IRIB 30.1.2004 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei on January 30 in a message on the occasion of the
glorious Haj ceremonies laid emphasis on Islamic justice- seeking saying
the Islamic world’s awareness is the origin of a big development at
world level.
He said the Islamic world today after a long period of lethargy has
once again found itself and the Islamic political theory has reached its
deserved high status. The leader’s stress on Islamic awareness is a
reality that many world thinkers and theorists are focusing on today.
Experts believe Islam has for years been dominated politically and
culturally by foreigners and has lagged behind its own modern political
ideas.
Read the complete
Meassage
Supreme Leader Felicitates Freedom of Lebanese
Combatants
TEHRAN Jan. 30 (Mehr News Agency) - In a letter addressed to
Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, the Supreme Leader of the
Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Friday felicitated
him on the occasion of the freedom of hundreds of Lebanese combatants,
emphasizing, "This was another test, proving to the Muslim Ummah
the vulnerability of the villainous Zionist regime in the face of the
resolute wills and the firm faiths of the 'Mujahedin' who champion the
cause of Allah." Following is his complete message:
Dear Hojattoleslam Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah I congratulate you and all
valorous Hezbollah combatants, the families of those noble souls and the
Palestinian and Lebanese nations, on the brave victory of Hezbollah in
obtaining freedom of hundreds of courageous sons of Islam from the
prisons of the tyrannical occupying Zionist Regime."
My greetings to all those brethren who suffered long but never
capitulated to the enemy's pressure.
This was another great test, which proved to the world the
vulnerability of the villainous Zionist regime in the face of the firm
will and the strong faith of the Mujahedin who champion the cause of
Allah and which helps foster the will of the youth who place their
ultimate trust in Allah in the arena of warring evil.
I entreat the Almighty Allah to grant victory to the valiant people
of Lebanon and Palestine and implore Him for the freedom of other
incarcerated combatants of Hezbollah. I wish you all dignity and
longevity.
Seyyed Ali Khamenei January 29, 2004
Current Issues in Iran Moving on Legal Course:
Leader
TEHRAN Jan. 26 (Mehr News Agency) -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met with the Austrian President
Thomas Klestil here Monday. During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei
expressed hope that Klestil's trip to Iran would help deepen
Tehran-Vienna ties day by day through a suitable planning.
The Supreme Leader lauded Austria's independent stances on various
international issues and praised the Austrian government for its
favorable manner toward Muslims. Referring to the history of the
positive bilateral ties between Iran and Austria, Ayatollah Khamenei
added that Austria's sympathy toward the quake-stricken people of Bam
highly influenced the Iranian nation and officials. He described the
attempt for the dialogue among different religious followers as another
common point in Iran-Austria relations. Highlighting the international
need for religious dialogue, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the issue
would largely help nations to reach mutual understanding. He added that
religious dialogue would relate nations more closely, saying that the
Islamic Republic of Iran believes the continuation of religious
dialogues is very useful and logical.
The Supreme Leader described Austria as the center for exchanges of
opinions among various religious followers, adding that the movements in
some European countries against Hijab run counter to this issue.
Asked by Klestil what relationship exists between religion, "policy,
and democracy", Ayatollah Khamenei said that in Islam there is no
conflict between regarding Islamic and spiritual values and people's
will in determining the government. "The Islamic Republic of Iran
has succeeded to display a new experience to the international community
by preserving people's participation in political and social spheres
besides sustaining spiritual values," he said.
Referring to the various free elections held in Iran since the
Islamic Revolution, the Leader stressed that the Shah's dictatorship in
Iran, which was supported by the U.S. and England, never allowed the
Iranian nation to truly participate in elections. "However, Iran
has held 23 popular and free elections since the inception of the
Islamic Revolution 25 years ago," he said.
The U.S. and British administrations who now talk of human rights and
democracy supported the despotic regime of the deposed Shah for decades.
Therefore, the Iranian nation has the legitimate right to avoid
believing such slogans by these two governments.
Pointing to the U.S. and Zionist propaganda against Iran, the Leader
added that the main reasons behind the heinous propaganda are that the
Iranian nation and government are not liable to capitulate to U.S.
domination.
Calling real democracy in Iran as an undeniable fact, the Leader said
the realities should be taken into considerations in evaluating Iran.
