Tehran, May 27 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei here Thursday said Majlis (parliament) is the real
field for serving people stressing that Majlis deputies are shouldering
heavy responsibilities.
In a message to the first session of the 7th Majlis, the Supreme
Leader reiterated that making efforts in the way of the country's
independence and glory, refraining from creating factional challenges,
following up serious and real demands of people, loving the Islamic
Republic system and its values and principles as well as establishment
of appropriate and logical relations with other branches of the
government are among duties of Majlis which should be paid due attention
to by all MPs at the 7th Majlis.
Expressing his satisfaction with the start of the 7th term of Majlis,
Ayatollah Khamenei lauded great efforts made by those in charge of the
elections at the Interior Ministry and the Guardian Council. In his
message, the Supreme Leader also thanked deputies who served in the 6th
term of the Majlis.
Underlining the need for cooperation among different branches of
government, the message stressed that mutual cooperation between the
legislative and the executive branches can pave the way for country's
progress and development.
The Supreme Leader, in his message, further called for meeting
people's real demands such as occupation and urged the MPs to make
efforts in line with uprooting financial corruption, eradication of
poverty, harnessing inflation and high prices, and promotion of culture
and moral values in the society.
The message also underlined the need to settle justice in all aspects
of the Iranian society and materialization of progress and development
in the country.
Stressing friendly relations with people, the Supreme Leader urged
the MPs to refrain from luxurious life and extravagant attitudes.
Emphasizing on national solidarity among the people, the message
called on deputies at the 7th Majlis to refrain from any act or saying
that may result in tension. Any tension may damage national solidarity
and may lead to influence of enemies, it further reiterated.
Pointing to the sensitivity of the country and the region, the
Supreme Leader said the presence of US and British aggressive forces in
the neighboring Iraq and their sacrilege on the Muslim holy sites in
that country have created a tense situation in the entire region.
The Supreme Leader's message said the MPs shoulder great
responsibility regarding the regional situation. Their words and their
deeds should be in a way to promote the country's national unity and
solidarity.
Ayatollah Khamenei's message was read by the head of the Supreme
Leader's office, Hojatoleslam Gholam-Hossein Mohammadi Golpayegani.
The 7th Majlis started its work this morning with a message of
Supreme Leader and then the elected MPs took the oath of allegiance as
the text of oath was read by the age-wise speaker of the Majlis,
Mohammad-Ali Sheikh.
Supreme leader announces Friday public mourning
day for world Muslims
Tehran, May 26, IRNA -- The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei issued a communique here on Wednesday,
condemning insulting sacred sites in Iraq, and announcing Friday May
28th a public mourning day for the world Muslims.
The leader in the message, addressed to "The brave nation of
Iraq, and the great Islamic Ummah" has condemned the attacks by the
US-led occupiers of Iraq to Holy Sahleh Mosque, and the holy Shrine of
Imam Ali (PBUH), in which dozens of innocent Muslims were martyred.
The full text of the supreme leader`s message is as follows:
Brave Iraqi nation; Great Islamic Ummah!
The sanctity of the Holy Sahleh Mosque and the Holy Shrine of the
Emir of the Pious, Imam Ali (PBUH) were once again ignored during the
past few days, as the occupiers attacked them again. During those two
incidents alone dozens of people were martyred by American military
forces, and the hands of the aggressors got soaked furthermore in the
blood of oppressed Iraqi nation.
It is felt that a malignant policy making is insistingly pursuing the
objective of turning the holy sites of Najaf and Karbala into the scene
of clashes, and thus, ignore and insult their sanctity. The alertness of
the pious youth should negate that policy. The American rulers assume,
out of stupidity, that an iron-fist policy, and the ruthless suppression
of the Iraqis should lead to taming that nation, and to urging the
Iraqis to yield to the US hegemony, so that the doors toward endless
treasure of Iraq`s material assets would be opened to the Americans.
Such misunderstanding, and such wrongdoing, takes roots in the arrogant
pride that would eventually overthrow this armed-to-tooth superpower
that is deprived of wisdom and farsightedness. The Americans had better
believe that up to the present day they have face defeat in Iraq, and
furthermore, that time is against them there.
