence in achieving this shining goal and this is the biggest damage," the leader said. World people are starting to embrace back morals, despite huge efforts to distance them from religion, Ayatollah Khamenei said, adding it was the responsibility of spiritual leaders of divine religions to enlighten people and awaken them to their negligence. Referring to today's proponents of world peace, the Leader said that peace, per se, was not enough, saying "humanity, besides peace, needs justice as well." The Georgian archbishop, for his part, highlighted the responsibility of spiritual leaders of the world's divine religions to promote religious and moral values. He echoed Ayatollah Khamenei's statements, saying it is impossible to establish peace without justice.
:irna 16:00

Leader praises noble status of Majlis (28.5.2001)

Tehran, May 28, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Monday lauded high status of Majlis and said people are considered as determining factors and deep roots of the Islamic system. Ayatollah Khamenei told Majlis Speaker Mehdi Karroubi and MPs on the anniversary of the Majlis establishment that Majlis is symbol of public presence at the scene of the Revolution. The Supreme Leader thanked Majlis for organizing the Second International Conference on Palestinian Intifada, that was held here on April 24-25, and said it was an ``influential and lasting'' move in the history of Majlis, the Islamic Republic and the Palestine. Regretting the May 17 plane crash incident that left 30 people dead, including former Road and Transportation Minister the late Rahman Dadman and 7 MPs, the Leader said the incident should serve as a lesson that man is subject to the inescapable fact of death. The Supreme Leader said the main duty of Majlis is making laws adding that Majlis, through passing laws, paves the ground for the government to act on the basis of the general policies and goals of the Islamic establishment. The Leader said that besides legislation and preparation of the ground for government's activity, MPs have the duty to give vote of confidence to ministers and all these show the high status of Majlis and the grave responsibility of MPs. Ayatollah Khamenei said firm determination, strong faith, clear knowledge about social and global realities, and constant awareness are subjects to which MPs and officials of the Islamic establishment should pay due attention. The Leader stressed that officials should always be careful of themselves, their families, relatives and the people who have political and cultural influence on them. The Leader added those serving various responsibilities at Majlis should always try to improve the cultural, social and administrative structures, observe real interests of the public, fight poverty, corruption and discrimination, bridge the gap between the poor and the rich in society, bring the public closer to the Islamic and religious values, ensure calm and peace for the public and prevent entrenchment of tension in society. The Leader cautioned against extensive well-calculated and complicated plots of the enemies of the Islamic republic trying to portray the Islamic Republic as an inefficient system. The Leader added that the enemy with a view to portray the Islamic system as inefficient in the public opinion, especially among the youth, and present a pessimistic outlook of the future, prevents resolution of economic problems, launches propaganda against religious and revolutionary beliefs of the public and creates a tumultuous political atmosphere. Ayatollah Khamenei said all people and officials should confront the enemy plots and MPs too in their capacity should move in opposite direction of these ploys. The leader called as ``unrealistic'' the customary factional groupings in society and elaborated on four real currents in the present political scene of the country. The prevailing political current believes in the Islamic revolution and its system and values , and independence of the country, said the Leader, adding that the second current is hostile to the Revolution and is for removal of the Islamic system. There is however a third current in pursuit of personal gains that supports the second current and tries to topple the Islamic system, clarified the Leader. The fourth current, he said, does not oppose the Islamic system but often serves unwillingly and ignorantly the current that opposes the system. The leader stressed the need to logically deal with those who ignorantly serve the hostile current. One should behave these people in such a way to remove their ignorance, added the Leader. The Leader remarked that all officials are within the current that believes in the Islamic system and that they should be watchful of the hostile political current. Touching on the grave responsibility of MPs at present juncture, the Leader described future of the country as bright and promising despite all pressures and conspiracies. The Leader said that in light of their endeavors and faith and reliance on God, as well as unity, solidarity and chastity all people should use the exceptional opportunities provided by the Islamic Revolution, hoist the banner of the Islamic values and compensate for cases of backwardness in the past.
:irna 22:33

Leader praises Iran's resistance against dictatorship (21.5.2001)