The real point is that the leader, president, the representatives of the
parliament are all elected by people and that Iran boasts of this new
form which is a combination of republicanism and Islam, the Leader
underlined.
Usually, the Zionist-run media aggrandize the current issues of the
anti-U.S. countries, the leader said, adding that current issues in Iran
are moving on its legal course.
He said there are different interpretations of a law in different
countries and that this is not something unusual, but those centers,
which exaggerate such issues are seeking certain aims and Iran is quite
aware of such ill intent.
The Iranian nation has been tackling with real problems such as war (the
Iraqi imposed war against Iran) and none of these problems could have
forced the nation and the elite to retreat in the face of enemies, the
Ayatollah pointed out. The U.S. is a center for producing and exporting
'evil, violence, and hatred' across the world, underlined the leader,
noting that due to its illogical policies and actions, the U.S. has
faced many different crises especially in Iraq and Afghanistan and these
crises will not end.
In the meeting attended by President Mohammad Khatami, Austrian
president expressed his great joy for meeting the leader of the Islamic
Revolution and called his visit here one of his most useful foreign
trips. Klestil said the biggest ever Austrian trade delegation is
accompanying him and this shows the great significance Vienna attaches
to its ties with Iran. Klestil described his talks with Khatami as very
constructive, saying the Tehran-Vienna ties have entered a new phase
because of this visit and this is also very important for the European
Union. Unlike the U.S., which has branded Iran as an axis of evil,
Austria considers Iran as a center of peace and friendship.
Supreme Leader stresses serious attention to
people of Bam
Tehran, Jan 26, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Monday stressed serious attention to
the daily needs of quake-stricken people of Bam. A killer quake with a
magnitude of 6.3 on the open-ended Richter scale hit the city of Bam in
the southeastern province of Kerman, killing over 30,000 people and
injuring several thousands of others. Head of the Housing Foundation
Mohammad Saeidi Kia, Head of Iran`s Red Crescent Society (IRCS)
Ahmad-Ali Nourbala and Governor General of Kerman province Mohammad-Ali
Karimi, in separate meetings with the Supreme Leader outlined efforts to
help quake-stricken people of Bam and measures to reconstruct the city.
Ayatollah Khamenei gave guidelines on reconstruction of the
quake-ravaged city. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution paid an
unexpected visit to Bam on January 16. It was his second visit to the
city.
Supreme Leader: Sound Justice system makes
community safer
Tehran, Jan 21, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said here Wednesday that sound justice
system is a criterion for the health of the community and called for
putting into force necessary measures to reform the body. In a meeting
with Judicial officials, the Supreme Leader said that if for whatever
reason, the justice system becomes unsafe and the Judiciary fails to
accurately administer justice, the community will collapse. Elaborating
on reforming the justice system, the Supreme Leader pointed to the need
for acceptable standard of knowledge of the judges about civil law,
piety of judges and their bravery in dealing with big shots involved in
financial corruption. "Those criticizing the Judiciary are two
different groups: the first group includes those who are against
administration of justice and the second compriss the extremists who
magnify the issues with an aim of creating an atmosphere in which the
judge is forced to issue a heavy verdict. The Judiciary should stand
against the two groups," the Supreme Leader said. "Any
pressure on the Judiciary will lead to violation of justice and those
standing against law are preparing the ground for dictatorship.
Violation of law leads to chaos and a chaotic situation makes the people
accept dictatorship," the Supreme Leader said. The Supreme Leader
appreciated services of the Judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi
Shahroudi and the justice system and called on them to strictly respect
the legal code in giving verdicts. "The Islamic mercy and logics
should also be taken into account in giving verdict while respecting the
spirit of law in all dimensions of a lawsuit," he said. "The
people expect the Judiciary to examine the cases as soon as possible.
The Judiciary should win the people`s trust and help them handle their
legal cases more easily and enjoy justice," the Supreme Leader said.
Khatami meets Supreme Leader
03:13:34 Tehran, Jan 19 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Monday received President Mohammad
Khatami on the threshold of the latter's departure for Switzerland.
During the meeting, Khatami outlined schedule of his visit to
Switzerland and the Supreme Leader wished him success.