The image they had in mind from Iraq after the Ba`th Party, was a
tamed, impotent, and horrified nation on a land rich with discovered and
undiscovered resources of wealth. That image, too, was the result of the
same arrogance that has deprived the eyes of that superpower from far
enough a vision to distinguish between hallucinations and the truth.
The American rulers had better know that by insulting the sanctity of
the holy sites of Iraq, committing cruelties, such as what they did in
Abu Ghraib, massacring the Iraqi nation, sexually assaulting their pious
women, and bombardment of their cities and residential houses, they have
sown so much seeds of hatred and enmity in Iraqi nation`s hearts that
they would not be able to feel secure there for lengthy periods of time,
yet to come.
The level of the world Muslims` hatred and of being disgusted,
particularly that of the Shi`as in other countries, too, is no less than
that of the Iraqi nation. The US suppression policy in Iraq is another
version on the wretched Zionists` policies in Palestine, and they are
none the harbinger of any horizon for victory for either. The more
severe their brutality and their harsh policies, the more devastating
will be their downfall.
Today, the Muslim nations and Islamic governments are obliged to
voice their objection toward such unjust oppressor policies, and it
would also be fit for the Islamic governments to think deeply and
realize that the hardships tolerated by Iraqi nation are in fact the
hardships of the Islamic world, and a threat against the Islamic Ummah
today.
I console the Twelfth Imam (May Allah Hasten His Reappearance) on the
occasion, and announce Friday as a public mourning day nationwide.
Seyed Ali Khamenei Khordad 6th, 1383 (May 26, 2004)
Tehran, May 24 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyed Ali Khamenei has granted pardon or commuted the sentences of 296
military prisoners, it was announced Monday.
The Supreme Leader issued the decree on the occasion of the
anniversary of the liberation of the southwestern port city of
Khorramshahr from Iraqi occupation on May 23, 1982.
The pardon was made at the request of Judiciary Chief Ayatollah
Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi.
Imam Khomeini's Political Ideology Should Be
Conveyed to Future Generations: Leader
TEHRAN, May 19 (MNA) -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Imam Khomeini's
political thoughts should be conveyed to future generations.
In a meeting with Mohammad Ali Ansari, the director of the
headquarters responsible for organizing the ceremonies commemorating the
death anniversary of the late Imam Khomeini, the Supreme Leader said
that Imam Khomeini ushered in a new ideology and political school which
should be conveyed to future generations.
"Loving the late Imam Khomeini without understanding his
political thoughts is not acceptable. He explained his thoughts for many
years. He suffered many hardships for his political thoughts during his
life," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
He noted that extensive efforts have been made to cast Imam
Khomeini's political ideology in a bad light by describing it as
reactionary and inconsistent with the requirements of modern times.
"Contrary to the propaganda, Imam Khomeini's political ideology
addresses the main needs of humanity because all the suffering of people
stems from the ‘liberal democracy’ the West advocates as an ‘advanced
political school of thought.’"
Citing an example of Western liberal democracy, the Supreme Leader
said that the scandal the U.S. troops have created in Abu Ghraib prison
in Baghdad indicates that such practices are routine in the prisons of
the United States.
"What is going on in Iraq, Palestine, and even in the United
States is a lesson to people, showing them the product of Western
liberal democracy and how the so-called advocates of human rights and
democracy are behaving," Ayatollah Khamenei added.
"The cause of the scandal is liberal democracy’s lack of
morality. Whereas, Imam Khomeini's political ideology respected morality
in addition to democracy and at the same time pinned hope on the
Almighty," the Supreme Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei recalled that the late Imam Khomeini once issued a
statement saying "The United States is also doomed," adding
that Imam Khomeini had made the same prediction about the Soviet Union,
which collapsed after his death.
"The United States has hurt the feelings of Muslims worldwide.
They thought that they would win the game easily, but they are now
experiencing the bitter taste of defeat. With every passing day in Iraq,
the U.S. comes closer to the brink of the precipice.