Tehran, May 21, IRNA -- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei stressed here on Monday that the Islamic Republic of Iran, since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has resisted against international dictatorship and big powers despite all pressures. The Leader made the remark while receiving the visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Referring to Venezuela's independent views and the country's resistance against the big powers, the Leader stressed that resistance against international dictatorship and aggression, the objective of which is domination over cultures, civilizations and countries means defending identity, culture and national interests. Praising great Latin American personalities such as Simon Bolivar, Salvador Allende and Fidel Castro, Ayatollah Khamenei said the Latin American region is enjoying profound and independent culture and identity which should be safeguarded. As to the hegemonic policies of the U.S. and its claims over the Latin American region, the Supreme Leader emphasized that resistance of the regional countries with support of their nations against Washington proves that relying on nations is the greatest backing for their countries. Underlining the need for further expansion of Tehran-Caracas cooperation in various areas, the Leader reiterated that the agreements reached between the two countries should be followed up and materialized. Praising the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and resistance of the Iranian people against hegemony of the global powers, Chavez hailed the Iranian nation as a combatant and creative nation. He added that resistance against hegemony and Imperialism is a common element shared by Iran and Venezuela. Referring to the U.S. attempts to rule over the Latin American region over the past two centuries and resistance of the regional nations against these attempts, Chavez praised Latin America's great personalities particularly Simon Bolivar. He further stressed on promotion of Iran-Venezuela cooperation in different areas including agriculture, industry, oil and gas. The Venezuelan president also called for further activation of the two countries' joint economic commission. Chavez has been in Iran since Friday as part of a three-week tour of seven nations -- including Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Chavez, on his second visit to Iran in less than a year, is leading a high-ranking delegation that includes several ministers, as well as the head of the national oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela. He is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on setting up a joint economic and industrial cooperation commission as well as an agreement to name Tehran and Caracas as sister cities. The Venezuelan president visited Iran last August, and Khatami was in Venezuela for an oil summit a month later. Venezuela currently holds the rotating presidency of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries in which Iran is the second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia. OPEC ministers are to gather at an extraordinary meeting in vienna, Austria, next month, to decide on the organization's total output level for the coming months.
:irna 14:30

Leader attends Arba'ein rituals (14.5.2001)

Tehran, May 14, IRNA -- A special mourning ceremony was held Monday morning on the occasion of "Araba'ein", the 40th day after "Ashura", the martyrdom anniversary of the third infallible Imam of the Prophet Mohammad's (SAWA) household, at the presence of the Leader of Islamic Revolution in Imam Khomeini Hoseinieh in central Tehran. Groups of mourners from various provinces including the Assembly of east Azarbaijani Combatants, the Assembly of West Azarabaijani combatants, the Ardebili and Zanjani mourning groups and people of Tehran from all walks of life participated at the ceremony. The day is a national holiday due to the same occasion. Religious hymns were recited in the ceremony by some of the country's most famous performers of such rituals, in which they sympathized with Imam Hossein (AS) and his benevolent sister Zeynab (AS). The mourning ceremonies on the occasion were held last night and today in cities, towns and villages across the country where speakers elobarated on the glorious life of Imam Hossein (AS) and also on his bereaved family members notably his noble sister Zeinab (AS) after Imam's martyrdom. Muslims usually commemorate a deceased person on the seventh and the fortieth day after his demise, as well as the first anniversary after the death incidence. In the sad case of the martyrdom of Imam Hossein and 72 of his family members and followers, the event has been commemorated for over fourteen centuries by the bereaved Shi'ites year after year.
:irna 17:43

Leader appreciates authors of `Iran Book' (12.5.2001)

Tehran, May 12, IRNA -- Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei Saturday met with the authors and producers of `Iran Book,' a fine work on various aspects of life in Iran today, and appreciated their efforts in this regard. The Leader said that the book reflected a prestigious image of the country and displayed the might of the Iranian men of letter. He described the book as "comprehensive, innovative and beautiful." Ayatollah Khamenei further emphasized, "this book is not only quite successful in introducing Iran to the world thoroughly, but reveals the presence of many talented, innovative and learned people working in cultural fields in our country, some of whom have made tremendous efforts in producing this work of arts." First Vice President Hassan Habibi who is the head of the board of authors of `Iran Book' offered a brief explanation on the work at the beginning of the authors' meeting with the leader. According to Habibi, the distinct charactristic of this book is its presenting a real and comprehensive picture of Iran to the Iranian and foreign readers of the work. Comprised of three chapters, namely `Nature,' `Culture' and `People (Umma),' `Iran Book' takes good advantage of professional photographers' work and talented contemporary Iranian writes' texts. Each chapter begins with a verse of the Holy Quran and the sub-chapters are adorned with 32 beautiful poems of Iranian ancient and modern times poets. The design work of the book takes optimum advantage of various traditional Iranian arts and one thousand pictures and illustrations add to the richness of its quality.
:irna 23:18

