Tehran, July 27, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei said here on Saturday that under present conditions, the US
has resorted to various propagandistic ploys to confront the great Iranian
nation. Ayatollah Khamenei said that the relentless efforts and endeavors under
way in Iran for reforms and solving of problems facing the masses demonstrate
the country's biggest campaign against the US. The Leader said today is not the
right time for the US to act as it did on August 19, 1953, because the Iranian
nation, who is now a model for other nations of the world, supports Islam and
the revolution with zealous Iranian women, men and youth being ready to confront
any plot. Ayatollah Khamenei also cautioned the enemy's intention to dishearten
people towards the Islamic establishment, undermine religious beliefs, that have
been the driving force for the Iranian people in their efforts to overcome
hardships, and foil any attempt to solve people's problems. Enemies are now
attempting to divide the system and weaken its popular support, but the Iranian
people would not be deceived by their apparently nice words, said the Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei said Americans have resorted to propaganda campaign because
they have lost their hopes in the effectiveness of military and economic methods.
The Leader went on to say that Americans know pretty well that if they opt for
military intervention, the Iranian nation would give them such a crushing
response that they would regret their deeds. Economic sanctions against Iran,
which have tuned out to be ineffective for Americans over the past 23 years,
might inflict damage on the country but would eventually prompt the Iranian
nation to rely on their own potential and capabilities, added Ayatollah
Khamenei. The paramount Leader instructed the press and media to deal with
domestic issues in a responsible manner while refraining from serving as agents
for the enemy in the society. If such a practice (serving as enemy agents) is
made deliberately, it will be a big treason but if it is done unknowingly it
would be a blunder, said the leader. Ayatollah Khamenei scoffed at that high
ranking officials and representatives of the US for getting involved in
anti-Iran propaganda campaign on the one hand and speaking about reforms in Iran
on the other. The kind of reforms favored by the US are equal to corruption
because by reforms they mean dismantling the Islamic Republic of Iran, which
mirrors the public faith and their call for independence, Ayatollah Khamenei
said. The leader said that real reforms in Iran should manifest the campaign
against poverty, corruption and discrimination. The US is against real reforms
in Iran because whenever the issue of campaign against economic corruption is
raised, the US propaganda machine and its agents inside the country begin to
raise hue and cry and spread rumor about the move, said Ayatollah Khamenei,
adding that they did not spare any efforts to divert Iranian officials'
attention from the unemployment problem. In the Americans' eyes, a reformist is
the one who stirs unrest and speaks against the interests of the revolution and
the system, the paramount leader said. The Supreme Leader instructed political
factions in the country to make a distinction between themselves and the US. The
holy system of the Islamic Republic, that has been established based on public
votes, is the most popular one worldwide, said Ayatollah Khamenei. He said the
US considers such a government as undemocratic while it supports military
governments, despotic systems, the states where not even a single election is
held, and the usurper regime of Israel. "The US statesmen are not entitled
to speak about democracy and reforms in other countries because they are the
center of corruption," said Ayatollah Khamenei. The Leader announced that
the most important way to face the US threats is ceaseless campaign to solve
people's problems. He said officials of the state should seize the opportunities
available and serve people sincerely with all their might. He criticized certain
individuals who consider submission to the US bullying and hegemony as an
opportunity and said opportunity means serving the public and confronting the US
agents and lackeys inside the country. Elsewhere in his remarks Ayatollah
Khamenei called on government officials and the judiciary to deal with those
spreading rumors and lies strongly and without any mercy. The government,
judiciary and Majlis should pay attention to their duties more than ever before,
the leader said.
Tehran, July 23, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei on Tuesday sent a message to the annual meeting of Azad University's
Islamic Students Association which opened in Mashhad.
