Supreme Leader pays tribute to late Imam Khomeini

Tehran, Jan 31, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Tuesday paid tribute to the late Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Khomeini. On the eve of the annual `Ten-Day Dawn' celebrations marking the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the supreme leader renewed his allegiance to the ideals of the late Imam. He also visited the tombs of the nation's martyrs - officials who died in line of service and in the 1980-88 Iraqi-imposed war. On February 1, 1979, the Father of the Islamic Revolution arrived in Mehrabad International Airport from exile in Paris greeted by millions of enthusiastic welcomers. From the airport, the late Imam immediately proceeded to the city's cemetery, Behesht-e Zahra, where he delivered a speech.

Supreme Leader: Hajj pilgrimage helps individuals undergo dramatic sentimental and mental change

Tehran, Jan 28, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Hajj pilgrimage helps individuals undergo dramatic sentimental and mental change. The Supreme Leader appreciated the services rendered by the executive staff and his representative for Hajj affairs Hojatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi Reyshahri and director of Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization Ahmad Zarhani. Ayatollah Khamenei said that Hajj pilgrimage is a precious occasion to enjoy the spiritual blessings. The Supreme Leader said that the growing sympathy of the world Muslims with the Islamic Republic of Iran emanated from the thoughts of the late Imam Khomeini and his guidelines to the Muslims on international issues.

The World Muslims' support for the Islamic Republic of Iran is a reality which should not be ignored in political calculations. The Supreme Leader recalled the transparent stance of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on major issues of the World Muslims and said that presence of officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran would be effective in explaining political approach to international affairs.

Hojatoleslam Reyshahri briefed the Supreme Leader about rituals of Hajj carried out in holy Mecca and said that the ritual of 'disavowal of the infidels' was held along with seven conferences which were welcomed by the World Muslims taking part in the pilgrimage.

Supreme Leader urges students to fill scientific gap between Iran, advanced world

Tehran, Jan 19, IRNA 

All Iranian students and academics are required to fill the scientific gap between Iran and the advanced world, said the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Thursday.

The Supreme Leader made the remarks in a meeting with a group of students, staff and officials of the Imam Sadeq (AS) University, who gathered to felicitate the ayatollah on auspicious occasion of Eid-ul Ghadir.

Shia Muslims celebrate the 18th day of the lunar month of Zil-Hajjah (Jan 19) each year as the Eid-ul Ghadir, the historic day on which Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) introduced Imam Ali (AS), as his true successor.

"Science is the source of economic, political and cultural powers," said the Supreme Leader adding that hegemonic powers were politically misusing their scientific abilities for dominance over the world.

"Gaining scientific power is the must for the Iranian nation, if it is willing to have its rightful voice be heard by the outside world," the Leader stressed.

To this end, he added "All students are bound to make outstanding efforts to fill the scientific gap between Iran and the advanced world."

He further said that the world arrogance was trying to attract the academics, scientists and talented students of the Islamic countries and separate them from their own origin.

"A proper combination of religion and science in the Islamic universities would provide a correct model to the mankind who is mostly subject to self-alienation when they face the scientific progress of the West," The leader said.

The ayatollah noted that students of the Islamic universities such as those in the Imam Sadeq (AS) University should present a model of the pure Islam which is free from any accusations of fanaticism, and backwardness."

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that reaching the highest level of scientific progress should be the ultimate goal for each and any of the Iranian students.

Supreme Leader: Nuclear arms contrary to national interest, Islamic tenets

Tehran, Jan 18, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that manufacturing nuclear arms is contrary to national interest and the tenets of Islam.

In a meeting with Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov and his entourage, the Supreme Leader said that Iranian nation and government have friendly feeling toward Tajik people and Iran will never withhold any assistance for the progress and development of Tajikistan.

The Supreme Leader said that Iran and Tajikistan have common culture, religion, history and particularly language adding that the three Persian-speaking nations of Iran, Tajikistan and Afghanistan are expected to consolidate their international prestige by promoting Persian language.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iranian and Tajik people have longstanding affinity and political and economic cooperation should be developed by implementing the accords already signed between the two countries.

The Supreme Leader said that Iran has made significant achievements in science and technology and would launch training courses for specialists and researchers from Tajikistan.

Elsewhere, in his speech, the Supreme Leader said that the progress Iran has made in the field of nuclear technology is a clear example of the great strides of Iranian scientists in the past several years and the current propaganda campaign against Iranian nuclear program is to play down the talents of Iranian young scientists.

Honoring the advance of Iranian scientists in civilian application of nuclear energy, the Supreme Leader said that the UN nuclear body has admitted that Iran has become a member of the World Atomic Club.

"We are not after nuclear arms. Western states know well that manufacturing nuclear arms is contrary to political and economic interests of the nation and is in violation of the commands of Islam," the Supreme Leader said in reference to political objectives of the Western governments in raising hue and cry over Iranian nuclear program.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran through reliance on its principles, will proceed with scientific studies regardless of the hue and cry and the world could not affect Iranian national resolve," the Supreme Leader said.