President Mohammad Khatami is to leave for Switzerland Monday to
attend the world economic forum (WEF) to be held in Davos on January
21-25.
The President is expected to hold a number of visits with senior
European officials on the sideline of the forum.mr/kd
Ayatollah Khamenei Orders Guardian Council to
Revise Blacklist
Ettela'at (Afternoon Persian Daily) Sunday, January 18, 2004, No
22973 Page: 7 Word Count: 965
Summary: In an attempt to defuse a brewing row in the society, the
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the top oversight body the
Guardian Council to reexamine the election bans. In a meeting with
members of GC, Ayatollah Khamenei said that massive turnout in the
elections has fended off any threat to the Islamic establishment.
1,062 hopefuls out of 2,050 aspiring candidates in Tehran have been
disqualified. Some 8,200 prospective candidates registered last month to
run in the Feb. 20 elections for 290 legislative seats. GC is a
senate-like body that vets all Majlis legislation to see if it complies
with Islamic law and the constitution.
The following is the full text of Ayatollah Khamenei's speech:
Text:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
I am happy to meet my brethren at the Guardian Council. We have not
convened for a period of time although I personally met some members. I
also appreciate my brethren who have undertaken ceaseless efforts to vet
the candidates running for legislative elections. I pray to God for
relentless efforts.
The elections is very important for our country. It has managed to
strip our enemies of any pretext to disparage the Islamic Republic. The
enemies could have enjoyed more freedom of action had the country not
relied on Islamic principles. Any fulfillment of duty for the voting
process is appreciable before God. The personnel of the Interior
Ministry and the Guardian Council may have become tired but they will
lean toward the divine benediction and pursue their task.
However, the Interior Ministry, central supervisory authority and the
surveillance commissions have been routinely at loggerheads. I have
always advised them to rely on the law to avoid any chaos and strip the
malevolent of any excuse for denigration.
I have already talked with Mr. Jannati and some other friends
regarding the screening process. The Guardian Council and the Interior
Ministry should both abide by the law and vet the candidates for
qualifications. You serve as supervisors at a crossing point linking the
nominees to the Majlis. The aspiring candidates have to satisfy certain
requirements like allegiance to Islam and the Constitution. The Majlis
hopefuls may need not meet so many conditions required for the supreme
leader or president. They are required to meet the least conditions. For
example, somebody may utter something incorrect out of excitement but it
does not imply his lack of allegiance to Islam and the law of land.
Upstarts may talk about Islam and the Islamic government at a reunion.
Their discussions are acceptable for their friendly gathering even if
they criticize the supreme leader or the Islamic government. We cannot
disqualify them because of their friendly reunion. Anyhow, certain
conditions should be met but the vetting process should not be too
strict. Sometimes we may misinterpret what somebody says. Someone may
have said something and we construe what he has mentioned. But when you
ask him he says he meant something else. In some cases, two or three
witnesses are enough to testify for qualification of a subject.
Of course, as Mr. Jannati said the law has logical aspects. The
Guardian Council has enough time to reexamine qualification of the
candidates. It is a good opportunity. We should not insist on our wrong
misinterpretations and we should retract our mistakes whenever we
understand our errors.
Thank God, the Guardian Council comprises valuable, well-known and
trustful jurists and clerics. You have enough time to review the
blacklist and win the people's trust. Of course, I urge you not to bow
down to pressures but you should be careful not to deny any candidate
his/her rights. You should scrutinize the qualifications and make a
decision. We should always gain a strong foothold and insist on our
positions.
The people are willing to participate in the elections and they will
do so. Vetting process is not special to Iran and it is routine
throughout the world. Qualifications require probe specially for someone
who is supposed to assume key posts. It is not special for the Islamic
Consultative Assembly. Suppose that someone is introduced to the Majlis
for a specific post. The lawmakers will not approve him out of the blue.
They will examine his qualifications to see if he has any weak point.
Then they can approve or reject him. The same goes for parliamentary
elections. It is a routine task highlighted in the Constitution and the
people endorse it. We feel obliged to fulfill our legal tasks and deny
nobody his/her rights. A university professor had written a letter to
Mr. Jannati saying he was disqualified and enumerated his qualifications.
We do not care for such individuals. The important thing for me is
denial of rights. Now you have enough time and you can review the
dossiers.