The Supreme Leader called on the students to bring their love for Almighty
God to serve the people. The Leader said that the youth are pure and energetic
adding that young students are expected to follow the lofty Islamic teachings
and the model of the Imams. "The light of love for Almighty God illuminates
the environment where the youth are living or working," the Supreme Leader
said in his message. The Leader said that the youth never fear the conspiracy of
the enemies and remain like a mountain before small or major events keeping
vigilance and open eyes. The Supreme Leader called on the young students to
equip themselves with science and technology to deal with the threats being
posed to Iran by the greedy big powers. Ayatollah Khamenei said that he prays to
Almighty God for helping the great Iranian nation lead a prosperous life.
Leader thanks Iranian nation for "magnificent"
rally (20.7.2002)
Tehran, July 20, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei on Saturday thanked the Iranian nation for their massive participation
in "magnificent" rally held on Friday to denounce US president's
interference in the domestic affairs of Iran. Issuing a statement, the Supreme
Leader said that the Iranian nation by holding nationwide and millions-strong
rally on the scorching hot day proved once again that they will keep the late
Imam Khomeini's flag flying. "Bush's statement was aimed at splitting the
Iranian administrative system, disappointing the nation, sowing discord within
the governing system, questioning the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic and
persuading certain elements to surrender to US. The nation gave its response to
this conspiracy to the effect that all friends should take into account the
situation on the ground," the Leader said. The United States has escalated
war in the region and has threatened to topple the Islamic Republic by military
action on the one hand, and embarked on preaching democracy, progress and
freedom on the other, the Supreme Leader said in his written statement. The
Supreme Leader said that the US administration is aggressive and greedy adding
that there is no difference between various political parties in the United
States. All political parties in the United States have proved that they follow
the same agenda and they have been involved in genocide while calling themselves
advocates of human rights and peace, the Leader pointed out. "The Iranian
nation is not war-monger, but, if the conspirators take one step forward towards
war on Iran, they will be dealt with a blow to go two steps back," the
Supreme Leader said.
Leader: US president's statements repetition of past mistakes (17.7.2002)
Tehran, July 17, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei said on Wednesday that US president's statements about Iran is
repetition of the big mistakes made by the United States in the past. In a
meeting with Education Ministry officials, the Supreme Leader said that Iranian
people once again will display magnificently their national unity in order to
disappoint the American officials. The Supreme Leader said that US president's
latest remark is a lesson for the Iranian nation to see how the enemies are
seeking an opportunity to regain their dominance over Iran and take revenge on
the Iranian nation for their national resolve to attain independence and not to
yield to the big powers. The Leader said that the United States was attempting
to sow discord between political parties under guise of supporting one group
while in reality it does not accept any of them. Even if the Iranian people
reach a point that the United States supports a certain political party, they
will not accept that group, the Supreme Leader said. This conspiracy of the
United States also failed, the Supreme Leader said. "Mr President Khatami's
response to US president's statement was a slap in the mouth. The other
political parties also strongly responded and condemned any interference in
Iran's domestic affairs," Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out. The US president
speaks about Iranian national resolve to go ahead with progress, while, the US
administration spares no efforts to throw obstacles to the Iranian government's
efforts with support from international organizations to speed up the process of
development in Iran, the Leader said. The Iranian national aspiration to make
progress has become in parallel with their hatred of the US administration, the
Supreme Leader said. "Today, Iran is not the only place where the US flag
is being set ablaze, but rather the same is being done in the entire world even
in Europe," the Supreme Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei said that the
United States is against Iran's reform program and it is seeking a reform
separate from Iran's national agenda. Nationwide rally will be held on Friday to
denounce the US president's interventionist statements about Iran. See the
speech itself:
Imam Khamenei: Irans Response to Bush is "A Slap
In the Face" (17.7.2002)
1- Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei has said Iranian response to President Bush's recent statement was a
slap in the face. Speaking to the education minister and his staff on 17 July, he referred to America's
long-standing hostility towards Iran, saying: "to confront such antagonism, the Iranian nation
must, first and foremost, rely on its sense of unity. They must do their utmost to resolve
disputes".
