Tehran, June 28, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that the justice system should fulfill its
obligation of reinforcing law in order to gain public trust. In a meeting with
the judicial officials and the bereaved families of the martyrs of the terrorist
bombing by Mujahedeen Khalq Organization (MKO), the Supreme Leader said that the
judiciary should show a tangible progress in the campaign against injustice
something which can draw public confidence in the body. "The people will
pin hope on the Judiciary when they see that the body is upholding justice in
all of its branches," the Supreme Leader said in reference to the necessity
to fight corruption within the body itself. "Even a single case of
violation of law within the Judiciary should not be overlooked," the
Supreme Leader said. The Supreme Leader advised the judicial officials to uphold
rule of law in the courts of justice through which the body will be strengthened.
Upon taking office, the Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
unveiled a plan to restructure the body. The plan is making a slow headway with
the positive step of restoring the office of the prosecutor. The public welcomed
restoration of the prosecutor's office which had led the matter of judgment to
an outdated methodology. Public grievances at the Judiciary currently focuses on
corruption within the body citing example of collaborations between certain
judges and those who earn a windfall overnight without any background in the
field of business or other distinguished crafts. Elsewhere in his speech, the
Supreme Leader recalled the memory of former Chief of the Supreme Court
Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti and 72 top officials who fell victim to the
terrorist bombing in 1981 on the same day. Prior to the Supreme Leader's speech,
the Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Shahroudi paid tribute to his predecessor
Ayatollah Beheshti who sacrificed his life for the cause of the Islamic
Revolution in 1981. He said that Ayatollah Beheshti, the former chief justice
was an example of a faithful judge for the justice system. SS/AH/RR End
Tehran, June 23, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Monday called for encouraging the private
sector to step in and administer the industry and the manufacturing sector. In a
meeting with industrialists and entrepreneurs, the Supreme Leader said that the
industrial development is a national agenda and called for the government's
serious efforts to help the industry sector. The Supreme Leader, however,
underscored the need to encourage national and foreign investment in the
industry and mines sectors. The Supreme Leader said that national industrial
output serves to create jobs and bring about social justice. The Leader
dismissed the idea that a boost in the role of the private sector may weaken
social justice adding that the class divide emerges when the businessmen are
involved in non-manufacturing sectors and some people get windfall wealth. The
Supreme Leader said that working in the industrial and mines sector has
financial risks for the investors adding that the government is expected to
support the investments made in those fields. Ayatollah Khamenei said in the
meantime that the industrial plans should boost national outputs in parallel
with contribution to social justice as well. On the importance of foreign
investment, the Supreme Leader called for the government's external lobbying to
attract foreign investment in coordination with the Ministry of Industries and
Mines and Foreign Ministry. The Leader said that consuming national output
should be regarded as a "value" adding that the Islamic Republic of
Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) should encourage people to use their national outputs.
The Leader said that the industrialists should focus on the international
competition and the outputs should be cost-effective. The Supreme Leader said
that the government should reduce the taxes and dues being levied on national
outputs to help the industrialists compete with foreign manufacturers. The
Leader expressed satisfaction with the progress in the field of industry and
mines and appreciated services of Minister of Industry nd Mines Is'haq Jahangiri.
Prior to the Supreme Leader's remarks, Jahangiri presented a report on a 11.3
percent growth in the industry and mines sector and said that his ministry has
drawn up a strategic plan for industrial development in the next 20 years. He
said that the industry sector has created 440,000 jobs in the past three years.
SS/RR
Tehran, June 18, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said here Wednesday an stable Afghanistan would
contribute to interests of the Islamic Republic and Muslim World. The leader
made the remark in a meeting with the visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai who
is in Iran to discuss a plan to build a road from the land-locked Central Asian
Republic of Uzbekistan via Afghanistan to southern Iran. Ayatollah Khamenei
expressed pleasure with the breakthroughs achieved by Afghanistan to restore
stability and peace after more than two decades of civil unrests. Despite many
efforts to keep Afghanistan backward, the country can find its way toward
unification and prosperity due to the strong religious faith of the Afghan
nation and its rich human investment, the leader said. He said the superpowers
have tried to deal blows to Afghanistan's cultural identity adding that these
superpowers are against the emergence of Islamic culture. By trying to replace
the Afghan Islamic culture with the Western culture, the superpowers are after
providing the grounds for the prolonged domination over Afghanistan, he noted.
