Supreme Leader: Expansion of cooperation with Africa a priority

Tehran, June 29, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said here Wednesday that expansion of cooperation with African states, especially with the Muslim ones, is a priority of Iran's foreign policy.

In a meeting with Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure in Tehran on Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei said there are extensive grounds for expansion of cooperation with the states and the capacities should be benefited.

Referring to the rich civilization and culture and the natural wealth in African states, Ayatollah Khamenei said that despite efforts of powers to prevent African people from benefiting from the advantages, African states can by their scientific and practical enthusiasm and moves prove their talents.

The Supreme Leader stressed further cooperation among Muslim states and said, "Today a political and arrogant will is in stage of shaping to act against Islam and the only way to confront it is unity among Muslims."

For his part, Toure stressed the need for the Organization of the Islamic Conference to pay special attention to problems of Muslim states, especially Africans'.

He said good talks for expansion of cooperation had been held with Iranian officials, hoping that continuation of the talks would prepare the ground for implementation of the mutually reached agreements.

Judiciary Officials Meet the Leader

2005-06-28

The Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahroudi and other officials of the Judiciary met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Tuesday, June 28.

Speaking at the meeting, the Leader referred to the recent presidential election in Iran, describing it as a unique and spectacular event.

"The Iranian nation's honor, dignity and logic were manifested in this glorious, pleasant and prestigious election, and the Iranian people showed that they are thirsty for justice and truth and opposed to corruption. Therefore, government officials, having realized what the Iranian people's expectations are, should make every effort to fulfill our nation's demands and requests," the Leader told the audience.

The meeting was held on the 24th martyrdom anniversary of 72 high-ranking Iranian officials, who lost their lives when an explosion masterminded by the terrorist Mojahedin Khalq organization destroyed the Islamic Republic Party's headquarters in southern Tehran. The meeting was also attended by the esteemed families of the martyrs.

Referring to this heinous act of terrorism and other political, military, economic and cultural plots and conspiracies against the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the successful confrontation of the Islamic system with all these plots and the brave undergoing of such bitter incidents point to fact that the immaculate tree of the Islamic Revolution has deep and strong roots in Iran.

"When terrorists gave rise to bitter incidents in this country, those currently claiming to counter terrorism talked sarcastically about the annihilation of the Iranian nation," he noted.

Ayatollah Khamenei further stated, "However, the considerable progress made by the Islamic system and the Iranian people's massive and enthusiastic participation in the recent presidential election bear witness to the fact that, thanks to the perseverance of our nation and divine grace and favor, our revolution is advancing on the path to its noble objectives as lively, as dynamic and as strong as before."

Elsewhere in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic referred to the fact that the enemies of the Iranian nation have refused to acknowledge the glory of the Iranian people's participation in the recent presidential election.

"The enemies of the Iranian nation feel humiliated, but are not willing to admit their defeat and humiliation. However, it is clear that the Iranian people's high turnout in the 9th presidential election and their massive and enthusiastic presence at the polls foiled the enemies' plots against our country and displayed our nation's firm resolve to protect the Islamic system," the Leader remarked.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that piety and humbleness are what attract divine mercy and ensure further success and progress for the Iranian nation and the Islamic system. He also emphasized that no nation will achieve progress without striving, perseverance, innovation and initiative.

Further in his remarks, the Leader hinted at certain analyses presented by the enemies of the Islamic system, who had foreseen that only 20 percent of the eligible Iranian voters would go to the polls in the 9th presidential election.

"Despite such analyses, the participation of some 30 million Iranian citizens in the first round of the presidential election and nearly 28 million in the runoff election showed that contrary to the assumptions held by these politicians and analysts, the Iranian nation is a high-spirited and dedicated nation loyal to the principles and values of the Islamic Revolution, and that the Iranian people are pursuing their noble ideals wholeheartedly and are treading the path to further progress, dignity and grandeur," the Leader pointed out.