2- Also, Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei has responded to the criticism contained in the resignation letter of
the Esfahan Friday prayers leader, Ayatollah Taheri, earlier this week by warning that enemies of Islamic
Revolution would be quick to use such comments to condemn the country. In a message to Ayatollah
Taheri, dated 11 July, Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei acknowledged that corruption needed to be
tackled. "These are just issues about which I have been giving warnings, in the past few years, at public gatherings
and at meetings with relevant officials. I called on everyone to mobilize all resources in order to combat
poverty, corruption and discrimination. I continue to believe that other than waging a sincere
jihad, prompted by a feeling of pain and danger, such evils will not be eradicated." But he warned that
"making remarks and taking initiatives warrants greater alertness, and a little negligence will make the
internal and external enemies brazen in their ill-wishes and abuse. And this would be a great
injustice against this innocent nation". "On the day your declaration was issued, the
counter-revolutionaries, who live and feed under the shadow of America and Israel and with their
money, exploited it to the utmost, and pretended that it was against the policies of the late Imam [Khomeini] and a
negation and disavowal of the Islamic system and its slogans." Finally, Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei
appealed to all Iranians, particularly the people of Esfahan, to "refrain from any slogans and actions
which could create tension, disputes and discord".
The following are excerpts of the speech followed by the text of the
letter:
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate...
I would now like to say a few sentences about the hostilities which exist against the Islamic Republic
of Iran. These hostilities are the result of the fact that, thanks to the blessings of Islam and the Islamic
Revolution, the Iranian nation has endeavored to stand on its own feet, be independent of others and not to
succumb blindly to the world powers. These are the causes of the present hostilities against us.
The recent statement of the American president and similar incidents and phenomena are an eye opener for
our nation and other nations of the world, and particularly for political experts, so that they can
learn a lesson and realize what the enemies and greedy people think about this
nation.
The only crime committed by this nation, as I have said, is that it wishes to stand on its own two
feet, to be independent and free from the yoke of domination of others. That is thanks to its faith in God. That is
why they want to exact their revenge from this nation.
In the first place that statement is a sign of the confusion of the American officials and America's
politicians and political strategists regarding this nation and this revolution. They are really confused
and do not know what to do; they act rashly; they go round in circles; they change their tone; they resort
to what they regard as political ploys in order to deceive the Iranian people; all in
vain.
The first thing one can surmise from that statement is that the Americans - that is the American
regime; we have nothing against the American people - have not yet lost their unquenchable thirst for domination over
this country.
That was the first point. They are still thinking of that cursed domination that started on 28 Mordad
1332 [19 August 1953 CIA coup d'etat] and continued until the Islamic revolution in 1357 [1979]. They
still want to have that. Meaning, they have not given
up. They are still dreaming of those days during which if the leader of this country, that is the
traitor, corrupt Mohammad Reza Shah, wanted to make a decision, he would not do so until he had consulted the
Americans. Even when he wanted to appoint a minister, or a prime minister, or embark on an international
venture, he would consult the American ambassador, or he the US ambassador would tell him what to do, and he
would do it. They are still dreaming of that.
And in practice, in spite of the repeated claims of supporting democracy and the freedom of nations by
American officials - saying: We are for democracy; we are in favor of popular-based governments; we are in
favor of elections - their hopes are increasingly set on the dregs of the corrupt monarchical regime. They
are still supporting the corrupt and puppet Pahlavi family and pursuing the same formula. They do not
believe in terms such as democracy and so forth when they utter them. Of course, they are not expected to
do so. They lie to their own people, too. Therefore, they are not expected to tell the truth to the Iranian
nation.