The Afghan people, Ayatollah Khamenei said, have to get vigilant to be able to
neutralize the subversive schemes of the big powers on the war-ruined country.
The leader praised the unity between the Shia and Sunni people in Afghanistan
and said this unity would contribute to the prosperity of the country. He said
the multilateral agreements signed earlier in the day in Tehran would prove
fruitful and advised Karzai to opt for proper measures to tackle the illicit
drug production in Afghanistan. In the meeting which was attended also by the
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Karzai thanked Iran for the assistance it
had provided for the Afghan nation in various periods. He said the Afghan people
would never forget the aid provided for them by the Iranians over years of
unrests in Afghanistan. He said the Afghan government is following up seriously
the fight against the illicit drugs adding that the country is moving toward
prosperity in general. He said the constitution that would be written down for
Afghanistan would be based on the Islamic principles. He said the unity and
solidarity among the shia and Sunni have contributed tremendously to the
restoration of the peace and stability to Afghanistan. Iran, Uzbekistan and
Afghanistan signed earlier Wednesday a memorandum of understanding on an
international transport route among the three countries. Afghan President Hamid
Karzai, heading a 41-member high-ranking delegation, arrived in Tehran on
Wednesday morning to attend a joint meeting of presidents of Iran, Afghanistan
and Uzbekistan and a similar meeting with Tajikistan. HB/JB
Tehran, June 16, IRNA -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei here
Monday stressed Islamic unity among the Muslim nations in meeting with
visiting Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov. The Supreme Leader referred to the
historical, cultural and religious commonalities between the two nations.
"Islam and the Persian language are the two common and outstanding
principles between Iran and Tajikistan which should be promoted to further the
ties between the two nations," he added. The leader said that Islam and the
Persian language are also part of the national identity of Tajikistan and
Afghanistan, adding "Moslem countries should, by identifying their common
traits, forge a united front." Ayatollah Khamenei also expressed
satisfaction over the agreement roads and powerplant inked between Tehran and
Dushanbe. "Progress in Tajikistan is to Iran's benefit," the supreme
leader stated. He also said the threats by the US are merely "hollow hue
and cry" and referred to the numerous problems facing the US in Iraq,
Afghanistan and Palestine. "The US is treading a downward path and is like
a huge melting ice-cube" Ayatollah Khamenei underlined. He said the US
instead of being an honest broker in the Palestinian issue "has become an
enemy to the Palestinians and is supporting the Zionist regime. Therefore, any
obstacle facing Israel will also grip the US." Rakhmonov lauded Iran's
efforts in settlement of peace in Tajikistan and said with the many cultural,
religious and historical commonalities the two nations should strengthen their
ties in various areas. He said the agreements signed between the two countries
on construction of roads and powerplants will go a long way in mitigating many
problems of Tajikistan. President Mohammad Khatami was also present in the
meeting. Rakhmonov, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived here on Monday
morning on an official visit to review the latest regional developments and
bilateral ties. Upon arrival at the airport, he was welcomed by Agriculture
Minister Mahmoud Hojjati and Deputy Foreign Minister Mohsen Aminzadeh. The Tajik
president is expected to attend a joint meeting of presidents of Iran,
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. In the meeting of the four regional
countries a number of important documents on political, economic and cultural
cooperation will be signed. The four sides will discuss plans for constructing
roads and establishing links on the ground between Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
and Afghanistan and sign an agreement in this regard. Iran and Tajikistan, which
enjoy common cultural and historical bonds, have forged close ties since the
former Soviet state declared independent on September 9, 1991.
11:17:16 AM Tehran, June 12 - If Americans could afford to destroy the
Islamic System, they would have not spared even one single day, Supreme Leader
of the Islamic Revolution told a huge crowd of people in Varamin, a
neighbourhood of capital Tehran Thursday.
His comments were followed by slogans in support of him.
"The Iranian nation would hit hard at any invaders, so US would not
raise an invasion", he said. "US approach is other than invasion which
is stirring unrest in the society and sowing the seeds of discord".
The Supreme Leader called for the statesmen to keep vigilance regarding
recent unrests in the society which he declared as led by America.
The Leader advised faithful youths not to meddle such unrests, so as not the
ambience becoming confused.