As for the Majlis hopefuls, I sent a message to Mr. Jannati. If you
find any fault with the hopefuls you can weed them out but you should
take them as granted unless the contrary is proven. So long as the
contrary is not proven, you should not disqualify them. The candidates
who had been disqualified in previous terms are not acceptable at all
but the incumbent lawmakers are considered qualified unless the contrary
is proven.
It is easy task and you hit no snags. You should abide by the law and
go through legal channels. You will enjoy more blessing when you work
further. We have to battle for protection of the Islamic establishment
and safeguarding our country. We have to tolerate the hardships.
Hopefully you will tolerate the difficulties and you will be awarded.
Va-Salaam Alaikom va Rahmatollah va Barakatoh
05:00:41 Bam, Jan 16 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei who paid a surprise visit to quake-stricken
city of Bam on Friday conferred with the local people on their life
conditions and the hardships facing them.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that he would call on the officials to
accelerate the reconstruction of the temblor-shattered Silk Road city.
The grief-stricken people of Bam said the visit by the leader brought
joy and hope to their hearts.
Mohammad Ranjbar, a survivor who has lost his eight-member family in
the quake said reporter that the Leader's remarks to him calmed him.
Maryam Shoja-Heidari, 40, said the officials in the country should
follow the conduct of the Supreme Leader.
Commenting on her own condition, she said from a family of 20 members
only her brother survived the quake.
Ayatollah Khamenei arrived in Bam Friday to inspect relief operations
underway for the inhabitants of the city as he was accompanied by
several senior officials.
He visited different parts of the city to see the process of relief
aid distribution and temporary settlement of people.
The Supreme Leader is expected to give guidelines for reconstruction
of the city and inauguration of housing projects for the people
currently living in temporary shelter.
Leader Stresses Need to Observe Law in All
Stages of Electoral Process
TEHRAN, Jan.14 (Mehr News Agency) - Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the
people's participation in elections has forced the enemies to back down
from their animosity toward the Islamic Republic.
In a meeting with members of the Guardian Council, the Supreme Leader
said that the law should be observed in all stages of elections, adding
that all these procedures have been taken into account by the law but
some people seek to resort to illegal and complicated procedures instead
of legal and simple approaches.
Noting that the Interior Ministry and Guardian Council are tasked
with vetting parliamentary candidates, the Leader said the degree of
qualification should be defined because qualifications vary from job to
job; therefore the qualifications required for a parliament candidate
should be taken into consideration.
He said that categorically certifying a candidate's qualifications is
not possible but an acceptable and wise judgment is sufficient and
achievable through studying the facts. He added that a candidate's
negative and positive characteristics should also be taken into
consideration.
The Leader called the GC a very important institution whose members
are well-known and trusted figures with good records, saying that the
Constitution stipulates the various stages of the vetting process and
now the GC has a good opportunity to review qualifications carefully and
legally.
Stressing that any investigation by the GC should be carried out
carefully and with certainty so that no one's rights are trampled upon,
the ayatollah said that the GC should not back down from its position
despite bullying by some people.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that if the qualifications of incumbent MPs
were approved in the last parliamentary elections they should be
approved this time, too, unless the opposite is proven.
However, he said, this procedure cannot be used in the case of those
candidates whose eligibility was rejected in the previous elections,
saying such candidates' qualifications should be verified.
Leader Stresses Need to Adopt Wise and Islamic
Outlook Toward Culture
TEHRAN, Jan. 13 (Mehr News Agency) --Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei described the Supreme Council
of the Cultural Revolution (SCCR) as the central headquarters of culture
in the country.
In a meeting with members of the council, the Leader pointed to the
inestimable importance of culture and said the grounds for cultural and
ethical development could be established in society through the
identification of realities, proper planning, meticulous management,
careful supervision, and avoiding extremism.
Expressing his appreciation of the recent scientific, research, and
cultural advancements and the activities of the SCCR, he said there are
two extremist approaches toward culture: some consider culture to be
something which cannot be managed and believe that it should be allowed
to take its own course, while others believe that it should be tightly
controlled and believe that special models should be formulated for
public culture and personal ethics.
He said that these two approaches are extreme and dangerous, adding
that people should adopt a wise and Islamic outlook toward culture.