Bush's statement a "big mistake"
The second point noteworthy in that statement is their big mistake. They have constantly tried to sow
discord between key figures in our country. Ploys involving security, espionage and other means have not
been effective so far and have backfired on them. Now they have involved their president in the matter. He
differentiates between the country's top officials, says that we accept this side; we do not accept that
side. It is as if the Iranian people are just waiting to see whom they accept and whom they do not. Of
course, they are lying. They do not accept those they say they accept. Otherwise, if the Iranian people
really knew that they are seriously aiming to bring certain people or faction into power in the
country, even if the people were not against that faction, they would oppose it out of
spite.
This ploy has been, and undoubtedly will be, ineffective. With his stance our honorable president
has slapped the American president. The various factions in the country, although they have
differences of opinion about various issues, they too have all been united on this issue. They have all told
America not to be nosy, not to interfere in our country's domestic affairs.
God willing, on Friday you will see that the people will demonstrate their solidarity, which will make the
Americans sorry once again. God willing, now that demonstrations have been called for, you will see all
the factions come forth and rally. The officials and the various political factions and all the people have
stood up to those remarks, and that is what is expected.
US is accomplice in all atrocities in Palestine
The other point is that these people US officials are talking about their love and affection for the
world nations. They must have a lot of audacity to make such a claim. Just look at what the Americans
have done in different countries of the world. The latest example is of course Afghanistan, where - apart
from the atrocities they committed during their attack on that country under the pretext of fighting the
Taleban or others - they continue to create more tragedies all the time. The bomb civilians and kill
dozens of people and wound hundreds. Then they say that the attack was a mistake, but we are not going to
apologize! They bomb a convoy on its way to a political as heard ceremony in Kabul, and then they
say they thought the targets were members of a certain organization and were embarking on acts of
sabotage. They call this love for the people.
Moreover, their atrocities in Palestine are atrocities which are
unprecedented even during the dark era of colonialism. Undoubtedly, America is
an accomplice in all the massacres, crimes and atrocities in Palestine. Such
atrocities were not present even during the dark era of direct colonialism. As
you know, direct colonialism used to rule over many countries, such as India,
Algeria, etc. However, the acts that the savage Zionists are committing against
the Palestinians today against all moral and humanistic principles are far worse.
There is no doubt that the Americans are responsible for at least half of these
atrocities, because it is them who encourage and support the Israelis. They
openly declare their support for the Zionists.
Then the president of such country, who in effect is the chief
mischief-makers - we do not know how much influence he really has in America's
hidden policies; in any case, he is at present at the chief mischief-maker -
talks about humanitarianism and affection for other nations and the progress of
other nations. That really takes some nerve.
On how unpopular is USA in the world today
Another point is that he [Bush] said that the people of Iran want progress
and advancement. There is no doubt about that. They are working hard for it.
After the revolution the people of Iran saw that the way was clear for progress
and are striving to that end. Both the officials and the people are doing so. It
is you US government who do not want that. You, who are the enemies of the
Iranian nation and do not want that progress under any circumstances. Therefore,
you create obstacles. On the international scene, in the economic, political and
security fields, see how much effort the regime of the United States of America
has made against the Iranian nation and against the popular-based system of Iran
and how many plots it has hatched against them.
He says that, like other nations, the Iranian nation wants progress. Yes,
they want progress. But that is not all. Like most other nations the Iranian
nation hates you. That is a reality. A few months ago they published some
opinion polls which revealed that the most hated of governments in the eyes of
the people in Islamic countries and in Asia and the Middle East is the American
government. That is not peculiar to the Iranian people. The Iranian nation
shares other nations' hatred for you. They used to burn the American flag, or an
effigy of the American president, the symbol of America, only in Iran. In what
other part of the world do they not do that today? Even in Europe and in Asia
they burn the American flag. You are unpopular in the world.
The international despotic and dictatorial regime of America is hated worldwide. Such sentiment is not
exclusive to us...
Through God's grace, the Iranian nation and government are brave. Therefore, without any
restriction and with total freedom, the Iranian nation expresses its feelings against America. It has
included the chant "death to America" among its major slogans.