Official have no right to favour the henchmen of enemies, he said, calling
for the government to wipe out the way from these foreign-made hurdles which he
described as sign of US feebleness.
Today the Iranian nation is in dire need of hard-working, he said.
The Supreme Leader slammed those who attempt to make people frustrated
through overlooking positive grounds.
He also called for curbing the increasing inflation through blocking the way
for price-mounting, some organs pursue through legal ways.
He stressed the fact that the administration is not pleased with the recent
mounting in prices. Pointing to US arrogant moves in Iraq, he predicted US
failure in the near future.
6:53:50 PM IRNA
Tehran, June 12 - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Thursday
that Washington was behind riots in the Islamic Republic and urged the nation
and state officials to remain vigilant.
"The enemies bluntly support those adventurers who can become their
mercenaries by perturbing people's security. Thus, the whole nation, the youth
and and officials in particular, must remain vigilant," the Supreme Leader
told a gathering of jubilant people in Varamin, south of Tehran.
US plans to stir up unrest and tensions in the Islamic Republic reveal the
enemy's weakness since Washington has confessed it is unable to directly
confront Iranians, Ayatollah Khamenei said.
"If Americans had been able to eliminate the Islamic establishment, they
would not have hesitated even for a day; but the enemy has realized that it
cannot do anything against the valiant Iranian nation, especially the brave
youth. Thus, it (US) frankly declares that 'our strategy in confronting Iran is
not a war and we have to create unrest in Iran'," Ayatollah Khamenei added.
The Supreme Leader also advised the country's "faithful and hezbollahi
youth to avoid the scenes which the trouble makers have prepared".
"It must not be allowed that the atmosphere becomes tense and a handful
of individuals contaminate the society and universities by creating insecurity.
"However, if the Iranian nation decides to deal with rioters, they will
act like in July 2, 1999," he said in reference to a mass show of support
for the establishment following days of violent unrest, in which police,
students and vigilantes clashed at the Tehran University campus and neighboring
streets.
Ayatollah Khamenei's statements came as press reported on "illegal
gatherings" held at a Tehran University hostel - the hotbed of 1999 riots -
Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
According to the press, Tuesday unrest followed a peaceful gathering of
students in protest to proposed privatization of universities.
The gathering turned ugly after a group of "non-students" joined
the rally and started chanting political slogans, the press said, adding
anti-riot police had to intervene to put an end to the mayhem.
Traffic near the Amirabad student dormitory came to a standstillas the
protesters, numbering several hundred, took their rally to nearby streets, media
said.
Officials were quick to condemn the unrest and speculate that foreign hands
were involved to incite the protests.
Intelligence Minister Ali Younessi said security officials had arrested 80
people during overnight clashes between police and protesters.
Government spokesman Abdollah Ramezanzadeh added voice to the speculation,
saying that "the government believes foreign hands could be at work to stir
up riots".
Interior Minister Abdolvahed Moussavi Lari vowed that relevant institutions
would deal with "hooliganism and illegal gatherings".
US making trouble, Ayatollah Khamenei said the US aim in stoking up the
unrest was to impede Iran's efforts to reconstruct the country and tackle
existing problems, thus lead to disgruntlement among the public.
"There is no reason for the Iranian people to become disappointed since
we have a great nation, a rich country which enjoys a very good position, and a
young population," the Supreme Leader added.
The Supreme Leader also lashed out at "those who portray the country's
situation in a way that the US likes".
"This act either indicates negligence or constitutes treason and those
who speak from the public podium must be very mindful of their statements so
that they do not willingly or unwillingly fall in line behind the enemy's
objectives," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Tehran is wary of certain voices in the US administration to provoke unrest
in Iran, including through supporting opposition.
The Islamic Republic condemned a reportedly ceasefire agreement between the
US military in Iraq and the terrorist Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO)
following the ouster of Saddam Hussein.
Tehran, June 11, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei here on Wednesday underscored the importance of
maintaining a healthy and sound environment and of preventing destruction of
natural resources. In his message to the first environmental rights seminar in
Iran, the Supreme Leader stressed that there exists a strong national resolve to
maintaing a healthy environment. Calling on the Iranian people to heighten their
awareness for environmental issues, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the
administration should strive to create an atmosphere within the system that
would encourage observance of public duty and enhance the people's motivation to
preserve the environment. The Supreme Leader called on concerned institutions to
monitor proper implementation of laws and to deal with perpetrators decisively.