Cuban President Fidel Castro met with the Supreme Leader (10.5.2001)

Tehran, May 10 - The visiting Cuban President Fidel Castro met with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday. In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran regards any struggle and resistance against the arrogance as righteous. Touching on vast commom ground between Iran and Cuba in various areas including standing up to the US, Ayatollah Khamenei said the Iranian nation feels attached to the Cuban nation because of its resistance against the US bullying behaviour since this is considered a value according to Islamic principles. Ayatollah Khamenei noted religion should be at the service of man and his needs, expressing regret that Christian Leadership is indifferent towards justice as man's most important need. "Religious thought is one based on a profound philosophy and strong logic and the reason for the US hostility towards the Islamic Republic of Iran is the practical effects of the Islamic thought in the world," the Supreme Leader told the Cuban presiden t. Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the role of the Islamic thought in filling the spiritual vacuum in the world today and the special importance Islam attaches to justice. The Supreme Leader remarked the key to the steadfastness of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is people's belief in Islamic concepts and thought. On his part, Fidel Castro expressed delight over his visit to Iran, which he described as the world's spiritual center. Castro told Ayatollah Khamenei that his remarks on Islam and religious concepts have greatly impressed him. Castro termed the bullying practices of the West, specially the US, as uncivilized despite superficial propaganda. "The Iranian and Cuban nations can cooperate with each other to ground the US," he concluded.

Ayatollah Khamenei, Fidel Castro Meet (9.5.2001)

Tehran, May 9, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei met with the visiting Cuban President Fidel Castro Wednesday afternoon. Ayatollah Khamenei in the meeting referred to the foundations of the Iranian nation's Islamic beliefs and the role their strong belief in God played in their firm resistance against the global arrogance, particularly the US hegemony. "It is based on such beliefs and mentality that the Islamic Republic of Iran regards any resistance against arrogance in the world as a righteous move," said the Iranian Supreme Leader. Highlighting the numerous commonalties between Iran and Cuba, including resistance against the US global hegemony, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "our resistance against the US hegemony is based upon our Islamic beliefs, since in Islam, resistance against injustice is a value. The Iranian leader elaborated that the main objective of religions is being at the service of the mankind and fulfillment of the people's needs. He said that Islamic logic is today capable of answering the mankind's demands of the day. Ayatollah Khamenei meanwhile criticized the Christian churches of the day for remaining often silent or indifferent when they encounter injustice, while observing justice is the highest need of the mankind. The supreme Iranian leader further remarked that the Islamic mentality has eliminated the spiritual gap from which the mankind suffered today. He also stressed the utmost importance that Islam attaches to observing justice at all circumstances and under any condition. Ayatollah Khamenei added, "authentic religious thoughts are based on a deep philosophy and a strong logic and the main reason why the US administrations are at odds with the Islamic Republic of Iran is the practical effects of the Islamic mentality on the world masses' minds. He also said that the secret of the Islamic Revolution's successful resistance against the US pressures is the people's religious mentality, based on which "we consider the American regime as an arrogant power, seeking a unipolar world, to which we seriously object." Reiterating that the American regime is weak and extremely vulnerable today, the Ayatollah stressed, "the US grandeur is quite fragile today and if that objective is materialized, it is a great service rendered to the mankind, including the American nation." Ayatollah Khamenei assured Fidel Castro that Iran and Cuba can achieve that goal, hand in hand.
During the meeting, attended also by Iran's President Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President Castro expressed his heartfelt delight over his presence in Iran, which he said is a valuable, divine country.
Fidel Castro said that Iran is the center of spirituality in the world today and told Ayatollah Khamenei that his words on Islam and religious values had deeply impressed him. Terming the western approach towards different civilizations and religions as discriminating, Castro said in the West high budgets are allocated to projects aimed at deviation of the mankind's minds from the sheer truths and realities. Castro denounced the Western hegemony and said that the West, and particularly the US administrations, despite their vast propaganda, acts in a totally uncivilized manner. He agreed with Ayatollah Khamenei on the point that the US is extremely weak today, adding, "we are today eye-witness to their weakness, as their close neighbors." The Cuban President further stressed, "we are not scared of America today, and the Cuban nation is stronger than ever in the past, forty years after the victory of its revolution." He once again agreed with Ayatollah Khamenei on the point that Iran and Cuba can hand in hand defeat America. The 74-year-old Cuban leader, leading a ranking delegation of officials and businessmen, arrived here Monday night on his first-ever visit to Tehran for a three-day stay. His visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran is mainly aimed at expanding ties between the two nations, in addition to drafting the future scheme of the G-77 of developing nations, whose presidency is currently held by Tehran. Castro has already held talks with President Mohammad Khatami and Parliamentary Speaker Mehdi Karroubi. The two countries have always enjoyed strong cordial relations and Cuba has always backed the Islamic Republic's stances at international scenes.