"It is intolerable to see U.S. occupation troops desecrating the
holy shrines in Iraq. It has provoked the ire of the Muslim world,"
Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Supreme-Leader praises Imam Khomeini`s
political thoughts
Tehran, May 19, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Imam Khomeini`s
political thoughts should be conveyed to next generations. In a meeting
with head of the headquarters in charge of holding ceremonies
commemorating the anniversary of departure of the late Imam Khomeini (June
4), Mohammad Ali Ansari, the Supreme Leader said that Imam Khomeini
ushered in a new thought and political school which should be conveyed
to next generations.
"Loving the late Imam Khomeini without understanding his
political thoughts is not acceptable. He explained his thoughts for many
years. He suffered many hardships for his political thoughts during his
life," the Supreme Leader said.
He said that extensive efforts have been made to misportray Imam
Khomeini`s political thoughts as reactionary and inconsistent with
modern requirements of life.
"Contrary to the propaganda, Imam Khomeini`s political thoughts
correspond with the main needs of humanity, because all the sufferings
of human being stem from `liberal democracy` the west advocates as an `advanced
political school of thought`." Citing example of western liberal
democracy, the Supreme Leader said that the `disgrace` the US troops
have brought in Abu Gharib prison in Baghdad indicated that such
practices are routine in prisons of the United States.
"What is going on in Iraq, Palestine and even in the United
States is a lesson to human being to see the product of western liberal
democracy and that how the so-called advocates of human rights and
democracy are behaving," the Supreme Leader said.
"The reason for the disgrace is that liberal democracy is void
of morality. Whereas, Imam Khomeni`s political thoughts respected
morality in addition to democracy and at the same time pinned hope on
Almighty," The Supreme Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei recalled a statement from late Imam Khomeini
"The US is also doomed." Imam Khomeini had predicted the same
for the former Soviet Union whose collapse took place after his death.
"The United States has injured the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
They thought that they would win the game simply, but, they are now
taking the bitter taste of defeat. Every day passes in Iraq, the US
comes closer to the brink of precipice," the Supreme Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said "It is intolerable to see US occupation
troops desecrating the holy shrines in Iraq. It has drawn the wrath of
the Muslim world."
TEHRAN, May 17 (MNA) -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said here on Monday that Islamic Republic
of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has been successful in reflecting national
solidarity in Iran.
"The young and educated people in other Islamic nations have
pinned their hopes on the Islamic Republic and the IRIB has managed to
reflect the national strength of Iran as the voice and vision of the
Islamic Republic," the Supreme Leader said in his address to IRIB
officials after touring various departments of the IRIB Broadcast
Center, including the Central News Unit, the radio and television
broadcasting studios, and the technical department.
He said that the IRIB always supported the principles of the Islamic
Revolution, citing the programs broadcast on radio and television to
thwart Western cultural invasion as well as the fact that the IRIB
encouraged people to vote in the February 20 parliamentary elections.
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his appreciation of the highly efficient
workforce of the IRIB, saying that the staff and artists working with
the IRIB have helped bring about eye-catching progress over the past 10
years. He also expressed hope that the trend of progress would continue
in the future.
Prior to the Supreme Leader's remarks, IRIB Director Ali Larijani
welcomed Ayatollah Khamenei and said that the visit to IRIB would be a
sweet memory for the staff and officials of radio and television.
"Just like your visit to IRIB eight years ago, which was a
turning point for national radio and television, today's visit will also
encourage the IRIB staff to make great strides in line with the targets
of radio and television," Larijani said.
Ayatollah Khamenei also visited the graves of five unknown martyrs in
the courtyard of the Bilal Mosque to honor them and other martyrs of the
Islamic Revolution and the Sacred Defense (1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war).
Supreme Leader visits IRIB
IRIB Tehran, May 17 - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Khamenei praised the services of IRIB President, Ali Larijani,
saying the in-depth changes introduced to the organization during the
10-year term of Mr. Larijani transformed the imag e and identity of the
IRIB.
The Leader further said compassion, accountability, faith, cultural
strength, revolutionary credentials, and familiarity with national
questions are among outstanding features of Mr. Larijani, calling for
more cohesive efforts to secure progress at the I RIB.
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to stay the IRIB has been under constant
pressure in the past decade, and has got a passing mark which prescribes
sincere appreciation.