He also called on the Judiciary to investigate environmental violations by
creating the proper procedural system. On the issue of destruction of the
environment and natural resources by industrialized countries, the Supreme
Leader regretted the fact that a small group of rich countries is enjoying all
natural blessings while the majority of the world's people are doomed to live in
unhealthy and polluted conditions and, therefore, are exposed to all kinds of
diseases and adverse effects. Industrial countries have inflicted the most
severe damage on nature and the environment, the Supreme Leader said, adding
that developed states have violated the rights of other countries and have
caused poverty, illness and destruction to the majority of the world's people
through their policies. The Supreme Leader's message was read out for him by the
head of the Leader's Office, Hojatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani. It
laid emphasis on the importance Islam and the Islamic Republic of Iran's
constitution which attach stress protection of the environment and the world's
natural resources.
Supreme Leader: US makes every effort to block Iran's
economic development
Tehran, June 8, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that the United States makes every effort to
block Iran's economic development and progress. In reaction to the US hue and
cry over Iranian nuclear facilities to generate electricity for modernizing
social life, the Supreme Leader said that Iran has never violated the
international commitments and will never back down on the Islamic criteria and
ethical requirements. In a meeting with several thousand university students and
teachers membering the Basij (volunteer forces), the Supreme Leader said that
Iran insists on its own distinct rights in the international community and
proceeds with its scientific progress. "The United States has designs for
every class of Iranian society especially for the academics who, thank God, have
made great strides in the field of science and technology. By making accusation
against Iran, the US wants to play down the social progress the Iranian nation
has achieved in the past 24 years," the Supreme Leader said. Referring to
the US threats to attack Iran, the Supreme Leader said that the US threats is
not something new. The US has embarked on systematic threats against Iran from
the morrow of victory of the Islamic Revolution, said the Supreme Leader. "The
Iranian nation will defend its dignity and achievements and the Basij (volunteer
forces) is the well-organized grassroot defense structure present both in the
academic centers and the battlefield," the Supreme Leader said. The Supreme
Leader ruled out the US threats against Iran and said that the threats are
rooted in animosity emanating from the overthrow of the US-backed puppet regime
from Iran and putting an end to the two-century record of colonialism in the
country by the Islamic Revolution.
Supreme leader: Any attack on Iran would prove suicidal
Tehran, June 4, IRNA -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei here Wednesday
reiterated that Iran did not seek to wage a war against any country, but warned
that a military attack on the Islamic Republic would prove suicidal since
Iranian youth would strongly repel it. "The Iranian nation and officials
are not after a war and they would not drag the country to the precipice of a
military showdown, but all must know that attacking Iran would mean suicide for
the aggressor," he said at the 14th demise anniversary of late Imam
Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. The statements drew the
thunderous "Death to America" chants of close to a million of mourners,
many coming from remote corners of the 65-million country, who had crammed Imam
Khomeini's mausoleum and its surroundings in the southern outskirts of Tehran.
"Iranians from all walks of life, especially the enthusiastic and prepared
youth, will strongly and stiffly confront any attacker," the supreme leader
said. Washington has revved up its Iran-bashing rhetoric and threats in recent
weeks, accusing Tehran of pursuing an aggressive nuclear program and sheltering
suspected terrorist al-Qaeda group, charges which the Islamic Republic has
repeatedly rejected. Ayatollah Khamenei assured that the threats were not
anything new and that any American attack on Iran would cost the American
government very dearly. "They also have realized this. Thus, they seek to
terrorize Iranian people and officials by speculating on a military attack or
other threats so that they achieve their wishes upon the retreat of (Iranian)
officials and their betrayal of the nation. "But, among the state officials
in the three branches of power, no one has the right to entertain the slightest
willingness for a retreat and if anyone takes a step for the submission of the
nation ... the nation in ultimate ruthlessness will shun him," the supreme
leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei also warned that "the enemy's propaganda
instruments and their branches inside are intending to insinuate conflicts and
differences among Iranian officials". "But, the enemies of the nation
will take to hell their wish of division among the pillars of the establishment
and presence of anti-Imam elements in the ranks of the country's chief officials,"
he added. "Though they might have managed to infiltrate some elements into
certain apparatus or attracted certain weak elements, this would not solve their
problem, since the main officials of the country as well as the nation are
united over the principles of Imam (Khomeini) and strong pillars of the
establishment," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
TERROR ACCUSATIONS
The supreme leader also denounced as "shameless lies" US
accusations that Iran backed terrorists. "While totally supporting the
biggest terrorists of the world, including the Zionist (Israeli) regime,
Americans are brazenly accusing the great Iranian nation of backing terrorism.
