Tehran, May 30, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei here Thursday highlighted the need for all Muslim nations to make
coordinated efforts to support Palestinians as a solution to the issue of
occupied territories. In a meeting with Tehran-based ambassadors of Muslim
states as well a group of foreign guests attending Islamic unity conference ,
Ayatollah Khamenei said the fate of the occupied territories affected all world
Muslims, reiterating that supporting the Palestinian nation was above a mere
religious duty. He voiced pleasure that the Zionist regime's efforts to suppress
Palestinians with the political and economic backing of the United States have
proved futile. "Palestinians have by now learned from their struggles that
any dialogue with the enemy would be in vain, and have reinforced their
aspirations for a free Palestine," Ayatollah Khamenei remarked. "No
power can ever confront a nation which come to the conclusion that to regain
their rights there are no other alternative but to 'resist and struggle to the
last drop of blood." Elsewhere in his speech, the Supreme Leader called on
the Muslim world to perform its duties regarding the issue of the occupied
territories. He further called on Muslim nations to support the Palestinian
people, and urge their governments to exert pressure on the Zionist regime and
its allies.
:irna 15:31
Excerpt from Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei's address to officials, foreign
diplomats and the guests of International Islamic Unity Conference on the
occasion of the Unity Week on May 30, 2002.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful...
...The problem of Palestine today is a deep and painful wound in the Islamic
society's body. "Certainly a Messenger has come to you from among
yourselves; grievous to him is your falling into distress, excessively
solicitous respecting you; to the believers (he is) compassionate" [Quranic
verse, 9:128]. Today, the issue of Palestine is the biggest grievance that
torments the holy prophet's sacred heart. The holy prophet's lofty soul in the
transcendental world of divine creation becomes drenched with sorrow when he
observes the plight of the Palestinian people today. What is the solution? The
solution is to endeavor and struggle.
The problem of Palestine today is the problem of the Islamic world. Whether
we, Muslims in the Islamic countries, understand or not, the destiny of
Palestine is the destiny of us all.
If Palestine were to achieve success in this courageous confrontation, it
would be a success for the entire Islamic world. The longer the suffering of
that nation continue, the greater shame it would be for the Islamic world. It
would be an ever-increasing shame for the Islamic world. The Islamic world must
consider this problem as their own problem. It is true that we are all
religiously duty-bound and that Islam has made it our obligation to help the
people of Palestine, but my assertion today goes beyond a religious obligation.
I am saying that the destiny of the Islamic countries, whether they are
geographically close or far from Palestine, will be directly affected by
whatever that happens in Palestine today. The events in Palestine and their
ultimate fate will affect all of us.
Whatever the Muslim nations do for Palestine today, in effect they will be
doing it for themselves. They will be serving their own interests. In the same
way when the British colonialism separated this territory from the body of Islam
with the help of global arrogance, that is, when they cut out this bloody limb
from Islamic world's body, their long-term objective on that day was not just to
cut off the one limb. On that day too, the colonialists intended to dominate the
entire region that is the heart of the Islamic world. Today all of us shoulder a
burden of responsibility. Of course, the Palestinian nation has performed its
obligation in accordance with the right of a courageous nation and as they
deserve. They are standing firm.
"No alternative but to welcome death with courage"
We should all know that the present usurping and tyrannical Zionist regime
has so far failed in its operations. Up to this moment it has not achieved any
success at all. It has been defeated by the resolve of the Palestinians.
The objective of the Zionist regime in its operations was to extinguish the
Jerusalem intifadah. The objective was to force the Palestinians to raise their
hands in surrender. The objective was to silence the motive of the Palestinian
people for freedom and zeal. In reality they have achieved the reverse. Today
the understanding of the people of Palestine and their resolve are much greater
than before the start of the intifadah. Today the people of Palestine have
realized the depth of that usurping regime's enmity, ferocity and barbarism and
its partner, that is America.