The Leader said the system is indebted to the people in terms of
spirituality and virtue and in order to repay this debt proper and
precise planning should be used to enhance public culture.
He said an open atmosphere would prepare the ground for the true
evolution of human beings, adding that the Islamic system actually
believes in freedom and believes that individual and social growth is
possible in an open environment.
However, the Leader said, people must be vigilant to ensure that
deviations and so-called cultural inroads do not deprive society of true
freedom.
On the attempts of world powers to impose particular cultures on
human beings, he noted that those who talk about liberalism in the world
employ the most sophisticated and subtle cultural tools in order to
invade nations' cultures and this is something which should not be
forgotten.
Expressing his pleasure with the steady efforts by scholars,
researchers, and students to advance science and develop innovations, he
stated that the proper grounds should be created in society for
nurturing the youths' natural abilities so that the attractive slogan of
advancing science takes root in the country.
Noting that paying particular attention to talented people is a must,
Ayatollah Khamenei said a particular body could be tasked with handling
the affairs and problems of such talented people so that highly talented
students could begin constructive activities for the advancement of
science in the country.
Tehran, Jan 12 IRIB - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Sunday evening underlined the need for
speedy reconstruction of the quake-hit city of Bam.
In a meeting with President Mohammad Khatami and cabinet ministers,
the Supreme Leader also called for acceleration of temporary settlement
of the survivors of the killer quake in suitable camping and stressed on
correct and fair distribution of humanitarian supplies among the
quake-stricken people.
Ayatollah Khamenei also called on provincial officials to inform
people of the way of distributing goods among the remaining residents of
Bam and its surrounding villages.
He further appreciated great efforts made by the President, ministers
and all local officials in meeting the basic needs of the survivors of
the devastating quake.
Referring to the vast damage inflicted by the Bam quake, the Supreme
Leader underscored the need for paying adequate attention to mental and
psychological conditions of the people in the quake-hit areas.
Meanwhile, Ayatollah Khamenei called on the President and ministers
to pay occasional visits to the quake-devastated regions in order to
reduce pains of the people suffering from consequences of the quake.
The Supreme Leader also urged the judiciary to seriously confront
with the wicked and mischievous people trying to take advantage from the
critical situation in the region.
Underlining the need for fortification of buildings in all parts of
the country, particularly in Bam, Ayatollah Khamenei called for
formation of an organization under the supervision of the first vice
president to plan priorities for different kinds of natural disasters
including earthquake.
During the meeting, President Khatami briefed the Supreme Leader on
measures taken in the quake-stricken region since the first hours that
the killer quake devastated the area.
He praised massive participation of the Iranian nation in providing
relief aid to the victims of the quake.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari also outlined
the situation of the quake-hit areas and the amount of relief supplies
dispatched so far to the region.
Tehran, Jan 12, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Monday recommended the Interior Ministry
officials and the governors general to explore legal channels to resolve
their dispute with the Supervisory Board. The governors general
expressed their grievances about the performance of the Supervisory
Board and told the Leader that the law has not been respected in
disqualifying the incumbent members of parliament. The Supreme Leader
appreciated the services of the governors general and said that the
progressive movement is underway in the provinces thanks to blessings of
the Almighty and the services of the governors general. He said that the
governors general are representatives of the governing system in the
provinces adding they are expected to consider the needs of the entire
country in addition to insistence on meeting the needs of their own
provinces. "The way to achieve the goals of the Iranian nation and
that of the nation is difficult but possible. It calls for strong
incentive and innate capability and the faith of the nation in Islam and
their support for the ruling system," he said. The Supreme Leader
said that capability of every official belongs to the Islamic Republic
and all the officials are expected to mobilize their capability to
advance the goal of the Islamic Republic. On the danger the quake-prone
areas are exposed to, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the buildings in the
quake-prone areas should be strengthened to stem the human loss in the
event of a disaster. The Supreme Leader advised the governors general to
explore legal channels to resolve their dispute with the Supervisory
Board. "I hope the problem will be resolved through legal channels.