"But all know that Iran, unlike America, has never supported terrorism and
has never sheltered any terrorist," Ayatollah Khamenei said. US officials,
who had once accused Tehran of giving refuge to al-Qaeda elements, have recently
claimed that the suspected group operated from havens inside Iran. The supreme
leader turned the tables on Washington, saying it was US which raised
anti-Iranian perverted groups, such as Taliban which provided haven to al-Qaeda,
in order to "strike a blow on Iran". "But this treacherous plot
did not work and they (Americans) are now choking on the same mouthful they took
once," he said. Ayatollah Khamenei also warned the "neo-conservative"
American leaders that "it is impossible to conquer the Islamic world by
wars and military attacks which will have no consequence than deepening
anti-American sentiments". "You cannot call millions of people, whose
hearts are filled with hatred and spite against oppressors and occupiers,
terrorists just as you, with all your efforts, cannot call Palestinian
combatants and the oppressed Palestinian nation and brave Lebanese youth who
have risen against the occupation of their countries, as terrorists."
"Terrorists are those who have risen to confront nations through occupying
their countries and like Saddam (Hussein), by using dictatorship and despotism,
do not let the Iraqi nation bring to power their own choice of government,"
he said in cutting reference to Americans. Ayatollah Khamenei also slammed
Washington for accusing the Islamic Republic of being despotic and totalitarian.
"The American accusations that the Islamic Republic of Iran is inattentive
to democracy is among the biggest jokes at this juncture. This shows that the
enemy is upset to see the banner of religion and democracy flying in the Islamic
Iran. "That is why they accuse the ruling democratic establishment in Iran
of being despotic and dictatorial," the supreme leader said. BH/JB
The following is an excerpt:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
. . . The principles governing Imam Khomeini's work were rooted in Islam and
people. Our exalted Imam's reliance on people stemmed from Islam. It is Islam
that stresses the right of nations and the importance of people's votes and the
effects of nations' jihad and their presence on the scene. Therefore, the
exalted Imam considered the pivot of his work to be Islam and people. The
greatness of Islam is tantamount to the greatness of people. The authority of
Islam means the authority of people. The invincibility of Islam is linked to the
invincibility of people. The Imam's work was based on these two factors.
The most important work that our exalted Imam did in the world of Islam was
that he revived the political and social dimensions of Islam. From the day that
colonialism set foot in Islamic countries, all efforts of colonialists and
hegemonists were directed at removing the political and social dimensions of
Islam and justice-seeking aspect of Islam and its quest for freedom and
independence. In order to deepen their domination over Islamic nations and their
resources, the hegemonists had no choice but to separate the political dimension
of Islam from Islam. They interpreted Islam as a religion surrendering to events,
giving in to occupiers and submitting to powerful tyrants.
Imam Khomeini revived the forgotten truth about Islam. The Imam held up the
banner of the justice-seeking aspect of Islam. Imam exposed Islam's enmity
towards discrimination, class differences and nobility. From the beginning to
the last days of his life, the exalted Imam relied on the meek, the oppressed
and the deprived. On many occasions, at the early stage of the establishment of
Islamic system in Iran and for 10 years afterwards as the leader of the Islamic
Republic, he told us and all officials that we must look after the deprived. He
said that you are indebted to the meek.
My dears, whenever we took account of this advice from the Imam, whether in
our planning or law-making or in execution of affairs or appointment or
dismissal, we were victorious. Islam is in favor of people's prosperity, Islam
is against corruption, oppression and discrimination. Islam is for the welfare
and the spirituality of people. The Imam said all this on many occasions right
from the beginning of his struggle until the establishment of the Islamic system
and then up to the end of his life. Our exalted Imam showed this in the world of
Islam that Islamic jurisprudence - that is the regulations for managing people
affairs along with philosophy of Islam, profound and deep thinking based on
reasoning as well as gnosticism of Islam, asceticism and separation, and
rejecting carnal desire - can bring about great miracles. The Imam practically
showed that political Islam is same as spiritual Islam.