When a nation reaches the end of its tether and realizes that there is no
other alternative but welcoming death with courage, nothing would be able to
stand up to such a nation. Neither the might of the Zionists, their tanks,
artillery and other weapons, nor the political and financial power of their
backer America will be able to exert any influence.
There were times when they used to bring hope to the heart of the Palestinian
nation by sitting round a negotiating table with them to win so-called
concessions, but those days are over. It became clear that nothing could be
achieved by sitting round a negotiating table to discuss matters with the enemy.
The people of Palestine have understood this today. They are therefore
performing their tasks. The Palestinian mothers, the Palestinian youths and the
Palestinian men and women are in the arena. The important issue is that we must
fulfill our duty. That is, the Islamic world must fulfill its duty. The Islamic
world means the Muslim nations and their governments.
The Islamic governments might assume some excuses. But nations do not have
such excuses. The Islamic ulema, intellectuals, politicians and those who can
influence the people's thoughts do not have such excuses. They must take action.
Their action will help their governments too.
If the Muslim nations, and Arab nations in particular, clearly and constantly
demonstrate their resolve in support of the Palestinian nation today, it will
benefit their governments too. The governments can exploit their people's
support to exert pressure on the enemy in the diplomatic arena.
Our late Imam [Khomeini] had understood the reality of the issue very well.
He was quite observant. From the start of this movement in the year 1341 [1962],
that is 40 years ago, at a time when even the elite in Iran did not know much
about the problem of Palestine, the Imam was saying that everyone must feel
threatened in the face of Israel's domination. He was saying that we must all
stand firm and confront Israel. He then continued the same path and the matter
became one of the big slogans of that great man...
Tehran, May 29, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Wednesday on the recommendation of the Judiciary Chief
Mahmoud Shahroudi pardoned or commuted the sentences of some 376 convicts.
Shahroudi had forwarded the names of some 376 convicts of public, revolutionary
and military courts as well as the special court of the clergy eligible for
pardon. The Judiciary chief had asked the leader to use his authority as set in
the Paragraph 11 of Article 110 of the Constitution to pardon the convicts on
the eve of the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH),
:irna 16:54
Damascus, May 29, IRNA -- Secretary-General of the People's Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) Ahmad Jibril praised on Wednesday Iran's supreme
leader for his key anti-Israel stances. In an interview with IRNA, Jibril
commented on a message by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei and said the leader's message was the most valuable and in
fact a decoration of honor for the Palestinian nation. Ayatollah Khamenei in a
message on the occasion of the martyrdom of Ahmad Jibril's son recently said his
martyrdom would reinforce the already firm resolve of the Palestinians in their
resistance and struggle against the Israelis. He said the leader's message
alleviated his grief and made him more determined to continue his struggles
against the Zionists. He vowed that the Palestinian militants would take revenge
on the assassination of Palestinian youths. The Palestinian people would not be
frightened by Israel's criminal acts and killings of Palestinians, he said and
added that the Israeli cruel actions would make more determined the Palestinian
youth to struggle for the liberation of Palestine. Jihad Jibril, elder son of
Palestinian militant Ahmad Jibril, was assassinated in a car bomb in Beirut some
days ago. A funeral took place later on in the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp
south of the Syrian capital where the victim's father received condolences.
Ahmad Jibril lashed out at the United States for backing the inhuman policies of
Israel and rejected the U.S. claims on the Middle East. He commented on the
crisis in Palestine and stressed the need for restoring the Palestinians' rights
and to establish a lasting regional peace based on justice. He touched on the
Israeli criminal acts and condemned the massive massacres of the defenseless
Palestinians. He urged all the Muslims the world over to support Palestinians in
their anti-Israel struggle while adding Muslim countries are duty-bound to
provide support for the defenseless Palestinian people who are now targeted by
the Zionists.