Of course, if the legal process failed to resolve the problem requiring
the leader's intervention, I'll do my job." The Supreme Leader
advised those who think their rights have been violated by the
Supervisory Board to observe calm and avoid tension to give the legal
channels envisaged in election law the opportunity to examine the
complaints. Ayatollah Khamenei advised the governors general to restore
law and order in the provinces to guarantee a healthy election on
February 20. Interior Minister Abdolvahed Mousavi Lari said that the
Interior Ministry and the governors general have done what they could to
hold elections in the best manner, but, the Supervisory Board have not
considered the report of the Executive Board in confirming eligibility
of the candidates.
TEHRAN, Jan 11 (Mehr News Agency) Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said here Sunday that
journalism is an important and valuable profession, which becomes more
valuable when sincerity and loyalty are involved.
Addressing a group of martyrs’ families and participants at a
congress on martyred journalists, the Supreme Leader described the
holding of such a congress as crucial both from the viewpoint of
professionalism and the spirit of sacrifice and martyrdom.
The Leader said those involved with people through journalism and
intellectual activities shoulder a great responsibility in creating hope
and strengthening public will.
At the beginning of meeting, the director of the Islamic Republic of
Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Ali Larijani said the congress was held to
commemorate the works of the martyred journalists from the IRIB, the
Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) and the press.
Larijani said that a total of 244 reporters have been martyred, 50
disabled and 12 others were prisoners of war from the IRIB and the
press.
Tehran, Jan 11, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here on Sunday stressed the importance of
news and information dissemination.
Addressing participants in the congress on martyred journalists as
well as a group of martyrs` families, the Supreme Leader paid tribute to
all those who have attained martyrdom since the victory of the 1979
Islamic Revolution in Iran, particularly the martyred journalists.
Those involved in dissemination of news shoulder great
responsibilities regarding creation of hope and strengthening public
determination in the society, the Supreme Leader reiterated. Prior to
Ayatollah Khamenei`s speech, Managing Director of the Islamic Republic
of Iran`s Broadcasting (IRIB) Ali Larijani briefed the audience on the
objectives of the congress.
TEHRAN, Jan.9 (Mehr News Agency) — Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here on Friday referred to
people’s extensive and enthusiastic efforts to assist the
quake-stricken people of Bam as a great political movement which held a
message for the enemies of the Iranian nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei was speaking in a meeting held in Qom to
commemorate the anniversary of the city’s historical uprising on
January 9, 1978.
The Supreme Leader mentioned the commotion created by the U.S. and
its attempt to manipulate the issue of the Bam earthquake, adding that
humanitarian assistance has nothing to do with ties between the two
countries.
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say that Iran will never forget
Washington’s obdurate, deep-seated, and fundamental animosity toward
the nation and interests of Iran, despite these measures.
He stated that Iranians are strongly attached to their national and
Islamic identity and abhor all types of bullying, threats, humiliation,
and deceptive gestures.
The Supreme Leader once more thanked the Iranian nation for their
humanitarian, Islamic, and compassionate efforts to assist the
quake-stricken people of Bam.
Through this great action, people showed their trust in the country’s
rescue and relief organizations such as the Basij, the Red Crescent, and
the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee, he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the people’s great show of
solidarity and trust has certainly demonstrated to the Iranian nation’s
friends and enemies in the international community that it is not easy
to harm the Iranian nation and the Islamic system.
The Supreme Leader said that there is no sign that U.S. officials’
animosity toward Iran is decreasing since they brazenly threatened the
nation and the Islamic system at the same time that they were sending
assistance to the quake-stricken city of Bam.
“U.S. officials try to hide their iron fist in a silk glove,” he
said, noting, “We are logical and reasonable and do not act
obstinately.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added that the U.S. should stop its use of threats
and pressure tactics against the Islamic system, its opposition to the
interests of the Iranian nation, its support of the criminal and
expansionist actions of the Zionist regime, its cruel treatment of the
people of Iraq and Afghanistan, and its attempts to dominate Iran’s
economy and natural resources.
The Supreme Leader said that the failure of Iran’s enemies, despite
25 years of animosity and conspiracies against the country, is a sign of
the Iranian nation’s strength.
He called the people of Iran a dignified nation, adding that they
will not surrender to force but welcome all who cooperate with Iran in a
peaceful, logical, and friendly manner.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the
Iranian people should always demonstrate their power, unity, and active
participation in various areas.