Leader hits out at U.S. for its hostile polices against Iran (6.5.2001)

Rasht, Gilan Prov., May 6, IRNA -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Sunday lashed out at the United States for adopting hostile policies against the Islamic Republic, saying the former is making fruitless efforts to dominate the latter politically and economically. Addressing tens of thousands of volunteer Basijis in this northern city, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "The United States is attempting to plunder the national assets and rich resources of Iran to vent its hostility against the Islamic Republic." "But," he added, "the Iranian nation will not bow down to the political, economic and cultural domination of world superpowers and will even trample on their interests if they should happen to conflict with Iran's interest." He said that the Basijis would never let aliens dominate Iran and would bring them to their knees. The U.S. has been critical of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic since the two countries severed relations in 1979, after the seizure by Muslim students of the US embassy in Tehran less than nine months after the triumph of the Islamic Revolution. As political propaganda device, the United States accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism, seeking to sabotage Arab-Israeli peace efforts, and committing human rights abuses. The Iranian authorities, owever, have frequently counterattacked by charging that Washington has been the number one sponsor of state terrorism worldwide because, among other things, it has backed Zionist seizure of Palestinian lands militarily and politically, and has instigated continuing bloodshed and human rights violations by the zionist government on the occupied lands from behind a stage that it pretends to have set up for and in the name of peace for a nation that lived in ideal peace before the seizure of their homeland. The Iranian government says those charges that are sporadically epeated by Washington is basically an ineffectual device to divert orld attention from the pressing problems in the Middle East and the deadlocked peace talks. Iran has made talks with the U.S. conditional on an end to the sanctions and the unfreezing of some 10 billion dollars of its assets in US banks since November 1980. Ayatollah Khamenei made the calls on the last day of his five-day visit to the northern province of Gilan.
:irna 22:51

Supreme Leader addresses gathering of Gilan officials (6.5.2001)

Rasht, May 6 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday called upon the officials to help the people to overcome the hardships and try to solve the problems the nation is facing. In an address to a gathering of the Gilan province officials and administrators, Ayatollah Khamenei said the Islamic Revolution's victory has provided a very favorable atmosphere for those who long for rendering services to the public. The Leader said the tug-of-war between the political camps in the country would create complicated problems in the way of the progress and prosperity. He called upon the officials to do their utmost to solve the economic problems facing the masses. The Leader referring to the capaign waged by the enemies to portray Iran's Islamic System as a weak system and said should the economic problems remain u nsolved, the political development would not be realized in the country. He stressed the cooperation among the officials in the three branches of the government and advised the cabinet ministers to hold their regular meetings in the provinces so as to be able to get acquainted with the problems of people in the provinces. Ayatollah Khamenei said the executive officials should play a key role in translating into action the decisions in the macro-plans and projects. He said the officials administrating the state affairs should be of a strong religious faith and have a firm commitment to the Islamic values.

Leader: Creating jobs should be state priority (5.5.2001)

Tehran, May 5, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that creating job opportunities should be placed on top of the government agenda in the current year. Addressing tens of thousand workers, farmers and fishermen in Gilan province, the Supreme Leader said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has placed great importance to employment as well as cultural issues. ``Work is necessary for the daily livelihood of people and the Islamic Republic has placed emphasis on developing the manufacturing sector which helps independence of the nation and creates more jobs for the people,'' said the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei recommended that executive officials should encourage investment in the manufacturing sector and urged the officials in charge of financial affairs to provide the industrial and agricultural sectors with fund and help create jobs. The Supreme Leader said that thanks God, the youth population is growing in Iran every year and the topic of providing them with jobs cannot remain a mere slogan. ``Creating job is the main policy that executive officials should put into practice. State officials are required to offer monthly report about the number of jobs they have provided in the preceding month,'' the Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei said that global arrogance has targeted the religious faith of the Iranian nation and political and economic independence as well as its cultural identity. The Leader declared, ``The enemy seeks to make Iran dependent on foreign goods, but, the Iranian nation is aware of the plan and insists on Islamic values and political independence.'' The Leader said that foreign countries do what they can to promote the culture of consumption in a bid to sell their goods adding that reliance upon foreign goods is detrimental to the nation.