Recalling IRIB efforts to meet the expectations of the leadership and
improve the workings of the Radio and TV organization, the Leader said
there should be no limit for change and progress and that no one should
ever rest on their laurels.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated opposition to revolutionary and value-based
measures of the IRIB has been one major motive behind increasing
pressures exerted on the Organization in the past ten years.
The Leader praised the sustained support the IRIB has lent to
revolutionary principles and ideals, its encouraging the public to turn
out for elections and the resistance it has put up in the face of the
cultural onslaught of the enemy, saying some polit ical circles make
efforts to put pressure on the IRIB, but that the national media will
stay the course.
Recalling the complicated compsoition of enemy mass media and their
attempts to secure the unholy objectives of global powers, Ayatollah
Khamenei said the IRIB has faced up to this media buildup and showed a
praise-worthy resistance. The Leader character ized the IRIB as a
representative of the Islamic Revolution and the establishment on the
international stage, saying many people in Muslim nations, particularly
youths and the elite, have pinned their hopes on the solidarity and
progression of the Islami c Revolution, adding the IRIB can portray the
unity of the Islamic nation to shore up the hopes of Muslim countries
around the world.
In conclusion, the Leader urged IRIB personnel to act more cohesively
and inject more efficiency into their workings, saying the IRIB has
posted a lot of headway in the past decade, and is expected to remain
steadfast on the path to more progress in the years to come.
Leader: Muslims Will Not Remain Silent About
Holy Sites Sacrilege by U.S. Troops
TEHRAN, May 16 (MNA) Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khameni on Sunday blasted the sacrilege of holy
sites by U.S. troops in Iraq, saying Muslims will certainly not remain
silent toward these impudent and arrogant acts, carried out with
stupidity.
Expressing regret over the profane actions at the holy places in Iraq
the Supreme Leader cautioned that Muslims and Shiites in Iraq and other
parts of the world will not remain silent about these actions because
these incidents have a heart-felt spiritual importance and one cannot
remain indifferent toward them.
The Leader said Imam Ali (AS) and his son Imam Hussein (AS) are very
dear to Muslims and Shiites; their shrines are revered. Muslims will not
tolerate the invasion of their holy sites by the U.S. military. Khameni
added that these U.S. crimes are being condemned by the Islamic world,
Shiites, and the Iranian people.
In his address to theology students the Supreme Leader pointed out
that the U.S. talks of human rights and democracy while with their own
self-importance they commit crimes and sacrilegious acts.
Excerpts from teh
speech
IRIB - Tehran, May 16 - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei referred to the US insolence to the Muslim
and Shi'ite sanctities as an impudent, shameless and imbecile act and
said that the world Muslim community and the Iraqi people will not
remain silent against the insolents because the events are very
important and we should not remain indifferent.
Addressing theological students, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution referred to the sublime stance of the Imam Ali (AS) and Imam
Hossein (AS) stature in the heart of the world Muslims and Shi'ites and
said that Muslims can not tolerate the insolent US agression into the
holy sites in the Vadi-Al-Salam area in Najaf and Kerbela, also a
resting places for Muslim prophets and saints.
Despite such impudents and the crimes committed, the US forces are so
shameless that they claim human rights and democracy, the Leader said.
The apple of discord sown by Americans in Iraq will bear the bitter
effect of hatred for decades, the leader said.
The recent US scandal in the Abu Ghraib prison, also erupted to be
ongoing in other prisons is a brand on the US government that would not
be recuperated for years, the Supreme Leader said.
He referred to the US official's allegations on unawaring of the Abu
Ghraib prison tortures as a "blatant lie" and said that the
White House officials lie so openly, while the Intenational Red Cross
have already warned the US officials of the inhumane tortures.
The Supreme Leader termed the ruling US administration as a system of
tyranny, hatred and indifferent to the human greatness and said that the
US Iraq occupation, mistreating the people, appointing an American
administrator, torture, and their sacrilege to the holy sites are a
string of wrong-doings which trap the United States in a quagmire which
would sank them further, the more they strive.