He referred to the elections as a significant defensive shield
against the offensive intentions of aggressive and interventionist
forces, adding that the most important issue in this regard is people’s
enthusiastic, healthy, and strong participation in the upcoming
elections.
The Supreme Leader said that elections encourage healthy and
non-confrontational competition, adding that only those who believe in
Islam, the Islamic system, the Constitution, and the ideas of the late
Imam Khomeini would be allowed to run in the upcoming Majlis election.
Ayatollah Khamenei called the Majlis one of the most significant
foundations of the Islamic system.
He stated that if the parliament were made up of pious, capable, and
knowledgeable people who strive to eradicate poverty and fight against
economic corruption, many problems of society could be solved.
The Supreme Leader called on all electoral institutions, such as the
Interior Ministry and the Guardian Council, to meticulously observe and
implement the law in the upcoming elections.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the electoral institutions play the role
of a referee, adding that if a referee took the side of one of the teams
during a game, then he would be the true loser even if the team he
favored won.
He stated that disqualifying competent candidates and approving inept
candidates are both against the law, adding that electoral institutions
should be vigilant in order to avoid making such mistakes.
“In this way, people can freely elect the more competent candidate
during the elections and establish an accredited, honorable, and useful
parliament for the country,” he added.
Referring to the devastating earthquake in Bam, the Supreme Leader
said that the disastrous incident serves as a lesson, adding that the
survivors should put their faith in God, who will grant them a heavenly
reward.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said that some natural disasters and their
consequences are caused by the actions of people.
He added that those involved in the fields of construction and real
estate as well as supervisory organizations should responsibly prevent
the occurrence of such incidents by using scientific methods and taking
precautionary measures in construction projects.
The Supreme Leader also asked relevant officials to seriously
scrutinize housing construction projects.
“Given that Iran is a quake-prone country, officials and relevant
organizations should not allow certain people to put the lives of the
people in danger because of their negligence,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei also thanked all the organizations and
institutions that assisted the quake-stricken people of Bam and stressed
the necessity to pay more attention to the issue of providing additional
assistance to Bam.
He added that the officials should fulfill the needs of the
grief-stricken people of Bam.
The Leader said that any kind of negligence on the part of relevant
officials is not acceptable, adding that the people of Bam should not
have to experience another tragedy caused by injustice.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the January
9, 1978 uprising as a turning point in the history of the Islamic
movement and the Islamic Revolution.
The Leader highlighted the effective role of the people of Qom and
the city’s seminary in the historic movement, adding that today the
people and the seminary of Qom are still treading the straight path of
the Islamic Revolution.
“Qom will remain the Islamic Revolution’s foundation, as it was
before,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that over the past 25 years, the enemies
have concentrated all their strength in efforts to turn the Iranian
people away from the right path of the Islamic Revolution.
“But their hopes remained unfulfilled,” he said.
The Supreme Leader stated that the people’s vigilance, courage,
inner purity, and free will guarantee that they will continue on the
path of the Islamic Revolution.
He also said that the Qom Seminary and the country’s scholars,
religious leaders, and young religious students play a significant role
in this regard.
Tehran, Jan 8 (IRIB) - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said here on Thursday that there has been
no sign that American officials have softened enmity with Iran's Islamic
establishment and nation.
"There has been no sign of reduction in enmity of the US
officials against Iran's Islamic establishment and nation because they (Americans)
impudently threaten people and the Islamic establishment, while sending
(relief) aid to the quake-stricken regions," said Ayatollah
Khamenei in an address to a group of people and officials.
Addressing the audience on the anniversary of the historical uprising
of a group of clerics in holy city of Qom against former monarchical
regime, the Supreme Leader insisted that humanitarian relief aid has
nothing to do with relations between the two countries.
Ayatollah Khamenei said with through such measures the Iranian people
would never forget the constant and strong hostility of the arrogant
regime of the US towards them and their national interests.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the US should know that it must stop hatching
plots and exerting different sorts of pressures on the Islamic system,
stop opposing the interests of the Iranian people, cease supporting the
usurper and criminal regime of Israel, halt doing injustice against the
Iraqi and Afghan nations and discontinue blocking the financial and
vital assets of Iran.