He stressed that the world should form a proper understanding of the Iranian nation's logic and standpoints and talk to the Iranian people in a way that is compatible with the existing realities.

Elsewhere in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei criticized those who engaged in mudslinging and character assassination in the course of the 9th presidential election. In particular, he censured those who tried to tarnish the image of the Expediency Council Chairman Hojjatoleslam Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was one of the candidates running for the presidency in the recent election.

"Most of those involved in mudslinging and character assassination were not interested in any of the presidential candidates, and their seditious and divisive measures were only aimed at disturbing the election atmosphere. The relevant officials and organs should try to identify the main culprits, so that it may become clear that the enemies have been involved in such measures," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.

The Leader of the Islamic Republic also criticized those who tried to tarnish the image of the faithful Basiji youngsters.

"Unfortunately, some negative remarks targeted our most cherished and respected Basiji youngsters. Those remarks, which were devoid of truth, revealed the attempts made by the enemies to foment discord and division in our country," the Leader observed.

Further in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei touched on the Iranian nation's demands expressed in the course of the presidential election, including the call for social justice.

"The Iranian Judiciary is one of the important government organs the Iranian people are looking to for the administration of justice. In response to the Iranian nation's call for justice, the Judiciary should act in such a manner that any individual whose rights have been violated will feel sure that his rights will be restored by the Judiciary," Ayatollah Khamenei told the Judiciary officials.

The Leader of the Islamic Republic also stated that supervision over the Judiciary's performance will help the Judiciary to carry out its duties and responsibilities in a more efficient manner.

"The more inspection and supervision is conducted over the Judiciary's performance, and the more judicial experts and jurists from universities and Islamic theological schools express their views on the Judiciary and criticize it in a fair manner, to a greater extent the Judiciary's performance will be improved," he told the audience.

The Leader described the Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahroudi as an intellectual scholar and a prominent personality. He also praised the upright and virtuous judges and jurists working with the Judiciary.

"The Judiciary has strong pillars and solid foundations. Still, the more the Judiciary is exposed to legal and supervisory challenges, the more efficient its performance will become," Ayatollah Khamenei told the gathering.

Before the Leader's speech, Ayatollah Hashemi-Shahroudi presented a report on the Judiciary's performance and plans. He noted that some new changes inspired by the Leader's guidelines have been brought to the Judiciary.

The Judiciary chief said that as a result of these changes, fewer lawsuits are being filed in courts of justice, and that legal action with regard to the existing lawsuits has been accelerated.

Ayatollah Hashemi-Shahroudi also referred to other measures taken by the Judiciary as making the presence of lawyers obligatory in hearing the cases, advocating the rights of prisoners, protecting civil rights, countering economic corruption, institutionalizing supervision and assessment, using modern scientific expertise, adopting an attitude of accountability to the public, cooperating in an appropriate manner with the executive and legislative branches of the government and promoting direct contact between the Judiciary officials and the public.

Supreme Leader: Nation is thirsty for justice, truth

Tehran, June 28, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that the nation indicated in the presidential election that it is thirsty for justice and truth. In a meeting with judicial officials to mark anniversary of terrorist attack in 1360 (1981) in which then Chief Justice Ayatollah Mohammad Beheshti was martyred along with 72 statesmen at building of Islamic Republic Party, the Supreme Leader said that the terrorist assassinations in 1981 dealt a heavy blow to the sacred sapling of the Islamic Republic.

"Those days, the modern advocates of campaign against terrorism were smiling at destruction of the Iranian nation." "Since the root of the sapling was sacred, it blossomed out thanks to blissful presence of the nation on the scene." "The Islamic Revolution is pressing ahead with its lofty goals by the grace of God and based on national resolve," the Supreme Leader said. In reference to the massive turnout in presidential polls, the Supreme Leader said, "Your enemies were humiliated by your magnificent presence, but, they do not want to admit. Nevertheless, the turnout made their scenarios null and void. Such strong movements would go ahead."