:irna 22:55
Tehran, May 28, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei on Tuesday felicitated the nation on the auspicious occasion of birth
anniversary of Prophet Mohammad (SA) and Imam Ja'far Sadeq (AS),the sixth Imam
of Prophet Mohammad (SA) household. In a meeting with members of parliament (MPs)
on the eve of the auspicious occasion, the Supreme Leader appreciated the hard
work of the MPs and the speaker of parliament and advised them to strengthen
bonds with Almighty God and rely on the grace of God in performing their duty
and take advantage of the present period to render faithful service to the
people. The Supreme Leader said that all officials are expected to strengthen
the country's political, economic and cultural structure through solidarity and
avoiding tension. The Supreme Leader said that the parliament has two duties,
legislation and supervision adding that as long as the MPs acquire more
knowledge about preferences of the country, they would render effective and
constructive services by passing legislation. On the international developments,
the Supreme Leader drew the MPs' attention to the efforts by big powers led by
the United States to forge economic, political and cultural hegemony over the
globe. "For some time now, a new movement has gained momentum at the
international scene like a destructive flood and certain countries believe there
is no way but to surrender to the 'global flood' or globalization," the
Leader said. The Supreme Leader said that the Islamic Republic of Iran doesn't
believe in surrender to globalization and doesn't regard it as the ultimate fate
of the nations. Iran believes that nations should neutralize globalization by
strengthening their economic, political and cultural structure, the Leader said.
The Supreme Leader said that national solidarity is the prerequisite for
strengthening economic and political structure adding that solidarity takes
shape by political parties with boosting tolerance, helping each other and
viewing each other optimistically as well as avoiding tension. Ayatollah
Khamenei said that Majlis (parliament) is one major part of Iran's
administrative system adding that Majlis should not be undermined for any reason.
The Leader called for cooperation among different administrative organs and
hoped that taking the Constitution into account in policy making will help
remove the current weaknesses and problems of the people. The Supreme Leader
called for cultural works to reinforce the Islamic beliefs of the Iranian nation
and adopting transparent economic policy to boost efficiency and remove possible
discrimination in this respect. The Leader said that the Islamic aspect of the
Islamic Republic has drawn special attention of the world Muslims, on one hand,
and the cause of animosity of the big powers, on the other. Prior to the
Leader's remarks, Majlis Speaker Hojjatoleslam Mehdi Karroubi congratulated the
Supreme Leader on the auspicious occasion. He said that holding different
general elections in Iran in the past 23 years since the victory of the Islamic
Revolution (in 1979) indicated that Iran is promoting democratic principles.
Karroubi said Iran held general election within one year after the establishment
of the Islamic Republic which is unique in the international scene. He said that
Majlis is working on plans to help remove the current economic shortcomings.
Karroubi thanked the Supreme Leader for his guidelines to Majlis on different
occasions. May 28 is also the anniversary of the inauguration of the Majlis
first term in 1980.