The Iranian nation, said Ayatollah Khamenei, is a distinguished
nation that would not bow to any bullying. The Iranian nation will
instead welcome those who deal with it peacefully and friendly, added
the Supreme Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iranian nation for rushing assistance
to their quake-stricken compatriots in southeastern city of Bam, saying
the "great political move" carried a message to the
ill-wishers of the Iranian nation. The Iranian nation is highly
interested in its national and Islamic identity, while strongly hating
any bullying, threat, humiliation and false gestures, added the Supreme
Leader.
The great show of solidarity and trust would definitely make
international analysts and enemies of the Iranian nation come to the
point that it will not be so easy to harm Iran and its nation and
system, Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei advised the survivors of
the quake disaster to lay their trust in God Almighty and be patient.
The Supreme Leader also instructed officials in charge to adopt
measures to make buildings resistant to quake, considering the fact that
Iran is situated in a quake-prone region.
He said no mistake and blunder in that regard would be forgiven.
Switching to 7th Majlis elections, slated for February 20, Ayatollah
Khamenei called on the Iranian people at large to have a high turnout in
the decisive event.
TEHRAN (IRNA - Tehran Times January 6, 2004) - Supreme Leader of the
Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Monday that
religious minorities in Iran enjoy constitutional rights and are living
in equity with their fellow compatriots.
In a meeting with religious leaders of Iranian Christians, Jews and
Zoroastrians, the Supreme Leader thanked Iranian followers of the Jesus
Christ (Peace Be Upon Him) for their sympathy with victims of Bam quake.
The Supreme Leader said that the Armenian and Assyrian youth have set
a record of sacrifice during the eight-year Iraqi-imposed war
(1980-1988).
In the meantime, the Supreme Leader felicitated Iranian Christians on
the auspicious birthday anniversary of Jesus Christ (PBUH).
Majority of Iranian Christians regard January 6 as the prophet's
birthday.
Prior to the Supreme Leader's remarks, Representative of the
Armenians to the Parliament Davidian expressed condolence to the Supreme
Leader on the Bam tragedy.
Meanwhile, Davidian expressed gratitude over equity of blood-money of
Christians with their fellow Muslim compatriots.
Archbishop Ramsy Gremo of Catholic Church of Assyrians and Chaldeans
and Archbishop Sarkisyan of Tehran Church thanked the Supreme Leader for
the equal rights of Muslims with followers of Jesus Christ (PBUH) in the
Islamic Republic of Iran.
Leader meets farmers, officials
Tehran, Jan 4 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei here on Sunday stressed the decisive role of
agriculture in line with food security as one of the focal axes of
development.
Speaking at a gathering of farmers and officials from the Ministry of
Agricultural Jihad, the Leader felicitated Imam Reza's (AS) auspicious
birth anniversary and once more regretted the grievous catastrophic
earthquake in Bam.
Turning to the tendency towards Jihad as one of the achievements of
the Islamic revolution and its role on various occasions during the
revolution, he added that the actual development of agriculture and
cattle breeding in the country is associated with the consistence and
promotion of Jihad.
Reiterating that focus on industries should not result in ignoring
agricultural sector, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that Iran has plenty of
fertile lands and plains and that despite the shortage of water,
self-sufficiency can be achieved in raising a lot of products through
know-how, persistence and proper use of water resources.
"Agricultural products should be subject to a stable policy and
the problems faced by producers should be taken into consideration to
make agricultural production economical and profitable."
"Given that agriculture is a sacred undertaking, the authorities
of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad should approach their tasks as a
sacred pursuance," he added.
Pointing to the wide participation of people in providing the victims
of the deadly earthquake in Bam, he added that the recent public
presence and their enthusiasm to assist the surviving victims has to do
with the tendency of the Iranian nation towards Jihad, which is
equivalent to the mobilization during the sacred defense period.
Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that given the need for continuous
Jihad by the community in various sectors, it doesn't contradict
scientific pursuances and the administrative system.
"The current scientific progress in the country is indebted to
the attempts of revolutionary youth inclined towards Jihad," he
added.
Denouncing any conflict between idealism and realism, the Supreme
Leader termed overlooking idealism in view of realism as negligence.
"Idealism accounts for realities in a community, given that a
system with elevated ideals and objectives would manage to materialize
its ideals through endeavor and persistence.
This is the major law in life," concluded the Supreme Leader.