Reform means fighting corruption
USA claims that it supports a so-called pro-reform faction in Iran. First of all, they Americans
lie. They do not support any faction who believes in the revolution. In the second place, they lie, because
they do not support reforms. Any reform initiated in this country would be contrary to the views of the
international despotic and dictatorial regime of America.
In the second place, any so-called reform which they would prescribe for Iran, would be considered by
Iranians as American reform and would be thrown in a trash bin.
The Islamic revolution and the esteemed Imam Khomeini triggered the greatest
reform movement in this country. Any move made towards strengthening the pillars
of the revolution, within the modern and progressive framework of our
constitution, is, without a doubt, a move towards reform. The people would
support such a move. Any action that would help the development of Iranian
nation in areas of education, science, religion, ethics and social and political
fields would be a move towards reform. It would enjoy the people's support
Reform means fighting against poverty, discrimination and corruption. These
are the fundamentals of reforms. Every reform revolves around these ideas. True
reforms are centered around these concepts. The worst social corruption stems
from widespread poverty and deepening of the rift between the rich and the poor.
Financial corruption poses a great danger to society. Those are situations where
the public funds are misappropriated for personal gains. The worst kind of
corruption in a society is discrimination, meaning violating the people's rights
when executing and administering law. These are the main corruption. We have
mentioned, in the past, poverty and discrimination. The people believe the true
reform means fighting such social ills. The people would desire these. However,
these are not what Americans want. The American president would not wish to see
such ideas implemented in our country.
To confront such antagonism, the Iranian nation must, first and foremost,
rely on its sense of unity. They must do their utmost to resolve disputes. The
people should feel free to express their emotional attachment to the Islamic
system. No one should attempt to dash the people's hopes. Some people,
unfortunately, lay the groundwork for encouraging the enemy.
US has "misread" situation
The American president thought that there was going to be a move against the
Islamic system on 18 Tir [9 July] in Tehran. Our vigilant students dashed the
enemy's hopes. We have such a country and nation. Our vigilant students,
officials and people would not allow the enemy to take advantage of the
situation. They US officials have misunderstood and misread the situation.
My dear brothers and sisters, what would safeguard the dignity of this nation, would be unity centered
around faith and revolution. Through them the enemy's hopes are dashed.
They think that in an attempt to solidify our system, we have been trying to
acquire weapons of mass destruction and nuclear capabilities. They are mistaken.
They have made wrong assumptions. They do not have the correct information. We
know very well that what cannot be destroyed by nuclear bomb is a resolved,
determined, religious and united nation. Such a nation cannot be defeated and
conquered.
There has not been a shortage of animosity directed towards us since the
revolution. Have we had nuclear bombs since the beginning of the revolution?
What has preserved this nation's dignity and integrity and has given the Islamic
system its credibility as well as establishing the name of the Imam Khomeini in
history forever, has been the faith, resolve, unity and solidarity of this
nation.
Enemy exploits ignorant friends
People should not commit inappropriate acts due to their naivete. They should
refrain from making impertinent statements and taking inappropriate stances.
Public should not lose hope. Some elements observe a weakness in an organization
and use it immediately to undermine the entire Islamic system. Well, we can
always find faults with organizations, governments and institutions. They make
mistakes. They have their good and bad points. The mistakes have to be corrected.
But, this has nothing to do with the structure of the Islamic system.
Some people make inaccurate assessments. Their views are inappropriate. But
in many instances, such comments are not necessarily laced with animosity, but
rather they stem from ignorance. The enemy exploits ignorance. This is what our
literature and poetry refer to as the ignorant friend. They might even be our
friends but they are ignorant, nevertheless. Their rhetoric would undermine the
Islamic system and make the people to lose hope in their future. Why? The joyful,
hopeful and capable Iranian people who have overcome numerous obstacles can
reach great heights. Why do some elements wish to disappoint the people? Even
the greatest mountain climber would doubt his own ability if he is constantly
told that his back, leg and head might break or that he might go blind or that
he might not make it to the top.