Elsewhere in his address, the Leader said that there exist opportunities in Iran for the youth to demonstrate their talent and innovation and thanks to Iran's great civilization, they are capable of undertaking effective role in the international community, especially in the field of humanitarian services. The leader provided guidelines to the executive officials to work towards solving the problems of workers, farmers and fishermen. Several workers had submitted petitions to the Leader calling for cancelling the temporary contracts that employers sign with them. The complained that temporary contracts do not benefit the workers as the workers cannot enjoy insurance services under these contracts. The Leader called on the officials to enforce regulations to benefit workers, farmers and the fishermen. Several rice and tea farmers complained about the government office's failure to buy their products at a fair price. The Leader called on the provincial agriculture officials to take into account the farmers' demand and support the tea and rice farmers. The Leader is currently on the fifth day of his tour of Gilan province.
:irna 18:21

Supreme Leader addresses gathering of Gilan officials (5.5.2001)

Rasht, May 5, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday called upon the officials to accompany the people in undergoing the hardships and try to solve the problem facing the nation. In an address to a gathering of the Gilan Province officials and administrators, Ayatollah Khamenei said the Islamic Revolution's victory has provided a very favorable atmosphere for those who long for rendering services to the public. The Leader said the tug-of-war between the political camps in the country would create complicated problems in the way of the progress and prosperity. He called upon the officials to do their utmost to solve the economic problems facing the masses. The Leader commented on the efforts of the enemies who he said are trying to portray Iran's Islamic system as a weak system and said should the economic problems remain unsolved, the political development would not be realized in the country. He stressed the cooperation among the officials in the Three branches of the Government and advised the Cabinet minister to hold their regular meetings in the provinces so as to be able to get acquainted with the problems of the public in the provinces. He said the executive officials should play a key role in translating into action the decisions in the macro-plans and projects. He said the officials administrating the state affairs should be of a strong religious faith and a firm commitment to the Islamic values. Earlier today, Ayatollah Khamenei said creating job opportunities should be placed top on the government agenda in the current year. Addressing tens of thousand workers, farmers and fishermen in Gilan province, the Leader said the Islamic Republic of Iran has placed great importance on employment as well as cultural issues. ``Work is necessary for the daily livelihood of people and the Islamic Republic has laid stress on developing the manufacturing sector which helps independence of the nation and creates more jobs for the people,'' he said. The Leader declared, ``The enemy seeks to make Iran dependent on foreign goods, but, the Iranian nation is aware of the plan and insists on Islamic values and political independence.'' The Leader said that foreign countries do what they can to promote the culture of consumption in a bid to sell their goods adding that reliance upon foreign goods is detrimental to the nation. The leader provided guidelines to the executive officials to work towards solving the problems of workers, farmers and fishermen. Several workers had submitted petitions to the Leader calling for cancelling the temporary contracts that employers sign with them. The complained that temporary contracts do not benefit the workers as the workers cannot enjoy insurance services under these contracts. Several rice and tea farmers complained about the government office's failure to buy their products at a fair price.
IRNA

Caspian Sea should remain non-military: Supreme Leader (3.5.2001)

Tehran, May 3, IRNA-- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday reiterated Iran's stance on the Caspian Sea, saying the waters should remain non-military. "The Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to opposing to the militarization of the Caspian Sea, believes that the waters should completely remain secure so that the exploitation of its resources by the coastal states become possible," the Leader said during a march of military forces in northern city of Rasht. He said in order to protect its national interests, the Islamic Republic of Iran has to strengthen defensive capabilities of its military forces in the Caspian region. The Supreme Leader said the "main task" of the Islamic Republic's armed forces was to improve their "scientific and practical efficiency". He said the country's armed forces, in line with their specified tasks, should work as a single united entity and complement one another. Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated Iran's rejection of any bilateral accord that would allocate resources of the strategic Caspian Sea, saying the legal status of the oil-rich sea should be defined on the basis of an agreement acceptable by all five littoral states. "The legal status of the Caspian must be determined by all the countries around the sea. Bilateral accords cannot bind other states as far as determining the legal status of the sea is concerned," Ayatollah Khamenei told thousands of people on the third day of a tour of Gilan province. "On the basis of international law, the Caspian Sea should be shared by all the five littoral states and no foreign power can interfere in affairs related to the sea," he said. "The Islamic Republic will not allow any power to trample on its rights," he added. Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are the five countries bordering the Caspian Sea. The above-mentioned littoral states are scheduled to meet in the Turkmen capital Ashkhabad in October to decide on a legal regime for the waters. The states have still to come up with a legal regime for the exploitation of the sea resources, particularly its rich oil reserves, said to be the largest after Siberia and the Persian Gulf. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly indicated that it will agree to an equitable sharing of the sea's resources, which would give it a 20 percent share. Iran believes that agreements reached between Iran and Russia in 1921 and 1940 are the most suitable precedents for deciding on a legal regime. The accords, it believes, will meet the interests of the five littoral states, foremost being the proportional sharing of the sea's resources. The coastal states of the sea have postponed several scheduled meetings on the legal regime of the Caspian Sea, the last scheduled for early March has again been postponed to a later date.
:irna 22:20