During the era of colonialism, enemies of Islam and those against the
awakening of Muslim nations publicized the idea that spiritual Islam and ethical
Islam are separate from political Islam. Today, they are doing the same. Today,
the propaganda machinery of enemies, the anti-Islamic front, with all sorts of
propaganda machinery are trying to portray political Islam, justice-seeking
Islam and social Islam as something crude. The enemies want to direct the people
to sedentary Islam, to a kind of Islam that bows to submission and shows no
reaction to tyrants and bullies. The Imam rejected this erroneous thinking. He
propounded the pure Muhammadan Islam which is against ossified, superstitious
and eclectic Islam, and also the kind Islam that has lost its vitality in the
face of foreign schools of thoughts.
In the past and during the years of struggle when in the course of
establishing the Islamic system and even now, the anti-Islamic front is focusing
on this point, i.e., separation of politics from spirituality. It means that if
someone wants to be a Muslim, then he must sit quietly in a corner. He must not
interfere with the actions of occupiers, enemies and aggressors. Today they
propagate this.
The Imam propounded the opposite of this in the world of Islam and today the
same world is benefiting from this great idea. Wherever you go, you will see a
dynamic Islam among experts, young people, academics, scientists, ulema and
enlightened people. It is a kind Islam that can protect Muslim nations against
aggressors, bullies and occupiers in the world. It does not allow enemies to
dominate Muslim nations. This is the pure Muhammadan Islam.
As regards to people, the most important thing that the Imam did was that he
completely rejected the meaning of democracy as put forward by Western
proponents of democracy and their agents and the way they wanted to demonstrate
it. They were trying to induce the idea that democracy is not in agreement with
religious devotion. The Imam rejected this erroneous meaning and propounded
religious democracy in the world, i.e., the Islamic Republic. He did not just
say it. Neither did he just analyzed it. He showed it in practice. Today, the
Islamic Republic system, which is a religious system and its principles and
essence of values are predicated upon religion, is a democracy in every sense.
And democracy in this form that exist in Iran cannot be seen in any Islamic
countries.
Of course, this is a bitter truth for enemies. They are not ready to see that
the flag of religion and democracy to be hoisted onto one pole. They are trying
to engender a gap between democracy and religion Therefore, the reality of the
Islamic Republic troubles them.
In order to be able to divert world public opinion from this brilliant truth,
they address the people of Iran through their propaganda machinery, inviting
them to embrace democracy. This is one of the greatest ironies of our times and
of this juncture in history. Those same people who accepted and approved of the
satanic regime of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the despotic regime of the
Pahlavi era, and who accept military coup d'etat and regimes that know nothing
about democracy or recognize it - those same people come and invite the Islamic
Republic of Iran's system to embrace democracy and the sovereignty of the
people.
This is whilst, since its foundation 24 years ago, the Islamic Republic of
Iran's system has staged more than 20 elections - the leadership, the president,
the Majlis deputies and all other officials - are directly or indirectly elected
by the people. The people chose and elect them and vote for them. This democracy
that exists in our country, this desire of the people to take part in electing
the officials, such a democracy does not exist in America, where, our enemies
use their propaganda machines to address us with their idle talk. The current
president of America took office by contravening that country's democratic laws
- everyone knows this. The Americans compromise with regimes that have come to
power through coup d'etats, because these regimes submit to them but they
criticize the Islamic system, which believes in independence and reliance on its
own values and because it is not prepared to accept American hegemony. They
accuse us of despotism and dictatorship, which really applies to themselves.
Today, all the efforts of the anti-Islamic front are concentrated on
eliminating the Islamic awakening in the world, which relies on Iran and its
nation because the Iranian national gave birth to a model. The Iranian people -
with their thoughts, the new concepts they presented to the world, the
passionate jihad struggle of the nation, the courage displayed by Iranian men,
women and youth in the course of the life of the revolution in the past 25 year
- were able to draw the attention of Muslim nations to themselves and to create
the wave of Islamic awakening in Islamic countries. Thus, Americans are more
hostile than ever before to this focal point of Islam's awakening. They
demonstrate this hostility through their bias, dirty tricks, propaganda lies and
aggressive behavior. Their aim is to scare the Iranian nation and the officials
and to use their unsuccessful experiences - which are the cause of their pride -
to force this great nation and this strong revolution and system to retreat
before them.