Why should they instill doubt in the hearts of the Iranian people and try to
weaken their resolve in treading on this glorious path? Our caring officials are
trying very hard. Their immense presence in various fields and hard work are
apparent. There is so much good will in this country.
Negating and ignoring these achievements would undermine the entire Islamic
system. Through God's grace such pitfalls can be avoided. We must pray that God
would prevent us from slipping. It is dangerous to slip. The higher up a person,
the more dangerous is to slip.
Be kind, generous and compassionate towards each other. Be kind to the
officials. We promised to fight corruption. This is a bright point in the
system. But some people are tying to portray it as a dark spot claiming that
corruption is widespread. This is not so. Corruption is not widespread. However,
we must fight even the smallest degree of corruption. We must battle corruption
wherever we find it. Well, a newspaper might exaggerate a particular instance.
But that just might be one situation in an otherwise corruption-free system.
Corruption is not all-invading phenomenon.
There are situation where people slip and commit sins. We must fight sins. We
are guilty whenever we fail to combat corruption, no matter how small it might
be. Otherwise, it would spread. Fighting corruption is a necessity. However, we
should not discourage people by claiming that corruption has penetrated all
places. This is a clear mistake stemming from ignorance committed by those who
certainly mean no harm. There are certainly others who wish us ill...
-----------------------------------------------------
The following it the text of the Leader's letter, described
above. (Imam Khameneis letter to Ay. Taheri)
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
To Your Excellency Ayatollah Hajj Sayyed Jalaleddin Taheri, may God grant you
success.
With greetings and good wishes, I studied the letter attributed to your
excellency yesterday, in which you had complained about some of the conditions
in the country, such as the growth of moral and financial corruption, the
existence of discrimination among the classes of people and abuse of power by
some government executives or clergy. These are just issues about which I have
been giving warnings in the past few years, at public gatherings and at meetings
with relevant officials. I called on everyone to mobilize all resources in order
to combat poverty, corruption and discrimination. I continue to believe that
other than waging a sincere jihad, prompted by a feeling of pain and danger,
such evil trees will not be eradicated. This needs cooperation and solidarity of
everyone, in particular those in leadership and social positions. No doubt, I
have greater expectations from your excellency, owing to your long revolutionary
record, than from many others. And now I see it as a good omen that, according
to your declaration, you have raised these thoughts.
Today, there are three pivotal factors for eliminating the people's problems.
One is the creation of jobs and occupations for the talented young generation of
this country, who are many in number. This would remove livelihood problems from
the shoulders of a significant sector of our population. Second, there is the
fight against economic corruption within organizations, which without common
resolve, will foil all attempts made by the current and previous governments,
and destroy the achievements of our sacred revolution. It will widen the class
divide and feed those who violate the rights of the people with the limited
resources of our country.
Thirdly, and most importantly, it is national unity and solidarity among the officials and the
elite, without which no constructive action will succeed.
Our selfless and faithful people, praise be to God, are united under the
banner of Islam and revolution. Your excellency was himself a witness to an
example of the epic and determined presence of the people in defense of the
Islamic system and declaration of support for the revolutionary principles,
during my recent visit to Esfahan. And after you yourself witnessed the glory
and majesty of the congregation of the faithful and courageous people, and the
fervent and determined youth, in Imam Square and the surrounding streets, you
told me that I had not seen such a massive and enthusiastic gathering in this
grand square.
Contrary to the assessment of a few spiteful or deluded individuals, the
people remain strong supporters of the revolution, Islam and the Imam
[Khomeini]. Those who, under the influence of depraved and untrustworthy
individuals, carry the impression that the system of the Islamic Republic is
experiencing a period of weakness and disintegration, are themselves
experiencing a period of weakness and disintegration. The sworn enemies of the
revolution, who have not shown any sincerely or compassion toward the Imam
[Khomeini] and the ummah for even a single day, are, through such insinuation,
striving to cause despair among the people, mislead the youth and render some
sensible yet uninformed old people champions of the revolution.