President Rakhmonov said that Tehran and Dushanbe have developed satisfactory cooperation and he expects Iran to share its experience with Tajikistan to enhance the level of cooperation.

He said that he held fruitful negotiations with Iranian officials in Tehran and hoped that the visit would lead to boosting cooperation.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also present in the meeting.

Supreme Leader exchanges views with WHO officials on health matters

Tehran, Jan 17, IRNA

upreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that health is fundamental need of human being.

In a meeting with members of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health affiliated to Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO), the Supreme Leader said that social determinants are of maximum impacts on physical well-being of every individual and notwithstanding progress in science and technology in modern world, unsatisfactory lifestyle has put health of mankind at risk.

The Supreme Leader said that the current situation in the international community ranging from injustice, discrimination and complacency of the big powers vis-a-vis developing nations have been threatening human well-being, on one hand, and poverty, starvation, drugs, sexual misconduct, alcoholic drinks and war of nerves being pursued by propaganda machines of the big powers have posed threat to healthy life in the modern world, on the other.

The Supreme Leader appreciated setting up special Commission on Social Determinants of Health by WHO and its recommendations to the national WHO commissions and advised the special commission "not to ignore role of ethics and religious faith in human well-being, because, religious faith brings peace of mind to humanity." The Supreme Leader criticized organized attempts to undermine religious faith of nations and said that different religions including Islam have made special recommendations for health and social factors effective on health which should be put into practice.

"Health standard has improved in Iran since victory of the Islamic Revolution, but, there is still a long way to go and with upholding justice at national level by the incumbent government, effective steps will be taken to enhance standard of health and well-being," the Supreme Leader said.

Minister of Health and Medical Education Baqeri Lankarani said that life expectancy has increased from 57 years before the Islamic Revolution to 70 years since establishment of the Islamic Republic and infant mortality has reduced to 22 per one thousand compared with 170 per thousand before the Islamic Revolution.

Chairman of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health Sir Michael Marmot said that health situation in the international community is alarming owing to social inequality and injustice and special attention should be given to social justice as the only solution to health hazards.

Sir Michael Marmot, who launched groundbreaking research studies on social determinants of health, admired Iranian achievements in health in the past 27 years.

S.Leader sends condolence message on martyrdom of IRGC commanders

Tehran, Jan 10, IRNA - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei sent a condolence message Monday on the occasion of martyrdom of Brigadier General Ahmad Kazemi and a number of Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders and officers in a plane crash. The full text of the Supreme Leader's message is as follows:

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Martyr-like demise of the brave commander of Islam Brigadier General Ahmad Kazemi and a number of IRGC commanders and officers saddened me deeply. That brave, pious, and gallant commander was among the precious remaining reminders of the sacred defense era and one of the prominent commanders of that unique legend. His wisdom and management power as a commander throughout the eight years of (Iraqi imposed) war had led to achieving great goals and he had on numerous occasions taken him to the verge of martyrdom then. Martyrdom in God's way was his greatest wish and had inflamed his heart, to an extent that he pioneered in heeding great task hoping to achieve that goal. Now his dream has come true and he has met God while performing a mission. I condole with the entire Iranian nation, and particularly the dear and martyr-nurturing residents of Najaf-Abad, on the martyrdom occasion of that brave, and renowned commander, and the others that lost their lives in that crash.

I also pray to Almighty Allah to grant great patience to the bereaved families of these martyrs, and condole with them on the sad occasion, reminding them of the heavenly rewards God has promised to patient people, and pray also for the exaltation of those martyrs souls.

Dey, 19th, 1384 (Jan 9, 2006)

Seyed Ali Khamenei

Supreme Leader addresses Qom people

Tehran, Jan 9 - Also today, the Iranian peopel are determined to build on their untapped potential to stick to the path of the Islamic Revolution and to that end unity and faith are the most important tools, Ayatollah Khamenei told multitudes of Qom resi dents Monday. At the meeting designed to mark the anniversary of a bloody uprising in the city 28 years ago, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution said the movement the architect of the Islamic Republic launched in Qom more than four decades ago is still alive, holding up the overwhelming vote of the public for revolutionary values, top among them justice, in recent elections as reason for Iranian commitment to revolutionary principles.

The Leader praised the efforts of officials to uphold revolutionary values, saying thank to those measures, Iran has been able to have a stonger say on the international stage. Recalling the proposal which paves the way for foreign involvement in Iran's nuclear program, the Leader said Tehran welcomes European and non-European contribution because the establishment will not renounce its right to peaceful nuclear technology developed on the back of extensive efforts by local scientists.

Ayatollah Khamenei further said Europe had better welcome a recent proposal of President Ahmadinejad to launch dialog with Europe on human rights, because it eases bilateral concerns over the rights question and paves the way for further contact.

The Leader stated the weapon of sanctions does not work in dealing with Iran; rather it hones the skills of Iranian scientists and gives a boost to their self-reliance. Ayatollah Khamenei advised officials and members of the public against divisive measures, saying solidarity is a must to secure the lofty objectives of the establishment. The leader concluded, regional countries should act vigilantly to foil the unholy designs of the US on the Middle East.