They accuse Islamic Iran, in their world propaganda, of supporting terrorism
or giving refuge to terrorists. This is a disgraceful lie; it is a very ugly lie.
If a terrorist means a person who targets innocent people to advance his own
objectives, then the biggest terrorists are active today under the aegis of
America. Today, The Zionist regime is the total manifestation of terrorism.
Everyday that passes; the Zionist regime's terrorist agents are attacking
people, who are living in their own homes and their own territory.
Our people have not forgotten how, a few years ago, American dollars and
those affiliated to America created a group of fanatical terrorists, in our
neighboring country, in order to inflict blows on the Islamic Republic. They
were unable to use their treacherous plan and today, that thorn is stuck in
their own throat. By spreading prejudice against Iran and the Islamic system,
they provoked, forced a group of extremely fanatical people to engage in
terrorist activities, and today, they themselves have become their captives. Yet,
they accuse Iran of terrorism.
Iran is not in favor of terrorists and does not and has not given sanctuary
to any terrorists. But the Islamic Republic believes there are millions of young
people, millions of enlightened people, who resent and are fed up with American
tyrants and occupiers. You cannot call these people terrorists. You cannot label
millions of people in Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, Pakistan and
Afghanistan, as terrorists. There are millions of people who saw the tyranny
inflicted by American forces on Afghanistan yesterday and who are seeing the
same tyranny inflicted on the oppressed country of Iraq, today. Are these people
terrorists? The Palestinian fighters, who are defending their territory, are
they terrorists? The oppressed people of Palestine, who are confronting the
tanks and heavy artillery of the Zionists every day and are defending themselves
- are they terrorists? The devout Lebanese youth - who stood steadfast in the
face of relentless Israeli attacks and sacrificed their lives in order to push
back the Zionists from Lebanon, and whose presence today means that Israel does
not dare attack Lebanon - are they terrorists?
If it was not for the devout, militant, Lebanese youth, Israel would not have
thought it would encounter any obstacles to its advance to Beirut and we saw
that it did invade - they occupied southern Lebanon for years - they advanced
until Beirut and committed so many tragedies, which are impossible for anyone to
forget. The devout Lebanese youth strove hard, responded to the awakedness
brought to the world of Islam by Imam Khomeini and they stood steadfast. Today,
Israel does not dare attack Lebanon because of the presence of these young
people. Are they terrorists? Terrorists are those who confront nations inside
their own homes.
Today, Islamic world is full of sorrow at Iraq's military occupation. Why did
you occupy Iraq? Why don't you allow the Iraqi people to determine their
government's and their own destinies. What is the difference between you and
Saddam Husayn? Saddam was a despot and a dictator and you, too, are a despot and
dictator. Saddam practiced one kind of dictatorship and you practice another.
American officials, these neo-conservatives who believe they can conquer the
world of Islam by war - you cannot confront Islam. You cannot confront the
Islamic ummah. You became arrogant by whatever happened in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It is the weakness of your analysis which demonstrates that you cannot
understand events very well. You were not confronted by the Afghans in
Afghanistan. In Iraq, you were not confronted by the Iraqi people - they did not
want to and did not defend Saddam's regime - just as the Afghans did not want to
and did not defend the Taleban. But with your bullying entry into Iraq, you did
something which means that today, you are pushing the Iraqi people step by step
towards a serious confrontation with yourselves.
These pressures which they are bringing to bear on Iraq - the noble, intrepid
people of Iraq. They are insulting the Iraqi nation - a nation that has its
elite, experts, learned people, a rich culture, brave tribes - there are so many
brave tribes in Iraq and many cultured and learned people. This is the way you
insult that nation. Then they say that a group of Iraqis should act as advisor
to the American ruler. What's the purpose of the American ruler in Iraq? This is
what the Iraqis are saying. Your enemy in Iraq is the Iraqi nation. Why are you
accusing the Islamic Republic? They come with their idle talk, saying: We are
concerned about Iran's influence in Iraq. Well, we are concerned about your
presence in Iraq.
What right have America and Britain to have their military forces in Iraq?