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the June 30
power handover deadline set by the US-led coalition forces is a
deception, and called on the Iraqi think-thanks and statesmen to know
that any of them who comes to power would be a US stooge and would be
detested as much as the Americans.
The real power transfer is when the Iraqi people enjoy the right to
choose, otherwise a plan laid out by a person dictated by a US would not
mean a power transition, the Supreme Leader added.
Today, the US administration in Iraq and the occupying Zionists in
Palestine commit the most horrendous crimes. These crimes, gives a
justified right to the Iranian people to cry out "down with the
US", "down with Israel", the Leader said.
The European states should condemn the recent US crimes, if they
claim to be defendant of democracy, and the condemnation should be
ratified in light of a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council,
otherwise their human rights claims would be of no value, the Leader
concluded.
Supreme Leader Meets With Chairman of Bosnian
Presidential Council
TEHRAN, May 12 (MNA) -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei welcomed the expansion of ties with
Bosnia-Herzegovina and said Iran was willing to share its valuable
experiences in reconstructing the country with Bosnia-Herzegovina. He
made the remarks here on Wednesday during a meeting with the chairman of
the Presidential Council of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sulejman Tihic, and the
Bosnian delegation accompanying him. President Mohammad Khatami also
attended the meeting.
Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned the friendly and brotherly feelings
between the two nations and said that he was glad that the destructive
war in Bosnia was over.
He went on to say that he was very happy that followers of different
religions were again living together peacefully in Bosnia, thus helping
the country achieve prosperity and progress through the establishment of
peace and stability.
The Supreme Leader stated that the actions of U.S. soldiers,
specifically their brutal torture of Iraqi prisoners, proved that the
interventionist powers have expansionist motives.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that no nation should view its interests as
being tied to those of the major powers because the world's hegemonic
powers do not care about the interests of other nations.
Tihic expressed his gratitude to the Iranian nation and government
for the assistance they rendered to his country during the war years in
Bosnia and said he was deeply affected by the progress Iran has made,
adding that the international image of Iran was totally different from
the reality of the situation.
He also expressed his satisfaction about the good relations between
the two countries and said he expected bilateral economic relations to
improve.
Tihic added that Iran plays an important role in maintaining
stability in the sensitive Middle East region.
In conclusion, he said that the international community, the
Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the Arab League, under the
supervision of the United Nations, should cooperate in their efforts to
resolve the crisis in Iraq.
05:17:50 (IRIB) Tehran, May 11 - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei paid a surprise visit to Tehran
international book fair on Tuesday.
The Supreme Leader, while visiting various book stands at the fair,
held talks with publishers and was briefed on the situation of
publication in the country.
The 17th tehran international book fair opened here on May 2 and will
continue its work at Tehran's permanent international fair ground till
May 13.
Leader names envoy to new foundation
04:31:26 Tehran, May 9 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, in a decree issued Sunday, appointed
Mohammad Hassan Rahimian as his representative to the newly established
Martyrs and War Veterans Affairs Foundation.
The Supreme Leader said in his decree that the appointment has been
made upon the request of managers of foundations in charge of war
veterans affairs and approval by the country's Supreme Administrative
Council.
The Supreme Leader called on Rahimian to wholeheartedly serve the
bereaved families of martyrs, disabled and veterans of the 1980-88 Iraqi
imposed war through close cooperation with the head of the foundation.
Meanwhile, President Mohammad Khatami, appointed Hossein Dehqan as
his new deputy and the head of foundation Saturday.
05:37:26 Tehran, May 7 - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Friday referred to the unity among the
Muslims as the most significant and indispensable requirement in the
world of Islam.
The Supreme Leader reiterated that the Muslim Umma needs to be
unified in order to maintain its status, keep the banner of Islam
hoisted and overcome difficulties adding that unity among Muslims is of
top priority.
Speaking at a gathering of the government officials, foreign guests
attending the international Islamic unity conference and representatives
of Islamic states in Tehran, felicitated the Iranian nation and Muslim
Umma the auspicious birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad Mostafa (PBUH)
and Imam Sadeq (AS).