:irna 17:11
Tehran, May 22, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei directed strong criticisms to the idea of talks with the
United States terming as "treason and stupidity" any attempts to hold
such talks. In a meeting with a gathering of people, families of martyrs and
commanders of the military forces of Khorramshahr and Abadan, the Leader said in
a time when the United States sets an official budget for anti-Iranian
activities, it would be treason and stupidity to want to negotiate or talk with
the U.S. officials. "Those who are are raising the topic of holding
negotiations with the U.S. officials know nothing of politics or dignity,"
he added in a broadcast speech to commemorate the 20th anniversary of liberation
of the city of Khorramshahr occupied by Iraqi forces for three years during the
Iran-Iraq war from 1980-1988. Washington is trying by the most sneaky means to
get its dirty hands on Iran and by cultural, economic, and political methods to
reimpose its past influence, said the Leader. The leader commented on the
circumstances under which the Iraqi regime backed at the time by Eastern and
Western powers attacked the Islamic Republic of Iran. At that time the military
forces of Iran were not coordinated and concerted and the liberation of the
major city of Khorramshahr was like a miracle, he noted. Commenting on the
problems faced by the Islamic republic, the leader said the Iraqi troops managed
in the first months of th war to control vast regions of Iran while on the other
hands heavy political pressures were exerted on the country on part of the big
powers. However, the Iranian forces retook control of all the Iranian
territories and it was a logical move on part of the Iranian authorities to
accept the cease-fire. After such crucial events, it is now up to the three
branches of the government to try to remove the problems facing the country. He
voiced remarks in condemnation of the expansionist policies of the United States
which has tried to fish in troubled waters following the September 11 attacks
against the U.S. major cities and to turn the heat on the Muslims. US President
George W. Bush had in his State of the Union address termed Iran, Iraq and North
Korea as "axis of evil" and accused them of attempting to develop
weapons of mass destruction. The Leader stressed the need to promote the unity
and solidarity among the Iranians to counter any foreign threat and ploys by the
enemies. The leader said that the arrogant enemies are trying to infiltrate in
Iran's Islamic system adding that the enemies' attempts to deviate the Iranian
nation are doomed to failure as in the past. Ayatollah Khamenei said the enemy
is using all cultural, political and economic means to infiltrate the system. He
urged all Iranians in particular the youth to get vigilant to foil the plots
hatched by the enemies against Iran. HB/JB
:irna 21:35
Tehran, May 22, IRNA -- On the occasion of anniversary of liberation of
Khorramshahr from Iraqi occupation, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei granted an amnesty package for those serving prison terms for
several minor offenses. The package recommended by Head of the Judiciary
Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi also included those sentenced by the
military courts. According to the amnesty, about two years of the prison terms
will be commuted if the prisoner has served one-fourth of the entire term and
the inmates will enjoy about two to five years commutation if they served
one-third of the whole term. The package excluded the armed robbery, kidnapping
and armed action against national security, drug smuggling and prostitution from
the amnesty.
:irna 18:16
Tehran, May 22, IRNA -- The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Seyed Ali
Khamenei, in a message to a gathering of members of the Islamic Society of
Students, underlined the need for unity of committed and zealous forces in
universities at the present time. Ayatollah Khamenei's message was read out by
Hojatoleslam Mohsen Qomi, the Leader's representative in universities. Terming
the task of students as "very sensitive," the Supreme Leader said
university students of today shoulder a heavy responsibility. Today, arrogant
enemies are attempting to lay siege on the Islamic Republic system, the Leader,
said reiterating that their attempts to remove the Iranian nation has failed in
the past two decades. The arrogant enemy has considered all cultural, political
and economic ways of infiltrating the system in the hope of making the Iranian
nation and the Islamic Republic system surrender, the Supreme Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei concluded his message with a call on the Iranian nation, the
youth in particular, to be alert and to neutralize the plots of enemies.
:irna 14:09
Tehran, May 21, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei on Tuesday presided over a meeting of the 'state council for employment'
to study the government's emergency plan to create several hundred thousand jobs.
The Supreme Leader said that he was pleased with the government's special
attention to create jobs adding that due attention to the subject is an Islamic
and humanitarian obligation. "Unemployment is a social malady which harms
the dignity of human being. It is unacceptable in the Islamic Republic,"
the Leader said. The Supreme Leader reviewed the plan provided by the 'state
council for employment' and said that the decisions should be put into practice.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that provision of fund for the plan should go in
parallel with effective administration in line with the targets of the plan. The
Supreme Leader called for the parliament's contribution to the government's plan
with passing necessary legal provisions to speed up implementation of the Third
Five-Year Development Plan in accord with the timetable envisaged in the Plan.