In such conditions, making remarks and taking initiatives warrants greater
alacrity, and a little negligence will make the internal and external enemies
brazen in their ill wishes and abuse. And this would be a great injustice
against this innocent nation.
Therefore, on the day your declaration was issued, the
counter-revolutionaries, who live and feed themselves under the shadow of
America and Israel and with their money, exploited it to the utmost limit, and
pretended that it was against the policies of the late Imam [Khomeini] and a
negation and disavowal of the Islamic system and its slogans. Of course, thanks
to our long years of friendship and my knowledge of your long revolutionary
record, and also your constant kindness to myself, I have not interpreted this
letter as such. There are, however, those who believe the words of the devil and
are deceived by them. This should prompt all of us to exercise greater alacrity,
precision and sincerely in our statements and remarks, and, God forbid, not
allow the unity and sense of purpose of this great and intrepid nation to be
destroyed through our neglect.
The only factor that America lacks in carrying out its threat against Iran is
the existence of a solid popular base, through which it seeks to take its
revenge on the revolution, Islam and the Imam [Khomeini], and establish an evil
dictatorship resembling that of the Pahlavi dictatorship. Of course, this futile
dream and foolish fantasy, like all their usual wrong interpretations of the
country's affairs, will not bring them anything other than misery and despair.
What is important is that this noble nation must not allow any of their actions and initiatives to be
used as means to that evil aim.
Regarding financial corruption it would be good if everyone begins with those
around him and those they have employed. They should not only see the corruption
of distant individuals, but they should also look among their relatives and
those who are seemingly trusted by them for corruption, and fight it. The
scourge of placing occupations in the hands of untrustworthy individuals was one
which led the Imam [Khomeini} to alienate one of his close companions and
students, in the final days of life of that unique personality of the times, and
ban him from taking part in political affairs. And again had that person heeded
the decision and warning of his mentor and ideal, no doubt he would not have
created those subsequent difficulties for himself and the country.
I, personally, will forget a wrongdoing against myself, but we should have all learnt from our exalted
late Imam [Khomeini] that disloyalty to the nation and attempts to undermine the basis of the Islamic system
cannot be forgiven.
In conclusion, I appeal to our dear faithful people, and the devoted and
zealous men and women of Esfahan, in particular my revolutionary children, to do
their utmost to maintain calm in that city and on the occasion of the Esfahan
Friday prayers, and to earnestly refrain from any slogans and actions which
could create tension, disputes and discord.
Without doubt, one of the most important goals of the enemy is to promote
chaos, disorder and clashes among the strata of the nation. You must exercise
utmost alertness to prevent the realization of this wish of the despicable,
foolish and evil enemies.
Now that his excellency Mr. Taheri has resigned from his position as Friday
prayer leader of Esfahan, like previous months when his excellency could not
take part in the prayers due to physical ailments, the interim Esfahan Friday
prayers leaders, His Excellency Hojjat al-Islam Mr. Hajj Sayyed Ali Qaziaskar
and His Excellency Hojjat al-Islam Mr. Hajj Shaykh Mohammad Taqi Rahbar, should
perform the Friday prayers with great dignity and poise, and in great glory.
I am not complaining about anyone, and have faith in divine help. I praise
the Almighty for the devoted determination of this great nation and the
magnanimity that they demonstrate whenever there are problems. And whatever
complaint I have in my heart, I will confide in Wali Allah al-Azam, Arvahuna
Fidah.
May God's blessing be upon all of His pure servants.