Turning to the holy prophet as an instructor of virtues, justice,
humanitarianism, knowledge, brotherhood, maturity and perfection, he
underlined that even today the humanity needs to practice the lessons
taught by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
"Given that the dilemmas facing the world of Islam are partly
due to the inefficiencies, materialism and separation among Muslims, the
world of Islam should revise its past performance," he added.
The Supreme Leader attributed part of the problems in the world of
Islam to the unrighteous system currently dominating the world which is
based on pressure and hegemony.
"The world powers present their wrongdoings and criminal acts as
reasonable measures by relying on their force, weapons as well as
political and monetary power. The current situations in Palestine and
Iraq are a clear example of it," he added.
Turning to the Zionist regime's announcement on the assassination of
Palestinian leaders, Ayatollah Khamenei noted that US government, which
uses campaign against terrorism as a pretext to exercise forceand power,
approves such acts by its overt and official support of the Zionist
leaders' crimes.
He referred to the occupation of Iraq and oppression of the Iraqi
nation as an international crime and said that the occupiers justify
their act as defense of human rights, democracy and freedom.
"However, what is going on in Iraq is the clear violation of
human rights and the Iraqis' right to choose their government," he
added.
On the capability of the Islamic Umma to defend itself under such
disastrous conditions, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the Muslims'
material and spiritual potentials as well as their cultural and
civilizational background and said that lack of unity among Muslims
mainly accounts for their current plight.
Stressing that the US threats backed by the Zionist capitalists
target the entire world of Islam and the mighty riches of the region, he
said that the `greater Middle East initiative' is also in line with such
a goal.
"The governments as well as men of culture and religion from the
world of Islam are strongly committed to contribute to unity among
Muslims, since if the enemies succeed to overtake the region, the world
of Islam would get behind a century," he added.
At the beginning of the meeting, President Mohammad Khatami
congratulated the birth anniversary of Muslim's Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)
and Imam Sadeq (AS) to the Supreme Leader as well as the Iranian nation
and the Islamic Umma.
Turning to the current situation of the oppressed world and the
sacrifice of human faith and respect, the chief executive underlined
that today the humankind needs more than ever to understand the lessons
taught by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and exercise them correctly.
Excerpts from
the speech
Excerpts from the speech
as pdf
Leader: Occupiers of Iraq Are Like a Wolf
Caught in a Trap
TEHRAN, May 1 (MNA) -- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei
on Saturday highlighted the troubles facing the U.S.-led occupation
forces in Iraq, predicting that the Iraqis would ultimately triumph.
"The occupiers have gotten themselves caught in a trap like a
wolf and, like the Zionists, are repressing the people, but the power of
the oppressed Iraqi and Palestinian nations will ultimately prevail over
the oppressive Americans and Zionists," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Supreme Leader also discussed U.S. President George W. Bush's
greater Middle East initiative, which faces widespread regional
opposition, saying Washington was taking its cue from Israel in its
attempt to gain control of the resources of the region.
"The ruling gang in America, with the Zionists pulling the
strings, wants to swallow this rich part of the world through the
greater Middle East plan, but contrary to their assumptions, the
arrogant powers will choke on this mouthful," Ayatollah Khamenei
added.
The Supreme Leader said that Bush's recent statements about the
importance of Iraqi oil for the United States indicate that his
government is making efforts to allay U.S. citizens’ concerns about
the cost of the occupation of Iraq.
"Thus, the U.S. president revealed his true objective, which is
to dominate the oil resources of Iraq and protect the interests of
Zionist companies.
"Furthermore, the reality on the ground in Iraq indicates that
U.S. slogans about defending human rights and freedom and democracy are
false," he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei denounced the U.S. government's brazen support of
Israel’s targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin
and Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi over the past two months, saying it was clear
proof that the Americans were lying about their so-called campaign
against terrorism.
"The U.S. government, in backing the criminal Sharon, says that
Israel is defending itself against Palestinian terrorism.
"But this is the same unacceptable reasoning which all dictators
of the past used to justify their crimes in the name of defending
themselves," the Supreme Leader said.
The international condemnation of the U.S. support for the Israeli
policy of assassinating Palestinians is a sign of the real weakening and
fall of the U.S. regime, Ayatollah Khamenei added.