The Supreme Leader said in the meantime, "We should thank God for the success and avoid being trapped by snobbery." The Supreme Leader once again felicitated the nation on 30 million turnout on the first round of the election and 28 million in the run-off while, the enemies of the nation predicted only 20 percent would participate in the polls. "The Iranian nation is lively, faithful and loyal to the Islamic Revolution and pursuing their own glory and dignity. The world should recognize the logic of the Iranian nation and take this into consideration while communicating with it," the Supreme Leader said. Prior to the Supreme Leader's remarks, Judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi briefed Ayatollah Khamenei on the reform he had initiated in the justice apparatus.

Shahroudi said that defendants are being provided with counsel rights and he ordered the prison officials to respect human rights of the prisoners. Shahroudi said that the Judiciary has adopted two five-year development plan to fight financial corruption. The Judiciary chief admitted last month that special team assigned by him to investigate numerous complaints about torturing risoners found out "such un-Islamic practices are taking place in prisons." "I'm afraid. We have established courts to restore rights of the people, but, I've got reports about torture and violating human rights in prisons. Such practices have nothing to do with Islam and we are responsible before God for such violations," Ayatollah Shahroudi said in his statement last month.

Supreme Leader receives President-elect Ahmadinejad

Tehran, June 26, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Sunday received President-elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Most of Iranians voted for Tehran Mayor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the 9th presidential runoff last Saturday, giving him a landslide win with 17,248,782 (61.95 percent) votes out of total 27,959,253. During the meeting, the Supreme Leader gave necessary guidelines to the president-elect, wishing him success.

Supreme Leader thanks Iranians for strong presence in elections

Tehran, June 25, IRNA - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday thanked the Iranian people for their strong presence in the 9th presidential polls and its runoff election, held nationwide on June 17 and June 24 respectively. In a message issued after official announcement of the election results, Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated the Iranian nation and the president-elect on his landslide victory.

Ahmadinejad swept to the presidential post with a stunning 17,046,441 votes but his rival and Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani gained 9,841,346 out of a total of 27,536,069 votes cast in the runoff election. "You, through a magnificent display of national solidarity and public participation, have proved your firm resolve to defend national independence and bravely safeguard the interests of the country and of the Islamic Republic establishment," Ayatollah Khamenei said in his message.

The Supreme Leader said high voters' turnout proved the strength and power of the Iranian nation to the ill-wishers and hostile enemies. Ayatollah Khamenei said high public presence on the scene also presented a remarkable image of national solidarity and public participation.

Elections mark the era of enthusiasm and anxiety, said Ayatollah Khamenei, adding that with end of the election, the excitement and fervor should be replaced by dignity, friendship and cooperation. The message said that after weeks of rhetoric and listening, it is now the time for work and action.

Until he officially takes office, the president-elect will have the golden opportunity to work immediately on the projects which will help him fulfill his grave responsibilities, said the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader said all officials and elite in different sectors should consider assistance to the president-elect as their human and Islamic duty.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the "influential and key" role of presidential hopefuls in creation of the big national epic is "undeniable" and all should appreciate them for this. "I congratulate the elected president Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for taking on this critical responsibility ... I sincerely thank all candidates, especially Hojatoleslam Hashemi Rafsanjani, who is among the assets of the revolution and a prominent figure, and I hope my dear brother would always like to be present on important scenes." Concluding his message, Ayatollah Khamenei thanked all people involved in such a "big test", especially the religious dignitaries, academics, people from various social, political and cultural walks of life, the mass media, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran's Broadcasting (IRIB), reporters, Guardian Council, Interior Ministry, governors general, governors, the executive and supervisory officials, police, the security, intelligence and judicial officials.