Leader reaffirms Tehran's opposition to any bilateral deal on Caspian (3.5.2001)

Bandar-e Anzali, May 3, IRNA -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday reiterated Iran's rejection of any bilateral accord that would allocate resources of the strategic Caspian Sea, saying the legal status of the oil-rich sea should be defined on the basis of an agreement acceptable by all five littoral states. "The legal status of the Caspian must be determined by all the five. Bilateral accords cannot bind other states as far as determing the legal status of the sea is concerned," Ayatollah Khamenei told thousands of people in this Caspian port city on the third day of a tour of Gilan province. "On the basis of international law, the Caspian Sea should be shared by all the five littoral states and no foreign power can interfere in affairs related to the sea," he said. Ayatollah Khamenei also called for a follow-up of Iran's share of the gas and oil resources of the Caspian Sea. "The Islamic Republic will not allow any power to trample on its rights," he said. Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are the five countries bordering the Caspian Sea. The above-mentioned littoral states are scheduled to meet in the Turkmen capital Ashkhabad in October to decide on a legal regime for the waters. The states have still to come up with a legal regime that would use and exploitation of the sea, particularly its rich oil reserves, said to be the largest after Siberia and the Persian Gulf. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly indicated that it will agree to an equitable sharing of the sea's resources, which would give it a 20 percent share. Iran believes that agreements reached between Iran and Russia in 1921 and 1940 are the most suitable precedents for deciding on a legal regime. The accords, it believes, will meet the interests of the five littoral states, foremost being the proportional sharing of the sea's resources. The coastal states of the sea have postponed several scheduled meetings on the legal regime of the Caspian Sea, the last scheduled for early March has again been postponed to a later date.
:irna 16:05

Leader calls on clergymen to clearly identify targets (3.5.2001)

Tehran, May 3, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said here on Thursday that clear identification of targets and proper response to their questions and needs are prerequisites to spreading Islam and teaching religious sciences. Ayatollah Khamenei said the country's youth are the clergy's main addressees. He said understanding their (youth) questions and doubts would help them find answers to their religious longings and would attract them to religious facts and sciences. The Leader pointed to the complexities of mass communication and called for a systematic handling of religious discourse. The customary and traditional method of defining and disseminating religion used by the clergy, i.e., their method of communicating with people at religious meetings, in holy Quran reading sessions and religious seminars are still applicable and highly effective, he said. Giving due attention to such method of religious dissemination will enable the clergy and the scientific-religious strata of society to maintain their prestige, added the leader. Enemies of Islam and the revolution consider clergymen as obstacles in the way of promoting their interests in the country and, for this reason, they directly or surreptitiously design conspiracies or spread lies against clergymen or influential figures within its ranks, continued the Leader, adding that notwithstanding such conspiracies the Iranian people still maintain strong links with the country's clergy. The Leader further said that members of the clergy are guardians of Islam against satanic assaults. "Vigilance, insight, political analysis and understanding, sound identification of friends and foes and constant scientific and religious upgrading" are the prerequisites for effective fulfillment of this grave duty, he said. He said the existence of large groups of clergymen in Gilan province shows the depth of the provincial people's faith in Islam. The presence of vigilant, active and innovative ulema in various regions of the country is necessary, he continued, urging theological students studying in the various provinces of the country to return to their regions after ending their courses. The Leader also said that Iran is currently at a difficult stage in its historical journey but if it succeeds in conquering its difficulties no power would be able to destroy the foundations of Islam in Iran or other parts of the Muslim world.
:irna 12:28

Leader calls on youth to ensure bright future for country (2.5.2001)