The Supreme Leader called on the government to take strong measures to prevent
financial corruption in the executive branch of government and said that with
putting into force necessary mechanisms, the executive branch of government
could fight corruption systematically. The Leader called on the government to
stop irregularity in import of goods which has inflicted heavy damages on the
domestic industrial sector, on one hand, and launch campaign against smuggling
of goods into the country, on the other. Industrialists blame unauthorized
import and smuggling of goods for the recess in Iranian industry sector which
led to considerable lay-offs of workers in the country. The Supreme Leader
called for supporting domestic industries. President Khatami offered a report on
the government's emergency plan to create jobs. He said that the government is
to carry out short-term and long-term plans to provide one million jobs in the
current Iranian year. Secretary of the 'state council for employment' Mohammad
Sattarifar offered the outlines of the emergency plans to be implemented in
three phases from tomorrow.
:irna 21:01
Tehran, May 19, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei here Sunday highlighted "deep-rooted historical and ideological
bonds" between Iran and neighboring Azerbaijan in a meeting with visiting
Azeri President Heydar Aliyev and called on the two countries to cooperate on
the Caspian dispute. The Leader also stressed that the issue of the Caspian Sea
should be solved by the littoral states of the in-land sea without the
interference of outsiders. "Some international big powers are opposed to
the resolving of regional disputes including those on the Caspian Sea,"
Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Leader warned against the presence of the US and
the racist Israeli regime in the region, saying their objectives were contrary
to the interests of the regional nations. "The massive human tragedy in
Palestine is an obvious example of moves against public interests, which are
carried out by the Zionist regime under full support of the United States,"
he said. "The issue of the Caspian Sea, if looked at logically and properly,
is solvable and this requires the efforts of the regional countries," the
Leader said. "Iran and Azerbaijan should cooperate to bring this issue to a
final settlement," he added. Cooperation among regional countries, with
enormous commonalties, is the key to the materialization of their interests,
Ayatollah Khamenei said. He reiterated Iran's call on Azerbaijan and Armenia to
settle their dispute on Nagorno-Karabakh through dialogue. Aliyev described Iran
as "a friendly and powerful neighbor" to Azerbaijan, saying Baku's
policies are based on expanding relations with Tehran. He called his talks with
President Mohammad Khatami as "good and successful." A plan to link
Azerbaijan to northern Iran and then to the southern Iranian port of Bandar
Abbas on the Persian Gulf via a railroad as well as the Baku-Astara road are
among important programs for the two countries to expand their ties, Aliyev
added. The Azeri president pointed to a Caspian summit, held last month in the
Turkmen capital Ashkhabad, saying "like Iran, the Republic of Azerbaijan
believes that the Caspian should remain a sea of peace, security, understanding
and cooperation." Aliyev also thanked the Islamic Republic's assistance to
Azeri people and asked for Iranian help on the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. "We
believe that this dispute must be resolved through dialogue with the
participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.
:irna 15:16
Tehran, May 8, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Ali Khamenei said in a message here on Wednesday that endowment is a golden
opportunity for deliberation over the lofty Islamic ruling and encourage the
rich faithful to follow the religious tradition. The message, which was
addressed to a seminar on "Endowment and Charity Work", said endowment
is one of the most effective methods to employ properties and fortunes to serve
social needs. It added that the tradition would keep man's good will alive and
effective in the course of life. The leader said officials in charge of
endowment affairs shoulder a grave duty and responsibility. Religion and
conscience invite the officials to be faithful, righteous and continue with
sound efforts. The Ayatollah expressed hope that the seminar would be effective
in materialization of goals and fulfillment of the endowment related duties.