Supreme Leader's message to Hajj pilgrims

Tehran, Jan 9, IRNA - The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Monday stressed the perpetrators of crimes in Guantanamo, Abu Ghuraib and clandestine prisons in Europe have no right to speak of human rights. The Supreme Leader made the remark in his message to the Hajj pilgrims, which was read by his representative for Hajj affairs, Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi Reyshahri during the disavowal of pagans ceremony held in Arafat Desert on Monday. The humiliators of the Iraqi and Palestinian nations and the promoters of the groups that in the name of Islam consider it permissible to shed the blood of Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan also do not have any right to talk about human rights, the Supreme Leader added.

"The American and British governments that permit the torture and even shedding of the blood of the accused on the streets and the eavesdropping of the telephone calls of the citizens without a judicial verdict do not have any right to introduce themselves as advocates of civil rights," it further said. The governments that have tarnished their contemporary history by production and employment of nuclear and chemical weapons do not have any right to consider themselves the custodians of nuclear non-proliferation, the Supreme Leader reiterated. "The slogan of democratization is not accepted from the hegemonic powers that for many years have been the supporters of dictatorial regimes in Asia, Africa and the Americas," Ayatollah Khamenei said. The claim of campaign against terrorism and violence is abominating when made by the promoters of Zionist terrorism and perpetrators of harshest kinds of violence in Iraq and Afghanistan, the message added. "The claim of advocacy of civil rights by the devils, who have always praised and encouraged the crimes of a bloodsucking terrorist like Sharon against the oppressed Palestinians, is merely a blameworthy deception," the Supreme Leader said in his message.

Supreme Leader condoles demise of scholar, Kazemi-Ashtiani

Tehran, Jan 5, IRNA - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei in a message here Thursday, expressed his condolence over the sad demise of the revolutionary scholar, the late Saeed Kazemi-Ashtiani. Regretting his death, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to him as one of the competent offsprings of the Islamic Revolution promising a bright prospect in the field of biological sciences. In his message, the Supreme Leader prayed to the Lord to bless him and wished patience for his family and friends.

Supreme Leader: Iran can turn into exporter of agricultural products

Tehran, Jan 4, IRNA - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that great Iran should reach self-sufficiency in agriculture sector and called on the youth to join the national drive to boost agricultural output. In a meeting with several thousands of farmers on the occasion of the Agriculture Week, the Supreme Leader said that farmers should be held in high respect because agriculture sector plays an effective role in the independence of every nation. "With the spirit of Jihad (sacrifice for the sake of God), Iran can attain self-sufficiency in agriculture and even become an exporter of agricultural products," the Supreme Leader said. Ayatollah Khamenei felicitated farmers on Agriculture Jihad Week and honored them for their effective contribution to national food security and independence of the country. Islam recommends people to get involved in farming, the Supreme Leader said, adding, "You, who are working in agriculture sector in any part of this great territory, are basically reinforcing one of fundamental pillars of life of the nation."

The Supreme Leader thanked the farmers for attaining self-sufficiency in wheat production and said that it was a gift from the farmers and Agriculture Jihad Ministry to the nation. Ayatollah Khamenei once again reminded relevant government organs to enforce the 20-Year Strategy for Economic, Cultural and Social Development (2005-2025) which should be implemented in the context of four five-year plans simultaneously with the Fourth Five Year Economic, Cultural and Social Development Plan (2005-2010).

The Supreme Leader has already forwarded the 20-year vision plan for economic development to the heads of three branches of government to be included in their annual planning.

Supreme Leader: Iran should regain ancient status as 'mother of science'

Tehran, Jan 3, IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Iran should regain its ancient status as 'mother of science' thanks to hard works of young Iranian scientists. The Supreme Leader said in a meeting with members of the High Council for Cultural Revolution that the body is expected to make adequate planning for cultural development in line with 20-Year Strategy for Economic, Cultural and Social Development.

The Supreme Leader has already forwarded the 20-Year Strategy (2005-2025) to the heads of the executive, legislature and the judiciary to be taken into account in the context of four five-year development plans as of the Fourth Five-Year Economic, Cultural and Social Development Plan (2005-2010).

Elsewhere in his guidelines to the High Council for Cultural Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei said that in cultural planning, the body should pay due attention to commitment of the people to aspirations of the late Imam Khomeini which they displayed during the latest elections. "Now, the ground is well prepared to put into force cultural development as envisaged in the 20-Year Strategy for Economic and Cultural Development," the Supreme Leader said. The Supreme Leader said that by implementing adequate planning for cultural development, the current maladies in the domain of culture would lose ground.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the need to follow long-term planning particularly in the field of cultural development and said that the heads of three branches of government, cabinet ministers and respective organizations are required to enforce the long-term plans approved earlier by higher organs. The Supreme Leader advised the high council to pursue progress in the field of science and theoretical studies which are prerequisite for national development and progress of modern technology.

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