Tehran, May 2, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the Iranian youth should ensure a bright future for the country, using national cultural wealth and their historical identity. "The youth should make Iran a developed, prosperous and vibrant country politically, economically, culturally and socially," the Leader told thousands of young people in Gilan Province. Voicing his close affection for the youth, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the youth as a 'divine gift and blessing' which if treated wisely by Iranian officials, can completely change the country's destiny. However, the Leader warned, if this blissful phenomenon is used as a tool and a means for sloganeering, it will entail all types of problems and negate all achievements. Criticizing those who use greed and rhetoric in dealing with the youth, the Leader said, "Neglecting the real problems facing the youth and looking at the youth as tools which can be used on certain occasions such as elections, is quite wrong and unfair to the youth." Ayatollah Khamenei said the problem facing the youth is a national one whose solution deserves a national and public drive. The Leader instructed all officials and organs, especially the executive branch of government, to explicitly identify this great phenomenon and draw up sound plans in order to benefit from the energy and talent of the youth for the progress and prosperity of the country and the nation. The Leader cautioned against any hasty decisions and plan regarding the youth. Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination among three branches of government in dealing with youth affairs. In case such sound plans are formulated by government officials no youth would be willing to leave the country or put up with humiliating behavior of aliens towards them, the Leader pointed out. Turning to the plots hatched by enemies against Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei cautioned against premeditated plots of Zionists, Americans and global capitalism to distance the Iranian youth from their culture, identity and history and undermine their beliefs and faith. "Our civilization is Iranian stemming from indigenous talents and culture. While benefitting from the positive experiences of the West, we will tread the road to progress and prosperity by relying solely on our own intellectual capabilities, talents, initiative and national will," the Leader said. The Leader said the main goal of Western mass media's propaganda is to create a culture for the Iranian youth. Criticizing certain domestic elements for repeating the words of aliens, the Leader said, "They try to humiliate the Iranian youth by negating the history and prestige of the nation so that the country's youth would accept West's cultural patterns." Ayatollah Khamenei said the pressing need of the Iranian youth is to find their pure identity. The Iranian youth should be truly vigilant and protect their identity against Western cultural inroad in the best possible manner, added the Leader. The Supreme Leader rejected the idea that the third generation of the revolution would turn away from religious values. "Of course, there are cultural factors that may corrupt the youth, but the Iranian youth today, who have grown up in a revolutionary environment, are pious, knowledgeable, prudent and capable of making their own analyses," he added. The Paramount Leader expressed confidence that negative cultural propaganda would not have the slightest effects on the youth. Ayatollah Khamenei called on the mass media, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) and the press, to offer a proper model for the youth to follow. The Iranian youth in 1970s created the epic of the Islamic Revolution and in the 1980s brought to its knees the (Iraq) enemy, which was armed to the teeth, said the Leader, adding that today the young generation in Iran can score great successes in the next two decades and prove itself as a model to the world public opinion.
:irna 18:37

Leader says Islamic Republic has paved the way for nations to challenge global arrogance (1.5.2001)

Tehran, May 1, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamaenei, on Tuesday said the Iranian nation is for ever indebted to the umpteen acts of self-sacrifice by the martyrs and their patient families. The Leader, who was speaking to thousands of family members of the martyrs and disabled war veterans in the northern province of Gilan said words are unable to describe the real value of martyrdom and the greatness of the martyrs. Ayatollah Khamenei said the Iranian nation, thanks to its faith, will and resistance has become a pattern for Muslim nations and in attaining this lofty status, the bravest and the most faithful young men of the nation, that the martyrs and disabled war veterans have been the pioneers of the struggle. He praised the fathers, mothers, wives and children of the martyrs for the patience they showed over their agonies and said without such patience and without reliance on God, the idea of martyrdom would have hit a deadlock in the country.

The Leader pointed to the continuity of the plots hatched by the Zionists, American aggressors and the predatory companies of the world capitalism against the Iranian nation and added the Muslim people of Iran paved the way for resisting against the world arrogance for other nations and this is the reason why the enmity of the world arrogance against the Iranian nation and Islamic Revolution has not stopped. Ayatollah Khamenei sharply criticized any efforts to weaken the path of the martyrs and the Islamic-revolutionary values and added anyone who disputes the proud course of the Iranian nation in the years following the Revolution is actually bringing up the demands of the enemies of Iran and is committing treason against the nation and the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices made by the war veterans. The Leader said the Iranian nation is vanguard and whenever Jihad against the enemies gets necessary, millions of faithful young men are prepared to bravely resist against the world arrogance. JB/HR END
:irna 23:17

Leader says corruption will negate national achievements (1.5.2001)