:irna 21:04
Tehran, May 1, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei here on Wednesday said that the U.S. is seeking to impose an
international dictatorship on all countries, particularly on the justice-seeking
nations. Ayatollah Khamenei, referring to recent events in Palestine, lambasted
Washington's indifference to the fact that the sentiments of world peoples have
been hurt by the crimes being committed by the Zionist regime in occupied
Palestine. "The stances of the Islamic Republic towards America's logic of
force and hegemony is quite clear. A nation and a government that have led a
revolution in the name of Islam and national identity and independence, will
never submit to U.S. bullying policies," the Leader said. The Leader was
speaking to large groups of teachers and workers from throughout the country on
the occasion of Labor and Teacher Day. Ayatollah Khamenei deplored recent events
in Palestine, massacre of innocent people, destruction of houses and arrest of
the youth, calling the acts as "the most heinous crimes ever committed. The
goal of the US in supporting the Zionist regime and ignoring its crimes and
brutality is to declare its policy of intimidation and international
dictatorship to the world and to stress the need to keep alive the cancerous
tumor of the Zionist regime at any cost, said the Leader. The polices of the US
and Zionist regime have failed despite their claims to the contrary because the
Palestinian nation has not surrendered themselves to their wishes and injustices
and would neither do so in the future, said the Leader. He added that the
Palestinian nation has so far tolerated all the pressures. The climax of the
Palestinians' resistance is manifested in the martyrdom seeking operations,
carried out by the Palestinian youth, said the Leader, adding that the
operations have terrified the enemy. Ayatollah Khamenei warned that American
statesmen and their lies not to try to play down the Palestinians' martyrdom
seeking operations. He said such self-sacrificing acts and devotion for the sake
of national and religious interests reflect the climax of a nation's honor,
courage and dignity. The Palestinian nation is alive and vigilant and will
continue its way, the supreme Leader added. Practical support for the
Palestinian nation is another form of the struggle against the Zionist regime's
crimes, said the Leader, urging the world nations and Muslim states, especially
the Arab ones, to support Palestinians in practice. The Leader said the proposal
on a month long oil embargo against the countries supporting the Zionist regime
is serious and the Arab and Muslim oil exporting states are required to make
serious decisions in this respect instead of paying lip services. Ayatollah
Khamenei said that the proposed month-long oil embargo would show that Muslim
and Arab nations and governments are able to stand up to and take action against
international dictatorship. Hailing the brave stances taken by certain Arab
states, such as Syria and Lebanon, the Leader called support for the oppressed
Palestinian nation as a "historical duty." The Leader said future
generations would judge about the measures adopted by the Arab and Muslim states
today and about the extent of their sincerity. Referring to the claims raised by
American officials and propaganda campaigns launched by the US media about world
leadership, human rights, fair war and campaign against terrorism, The Leader
said that such claims by the US government and its support for the Zionist
regime as the most criminal and terrorist regime, make everyone surprised with
the impudence of these statesmen. So, he said, the US administration is today
hated by world nations more than ever before. He said the White House is hostile
towards Iran for its justice seeking and independent stances and because the
Islamic establishment does not fear the US threats. "The Islamic Republic
of Iran would never succumb to the U.S. logic of force and hegemony,"
Ayatollah Khamenei made it clear. The Leader said negotiations and relations
with the US would not ease pressures because there are now countries threatened
by the US which have relations with that country and negotiate with it. The
Islamic establishment and its Islamic identity that have put an end to the US
domination over Iran, are the main problems the US has with Iran, said Ayatollah
Khamenei, adding that the US will never be ready to officially recognize Iran's
Islamic identity and its faithful nation at the negotiating table. "Any
talks would be in favor of the US because at the negotiating table, Washington
will only set forth a large number of its unjustifiable demands," said
Ayatollah Khamenei. The Iranian nation will not allow any official - either the
leader or others - to compromise Islamic stances and the country's fundamental
and vital interests, warned the Supreme Leader. Resistance of the Iranian nation
and government is the only form of the struggle against the US greedy desires
and ambitions, said Ayatollah Khamenei, stressing that the Islamic establishment
that relies on public votes, emotions, will and faith do not fear any threat
posed by big powers. Ayatollah Khamenei brushed aside the claims that there is
no freedom in Iran and said there are certain segments of press that exploit the
free atmosphere of the country and write articles that run counter to the public
faith, beliefs and interests. "To attain its lofty goals, Iran is today
more than ever in need of ceaseless efforts by government officials,
parliamentarians and other influential bodies," said the Leader. The Leader
lauded the efforts being made by teachers and workers in Iran.
:irna 18:43 - read the speech