What right have they to appoint military governors in Iraqi cities? The false
claims made about democracy and support for human rights - and the Americans
claim to be the standard-bearers of these - were proven by the arenas in Iraq
and Afghanistan. It is evident that they are lying. They do not believe in the
people, the nations, the rights of people. The only thing they believe in is to
fill the purses and the pockets of companies that are effective behind the scene
of government.
Those oil companies, those arms industries, those huge monetary and financial
organizations that are really administering the American government and other
governments, behind the scenes. The only thing they care about is to fill the
purses of these companies. They do not believe in anything else.
America's threat is not today's, it is nothing new. From the beginning of the
revolution, they have threatened us. The enmity of the front of America and its
allies against the Islamic Republic's system is nothing new. They know
themselves that a military attack on Iran, on this great nation, on this nation
that has this many young, combatant, lively and ready people - a military attack
on such a nation is suicide for the aggressor.
The Iranian nation knows, perhaps the enemies of the Iranian nation should
also know: The country's officials, the officials of the Islamic Republic will
not take the country into the abyss of war with anyone. We will not expose our
nation and country to war. We do not welcome war. But both the nation and the
officials and the government and every single individual in this country who
possesses honor and courage - while not going towards war - if anyone chooses
war with them, they will deal with them very powerfully and severely.
Of course they know that war with Iran would be very costly. They know that
war with Iran is not a war against a regime or against a military government or
a government that has come to power through a coup d' etat. War with Iran would
be a war against a nation. They know this and so, they themselves do not welcome
war but, by mentioning war and the threat of war, they want to frighten the
people and in the first instance, the officials. They want to force the latter
to surrender to them, secure their interests and commit treason against their
own nation. They should know that among the country's officials, in the three
branches of power, no-one could have the slightest motive and wish to surrender
the nation of Iran and the interests of this nation to the enemy. And should
anyone move towards surrendering Iran's national interests and nation to the
enemy, the people would unsympathetically push them aside.
The country's officials are united in their words over defending the rights
of this nation and safeguarding the independence of this country. Everyone
should know this and of course, the people know this. The enemy's propaganda
machine which, unfortunately, finds certain branches inside the country
sometimes, want to promote the idea that there are disputes and differences
among the officials and in this way, they want to give themselves and their
friends grounds for hope that this difference would make them neglect the enemy.
Let me tell you, the nation, the country's officials in the three branches of
power, share the same thoughts, stance and promises in their confrontation with
Islam's enemies and in their defense of the fundamentals of Islam.
Enemies of Islam will carry with them to the grave the idea of finding some
effective people within the Islamic system who are ready to fight against the
Imam's principles and the clear path of the revolution. Three or four years ago
at gathering on the occasion of 14 Khordad [4 June] here, I said that the enemy
is bent to infiltrate foreign elements into the state structure. The enemy might
be able, or has been able, to infiltrate elements into government organizations.
Or the enemy might be able to lure some weak and feeble elements towards it. But,
this will be of no use to the enemy because the principles of the Imam and the
revolution and the strong foundation of the revolution are accepted by officials,
the three branches of power and all administrators of this country, and the
people are solidly behind them. Anyone who deviates from this path has paved the
way for his own downfall.
We are thankful to God for keeping alive the name and the memory of Imam
among our people. With the passing of every day, the value of our exalted Imam's
principles for the protection of this country's prestige and honor becomes
clearer to vigilant and alert people. We thank God that the officials of the
country are devotees of the Imam and followers of his line. We thank God that
our nation is an alert nation.
Of course, I have told all officials on many occasions, and today I repeat it
in this public gathering: the best way to confront America is to serve the
people. Anyone who wishes to seriously fight against America must serve these
people. Anyone who wishes to effectively and practically fight enemies of this
nation must fight against corruption. The tools of enemies inside our country
and in our system are corruption, discrimination and class differences. We must
fight against them. This is the duty of the government, the Majlis, the
Judiciary and all institutions of the country. They must serve the people and
they should not tolerate corrupt people. They should neither accept nor tolerate
the existence of corruption in any government organization.
This is the biggest service. On the long road before us, we must correct any
deviation that we may come across. We must correct ourselves. We must correct
our plans in keeping with solid principles of the revolution that the exalted
Imam drew from Islam and taught our nation. This is the real reform. The real
reform means fight against poverty and discrimination. Justice-seeking must be
an aim of all officials. Serving the people must be a duty and religious
feelings should be deeply imbedded in all officials. This is the true path of
the Imam. . .