Tehran, May 1, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said here Tuesday that corruption is highly dangerous and will ruin all achievements (of the country). Ayatollah Khamenei told a huge public meeting in the northern city of Rasht (Gilan Province) that all branches of government (the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary) are required to fight all sorts of corruption mercilessly, firmly and continuously. The Leader was referring to his 8-point mandate, issued on Monday night, to the heads of the three branches of government, President Mohammad Khatami, Majlis Speaker Hojatoleslam Mehdi Karroubi and Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. The Supreme Leader had ordered the officials to use every possible means to wipe out organized crimes and financial corruption. The Leader in his directive called upon the Executive Power and the Judiciary to cooperate in eradicating every trace of corruption and organized crimes in the society. "Some may think that crackdown on criminals and fight against corruption and crime would jeopardize the security for economic activities and investments," the Leader said, adding that "such actions not only would not undermine the security for economic activities but also would create a safe atmosphere in the country." He said the officials dealing with the production sector are now themselves victims of financial crimes. He said those looking into financial corruption should be trustworthy and morally committed. The Leader called on officials in the State General Inspectorate, State Audit Court and the Ministry of Intelligence to work together to fight corruption and crime and to help the Judiciary in identifying the criminals and dealing with them. He called upon the Ministry of Intelligence to look into the trade transactions, huge investments, gigantic national projects and report irregularities to the president. Ayatollah Khamenei said there should be no discrimination in dealing with the cases. The measures which are adopted should be practicable and transparent, he said, while calling for a clear dissemination of information on the issue to promote public confidence. Elsewhere in his remarks to the people of Rasht, the Supreme Leader stressed the need for coordination and all-out efforts by all organs to ensure national strength and criticized certain theoretical debates and wordings on the concept of national strength. Upon observing thoughts, stances and sound and sincere efforts of the officials to meet the country's needs and having seen the officials' strong defense of national interests in the face of aliens, the Iranian nation will feel national strength, said the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei called on the people to participate massively in the June 8th presidential elections. ``Presidential elections would to a large extent clarify destiny of the economic, cultural, diplomatic and other issues in the coming years; therefore, people should see this as their duty and choose the most competent from among the candidates, whose competency is approved by the Guardians Council (GC) based on legal standards,'' said the Leader. The Leader called on all those capable of assuming the presidency to come forward and register for the race. The Leader touched on efforts of foreign radios to pollute the atmosphere of the presidential elections in Iran and encourage low public turn out. The Supreme Leader said, at the first instance, enemies of the nation are trying to portray the elections as less important. ``Of course, they may prefer one person to someone else, but their main aim is to prevent the nation's presence at the polling stations,'' said the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei said, ``In an Islamic system, election is a race to win the chance of serving the masses and promoting the society and country.'' The Leader stressed observation of sound elections morals and said atmosphere should be healthy. As some do not have the right to pollute the atmosphere of elections through their pens, expressions and publications, no other persons are entitled to make the atmosphere tense by opposing or supporting a candidate, added the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei said any procrastination, publicity against candidates, launching adverse propaganda and unfounded and baseless publicity have no value in the Islamic system and will be completely prohibited. ``All should take these into consideration,'' instructed the Leader. Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need for coordination among the three branches of government. The Leader expressed dissatisfaction over the stances taken by the legislative power against recent measure of the Judiciary and said, ``It is possible, an organ takes an action on the basis of the responsibility it deems necessary but other organ be ignorant of the interests and diagnosis of the responsibilities. Under such conditions, no clear cut stances should be taken against the operating organ because the practices would harm coordination among branches of government and would be against national interests.'' The Leader stressed that officials should work for the removal of unemployment. Ayatollah Khamenei called on officials in Gilan Province and Rasht to look into problems facing their residents, including problems related to agricultural profession, unemployment, destruction of forests and difficulties facing the urban society.
:irna 18:07

Leader arrives in Gilan Province (1.5.2001)

Rasht, Gilan Prov., May 1, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei arrived here in this northern capital city on Tuesday amid warm and enthusiastic welcome of the local people and senior provincial officials at the airport. Since early Tuesday, crowds of people from all walks of life have been converging in and around the city's main sports stadium where the leader is scheduled to speak. They come from all walks of life, from the capital city of Rasht or the neighboring towns and villages, and have been arriving by foot or by car.
:irna 12:04

Leader issues 8-point mandate to eradicate crime, corruption (1.5.2001)

Imaminfo, e-Mail: imaminfo@islam-pure.de 
Copyright © since 1999