Supreme Leader calls on people to create yet "another epic"

Tehran, June 24, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei here Friday expressed hope that people would turn out strongly at the polls in the run-off for the presidential elections and "create yet another epic". Speaking after casting his vote, Ayatollah Khamenei said people's presence at the polling stations in the first stage of the elections "was a source of national pride." "The winner of the elections which saw the participation of almsot 30 million people was the Iranian nation and the losers were those who tried to keep people away from the polls." "The honor of about 30 million votes remains with the Iranian nation and no enemy scheme would take away this dignity and honor from the Iranian nation," he said.

Ayatollah Khamenei described as "very important" people's strong turnout at the elections, and said a big vote for the president elect would promote the dignity of the Iranian nation and help them push forward with their sublime goals. He further spoke highly of the massive public participation in last week's elections and hoped people would show a strong presence at the polls again today. "Whoever becomes president will be the president of all of us and we must all help him move ahead with his plans," Ayatollah Khamenei noted. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Supreme Leader called on the elections officials to register people's vote "without bias". The Leader stressed that the first round of the elections last week had been "completely healthy," adding that this had been "officially confirmed" by the president, the Interior Ministry and the Guardian Council.

Lebanon security depends upon national unity: Supreme Leader

Tehran, June 20, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said here Sunday that security and power in Lebanon depend upon national unity, solidarity and resistance. In a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Ayatollah Khamenei added that by resisting against Zionist occupiers, the Lebanese nation has courageously done a great job that was to expel the Zionist regime and western military men specially those of the US, from Lebanon.

Noting that the present US pressures on Lebanon and Syria were aimed at preserving the interest of Zionist regime, the Leader said that Zionists were determined to break down the Islamic and popular resistance in Lebanon. The supreme leader stressed that the US policies in Lebanon and Syria were definitely doomed to failure.

Praising Lebanese parliament move to extend Emil Lahoud's presidency, Ayatollah Khamenei said the US criticized Lebanese president for his support for the Islamic resistance. The Lebanon parliament's measure was a crushing response to the United States, Ayatollah Khamenei said. Despite the US efforts to implement the `Greater Middle East' plan, Washington plots in the regional countries including Iraq, Afghanistan and the occupied Palestine have been failed, the Supreme Leader said adding that such moves by Washington have caused unprecedented hatred in the entire region towards the US.

On Iran's developments, the Supreme Leader said, the Americans proved their unwise measures since the US president issued a statement, just one day ahead of the presidential election, urging the Iranian nation not to participate in the polls. The Iranian people, however, gave a good response to George Bush's foolish move through their massive turnout in the June 17 election, Ayatollah Khamenei added.

Berri, for his part, congratulated Iran's massive turnout in the recent elections and briefed the Supreme Leader on the latest development in his country. Pointing to recent pressures exerted by Washington on Lebanon and Syria, the speaker said certain Western states, particularly the US, are making efforts to put Lebanon under pressure on the vague pretext as extension of Emil Lahoud's presidency tenure to disarm Hizbullah and provide interests and security of the Zionist regime. He referred to recent election in south Lebanon to support the Islamic resistance and said the Lebanese nation is determined to continue resistance movement. Iran's Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad Adel was also present at the meeting.

Supreme Leader hails people's massive turnout in presidential polls

Tehran, June 18, IRNA - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday thanked the Iranian nation for its "wise, strong and extensive" turnout in the 9th presidential elections held on Friday, June 17th. The Supreme Leader also called for strong presence of people in the run-off election. Ayatollah Khamenei said in a message on Saturday that the "fresh and enthusiastic" presence of the public in the polling booths proved once again that Islamic democracy is deeply rooted among the nation and "this holy divine tree" has firmly resisted all "opposition winds."

"The glorious epic on June 17th showed once again the firm and honorable resolve of a nation which has pinned its hopes on its lofty future and has made endeavor to reconstruct its country," read the message. Elsewhere in his message, the Supreme Leader said the strong turnout in the election foiled all enemy plots and displayed the firm will of the Muslim Iranian nation to the critics and ill-wishers.