Sayyed Ali Khamenei
20-4-81 [11 July 2002]
Supreme Leader warns officials of making remarks benefiting enemies
(12.7.2002)
Tehran, July 12, IRNA -- The Supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution of
Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an important message issued on Friday stressed
the importance of the support of the pious and selfless Iranian people for the
revolution, Islam and the late Imam, and asked all the officials to avoid
remarks which might be misused by internal and external enemies. In his message
addressed to Isfahan's Friday prayer Leader Ayatollah Seyed Jalaleddin Taheri
after the latter's resignation, Ayatollah Khamenei shared his views on certain
deficiencies in financial and moral affairs in the country. The Supreme Leader
said: "I have warned the officials about these facts on numerous occasions,
and called on them to pool their efforts and capabilities to fight poverty,
corruption and discrimination." He underlined the need for making every
effort to tackle certain major subjects, namely creation of jobs for the young
Iranian population, combatting the economic corruption, along with keeping unity
among the officials and the elite of the country. Pointing to the glorious
manifestations of unity among the Iranian people he said: "I would like to
draw your attention to my latest visit to Isfahan where an enormous crowd
gathered at the Imam Square, despite the poisonous propaganda by the foes of the
revolution." The Supreme leader added that on the day of Ayatollah Taheri's
resignation, all enemies of the Islamic revolution fed by the USA and Israel
benefited mostly from it and said that the letter shows the rejection to the
late Imam's teachings. He added that "Since I know you and your efforts in
support of the revolution, I personally did not draw that kind of conclusion
from your letter, ...but nonetheless, we all have to be alert against our deeds
and sayings, so that they will not be misinterpreted by our foes." The
Supreme Leader said that the US government, in order to realise its threats
against Iran, is in dire need of a firm popular base to take revenge on the
revolution, Islam, and Imam (Khomeini) and re-establish a government similar to
the dictatorship of the Pahlavi regime. He called it a futile and idiotic dream,
as their ever repeating wrong analysis of Iran's affairs, which brings about
nothing but dispair and frustration for them. "In order to combat the
financial corruption, one does not need to see far away, but has to start from
one's own household, and relatives, since we all remember what happened to one
of the late Imam's disciples who was banned from political affairs by the late
Imam, while he could have curtailed ensuing problems for himself and the country
if he had paid due attention to the wise advices of his master and guide (Imam
Khomeini)." the supreme leader added. The Supreme Leader asked
Hojjatoleslam Haj Seyed Ali Qazi Askar and Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Taqi Rahbar,
substitute Friday leaders of Isfahan, to lead the prayers and also called on the
people of the city to keep calm during the Friday prayers ceremony and avoid any
slogan or action which could lead to tension and discord. FP/HM End
Leader gives firm guidelines to fight economic
corruption (8.7.2002)
Tehran, July 8, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei on Monday issued firm guidelines to fight economic corruption. In a
meeting with members of the headquarters for fighting economic corruption
comprising of heads of the three branches of government, Chief Executive
Mohammad Khatami, Head of the Judiciary Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi and
Majlis Speaker Hojjatoleslam Mehdi Karroubi, the Supreme Leader voiced
dissatisfaction with the slow pace of this national campaign. "All
officials are required to take seriously the fight against economic corruption.
The fight should be conducted in a way to attract the public trust," the
Leader said. The Supreme Leader cautioned against politicizing the national
campaign and said that those who are corrupt should not be involved in the
campaign against economic corruption. The Leader said that dealing with economic
corruption is a public demand, and the fight should be carried out free from
political or factional considerations to reinforce justice. The Supreme Leader
said that the national campaign against economic corruption will be effective in
promoting investment and creating jobs adding that the fight should not be
overshadowed by other issues, even foreign threat. The Leader said that the
economic corruption, if not dealt with strongly, will entail political
corruption. The Leader assigned the State Inspectorate Organization, the State
Auditing Court and the Information Ministry to coordinate their actions in this
respect. Ayatollah Khamenei called on the executive branch of government to take
the lead in the fight against economic corruption and refer the lawsuits in this
respect to the Judiciary without any controversy.
End