"When a political system lacks convincing reasons for its
actions and positions, it loses its political credibility and slips into
decline.
"The U.S. government is now moving on this track and the people
of the world will witness the annihilation of this arrogant regime,"
Ayatollah Khamenei said in conclusion.
07:00:15 (IRIB) Tehran, May 1 - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
on Saturday highlighted the troubles facing the US-led occupation in
Iraq, predicting that the Iraqis would ultimately triumph.
"The occupiers have got themselves like a wolf caught in a trap
and like the Zionists are repressing the people, but the power of the
oppressed Iraqi and Palestinian nations will ultimately prevail over the
oppressive Americans and Zionists," said the Supreme Leader here
Saturday.
The Supreme Leader touched on US President George W. Bush's plan for
a 'greater Middle East', which has widely been opposed by regional
leaders, saying Washington was taking its cue from Israel to dominate
the riches of the region.
"The ruling gang in America, while the Zionists pull the strings,
is intending to swallow this rich part of the world under the 'greater
Middle East' plan, but contrary to their assumptions, the arrogant
powers will choke on this mouthful," the Supreme Leader added.
Bush's recent statements about the significance of the Iraqi oil for
the United States, Ayatollah Khamenei said, indicated his government's
efforts to calm down the edgy American public opinion with regard to the
cost of Iraq's invasion. "By this, the American president revealed
his true objective, which is to dominate oil resources of Iraq and
protect the interests of Zionist companies.
"Furthermore, the ongoing realities in Iraq indicate that
American slogans in defense of human rights, freedom and democracy are
false," the Supreme Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei denounced the US government's 'brazen' support for
the targeted assassination of Hamas leaders, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin and
Abdel-Aziz Al-Rantissi in the past two months by Israel, saying it was a
'blatant sign' that Americans were lying in their alleged anti-terror
fight.
"The American government, in backing the criminal Sharon
(Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon), says that Israel is defending
itself against the Palestinian terror."But this is the same
unacceptable reasoning which all the dictators of the past used to
justify their crimes in the name of defending themselves," the
Supreme Leader said.
The world condemnation of the US support for the Israeli
assassination of the Palestinians is a sign of real weakening and
gradual fall of the American regime, said Ayatollah Khamenei.
"When a political establishment lacks a convincing reason for
its actions and stances, it loses its political credibility and slips
into collapse. "The American government is now moving on this track
and the world people will witness the annihilation of this arrogant
regime," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Supreme Leader condoles with demise of humorist
Tehran, May 1, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei expressed condolences here Saturday over
the demise of renowned Iranian humorist Kiumars Saberi Foumani. In his
message, the Supreme Leader expressed sorrow over the the artist`s
demise, saying it was a sad blow to his friends as well as those who
were familiar with his distinct style of humor and political ideas.
The celebrated humorist, who was the editor of the popular satirical
weekly magazine Gol Aqa (Mr. Flower), passed away Friday morning at the
age of 63.
Popularly known as the "gol aqa" of the Iranian press,
Saberi suffered from a blood disorder and had been hospitalized at Mehr
Hospital in Tehran for about a month before his death. The late Saberi
was born in the city of Soume`e Sara in Gilan province, north of Iran, a
few years before World War II. He published two books while working as
presidential advisor to Martyr Mohammad Ali Raja`ie.
Saberi used to write satire in the popular satirical magazine Tofiq
during the pre-revolution years. He also maintained a column entitled
"A Few Words of Reason" in Ettela`at daily in 1984. His Gol
Aqa Cultural Institute and Gol Aqa weekly, monthly and yearbook, all of
which were hugely popular from 1990 to 2002, were his greatest
achievements.
But he was more famed with the distinct kind of humor he inculcated
in the post-revolutionary era. Saberi will be most remembered for his
political and social satires that became his trademark.
His funeral will be held on Saturday (today). President Mohammad
Khatami and Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei
likewise issued similar messages of profound sympathy for the humorist`s
demise.
Moreover, Speaker of the Iranian Majlis Mehdi Karroubi, in his
remarks in the opening session of parliament Saturday, eulogized Saberi
and said his departure was a great loss to nation and his family.