Ayatollah Khamenei scoffed at US President George W. Bush's anti-Iran claims, saying the US president, who had himself swept to power through the financial backing of Zionist companies to safeguard their illegitimate interests, called elections in Iran as 'improper and distorted'. Recalling the US scandalous abuse of prisoners in Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison and Guantanamo prison camp, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "This criminal of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo has raised allegations against the Islamic Republic of Iran, covered up crimes of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and denied the US government's support for the unpopular regimes both in the past and at present." The Supreme Leader also castigated the US president for his claim that his government was a supporter of democracy and an advocate of the Iranian nation.

"You, the dear nation, you, the committed and enthusiastic youth, you, the faithful men and women, through your wise and epic presence made Bush's insults backfire and showed your firm interest in the country's independence, defense of Islam and Islamic democracy." The Supreme Leader said the June 17 presidential election was primarily a vote to the Islamic Republic, to national independence, to the Constitution, to progress, justice and Islamic causes, which will guarantee the people's religion and welfare, dignity and national pride.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said the true winner of the election is the Iranian nation, which was actively present on the scene despite the enemy propaganda. The president-elect, no matter who he is, would be the president of all Iranian people and all are duty-bound to assist him in steering the country towards progress, the Supreme Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei recommended the new president to concentrate on his efforts to serve the faithful Iranian nation, especially the youth and the poor. The Supreme Leader also called on political factions to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and participation and avoid any provocative and disheartening moves, both in action and in words. Concluding his message, Ayatollah Khamenei thanked the religious dignitaries, academics, cultural, political and social personalities, the Islamic Republic of Iran's Broadcasting, the Guardian Council, the Interior Ministry and all the officials in charge of elections for their hard endeavors to ensure healthy and free election.

Supreme Leader: People to inject fresh blood into veins of Islamic Republic on Friday

15.6.2005 IRNA - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that people will inject fresh blood into the veins of the Islamic Republic on election day on Friday.

In a meeting with several thousand people, the Supreme Leader said that neither the Leader, nor the government or other political groups can tell the people what they should do or what they should not do and the people will cast their votes for goodwill and heavenly reward.

The Supreme Leader said that any step the people will take towards the polling stations will serve to safeguard the values of the Islamic Republic.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the people will have extensive turnout in the election to neutralize the conspiracies of enemies.

They will secure their own interests by taking part in the election as well.

"There are candidates representing different political groups with managerial experiences in political, economic, social and cultural sectors of the society. The people will vote for their own favorite candidates," the Supreme Leader said.

The Supreme Leader felicitated birthday anniversary of Hazrat-e Zeinab (SA), beloved grand daughter of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) which is marked in Iran as 'National Nurse Day', to the nation and said that women in Iran enjoy higher status than those in western countries.

The Supreme Leader criticized those who are repeating statements of the American and Zionist media saying that the Iranian nation is exercising democracy.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran has held dozens of elections in the past thanks to 26-year long democracy established since 1979.

"Democracy in Iran is transparent and for all compared with Western democracy that has overt and covert limitations. In the Western countries which are so-called advocates of democracy, people vote for candidates they hear their names only in the election campaign.

"But, in Iran, none of the political parties wants their followers to give their votes to such unknown individuals," the Supreme Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the US and some European political parties are used to resorting to demagogy rather than democracy with behind-the-scene deals so that the people go to the ballot boxes to elect candidates of such parties. But, in Iran, the people exactly know for whom they are voting.

The Supreme Leader said that active presence of the people on the scene has always formed a bastion against foreign aggression and that's why the arrogant powers have been trying for the past several months to drive the June 17 election in Iran to stagnation.

However, opinion polls conducted later indicated that people will extensively take part in the election to the dismay of the enemies, he said.

"On Friday, people will display their faith in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic and its unchangeable articles," the Supreme Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei condemned terrorist bombings on the eve of the presidential election and said that the enemies wanted to make bitter the sweet atmosphere of election, but, to no avail.

Ayatollah Khamenei promised to the nation that he would also personally follow up the demands of the public stipulated by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic.

Leader sends congratulation message on national side's victory

Tehran, June 8, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei sent a congratulation message here Monday night on occasion of IRI National Football Team's success in winning the ticket to 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The leader's message reads, "I hereby congratulate the victory of our National football team to those dear young men, their coaches, and all those who love sports.

"Our mighty and determined players delighted the hearts of the dear Iranian nation and granted us the feeling of grandeur, for which I sincerely thank every single one of them."

Imam's role in weakening US status

Tehran, June 4 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Saturday described US movements in the region as passive positions against the awakening of the Muslim nations.

Ayatollah Khamenei, in a speech at a ceremony to mark the 16th demise anniversary of the late founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini, said Imam Khomeini had a significant contribution to weakening US dominance over the region.

He said Imam Khomeini's success in establishing the Islamic Republic in Iran and initiating the awakening movement among Muslim nations had led the US to take actions to rein in this movement through passive positions.

Ayatollah Khamenei said US military presence around Iran may in appearance indicate its power, but an analytical look at the developments in the region show that the US has taken passive positions against the Islamic awakening movement.

The Supreme Leader said the failure of the Great Middle East Initiative was a sign of such positions pursued by the US government to control the struggles of nations against its hegemony.

"The Americans know that they have no future in the Islamic world.

For this reason, they have resorted to passive positions to stop the Islamic awakening of nations from becoming revolutionary movements and also to delay the unquestionable triumph of nations," he told the ceremony at Imam Khomeini's Grand Mausoleum in southern Tehran.

This has been testified by the recent remarks of American officials about attacking Iraq, Ayatollah Khamenei said.

"The Americans have said that if they had not attacked Iraq, the pious Iraqi elements would have toppled Saddam in a short time," he said to the chants of "Death to America".

"This reality shows that their actions in the region are for the fear of the consequences of the Islamic awakening." Ayatollah Khamenei said another approach that the world powers, particularly Britain, have always pursued to confront the Islamic awakening has been encouraging disunity between the Shias and the Sunnis.

"The invisible hand of the Zionists and other foreigners in the bloody incidents and blasts in mosques and religious places ... is completely active," he said.

"All Muslim nations, particularly the people of Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan must promote their unity and solidarity and be aware of the plots of the enemies of Islam to foment discord among them." Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the importance of Iran's upcoming presidential elections. He hailed the efforts by the late Imam Khomeini to encourage elections as what had erased the wrong image that statehood is inheritable and monopolized in Islam.

The late Imam, the Supreme Leader said, had presented the true Islamic government to the world which was based on the presence and the choice of the people.

Ayatollah Khamenei said religious democracy, advocated in Iran, was different from the Western version of democracy, stressing that religious democracy is based on the heavenly right and obligation of people to determine their fate.

He also warned against the efforts by the enemies of Iran to discourage people from participating in the elections, and said people's strong turnout at the polls will present the "charming meaning" of the Islamic Republic to the world.

This, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed, is what will strongly harm the enemies.

Leader arrives in Imam mausoleum

Tehran, June 4 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei arrived in the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini in south of Tehran Saturday to take part in a ceremony to commemorate the 16th demise anniversary of the Late Imam.

A number of senior officials are accompanying the Supreme Leader who was warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic large crowd gathering at the mausoleum to mark the event.

Iran's top ranking officials are also participating in the ceremony. They include President Mohammad Khatami, Majlis Speaker Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, Judiciary Chief Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi and Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

Also present at the mausoleum are cabinet ministers, members of the Guardian Council and the Experts Assembly, Majlis deputies and top brass military officials.

Representatives of foreign countries as well as foreign guests are also present at the ceremony.

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