Tehran, May 30 - Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
on Tuesday expressed condolence to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on death
of the President's father.
"I extend condolence to you, entire family members and your dear mother
on death of your father who was a pious and faithful man with
revolutionary record. I pray to God to bestow blessings and mercy upon his
soul and patience to the bereaved ones," Ayatollah Khamenei said in his
letter.
Islamic Revolution Leader, His Eminence Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khaemeni
Sunday made significant remarks about the current situation in the Islamic
Republic of Iran in a meeting with the Parliament Speaker and lawmakers.
Recounting the remarkable conditions of the country regarding beacons
of hope and strength of the Islamic Republic system mainly the system's
initiating presence in international arena as well as the enemy's
passiveness, the dominance of the original Islamic statute as well as the
revival of values and slogans of the Islamic Revolution, the rare ongoing
integrity in the country, great scientific achievements by the Iranian
young talented people, and the expansion of strategic position of the
Islamic system among world Muslims, the IR Leader pointed to enemy's
desperate moves to overshadow current situation of the Islami c system
including provocations to incite sectarian and religious tensions. The
leader also made some remarks about cooperation of the three branches of
government, urging for preservation of Majlis independent approach along
with observing cooperation with other powers.
Ayatollah Khamenei described current situation of the country as rare
and likened it to early Islamic Revolution era in terms of basic sources
of hope.
"Today, like early on the revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran
holds initiative in the field of political transactions while its rivals
are holding onto a passive position," the IR Leader affirmed.
Ayatollah Khamenei touched on a number of strong points of the system
as source of the exceptional conditions of the country, mainly the
dominance of the original Islamic statute "which runs unlike what is
expected from other revolutions, as the framework and platform (of every
revolution) is usually expected to run down in the course of time, but the
Iranian people and the elites of the nation demonstrated their true self
by voting to the pure values and slogans of the Islamic Revolution,
causing enemies, who at some time pinned hope in certain remarks and
conducts, to hold onto a passive position."
The IR Leader called diligent and successful efforts of the Iranian
youth and their great scientific achievements as another source of hope at
the current juncture. Ayatollah Khamenei thanked good efforts made by the
former administration to promote scientific matters.
The IR Leader pointed to current unity and integrity in the country and
three branches of government as another strong point of the system, adding
that all along the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the late Imam (R.A.)
and other prominent figures underlined maintaining of unity, however, at
some time, dual governing was unfortunately promoted and enemies too
promoted the same idea, but it is now integrity among nation, government
and all officials that runs the situation.
Ayatollah Khamenei attached high significance to President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad's provincial visits, adding that nowhere in the world a
president receives such a warm reception from such huge masses. "This is a
clear example of integrity among nation and authorities," Ayatollah
Khamenei said.
As another strong point of the system, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to
the expansion of the strategic position of the Islamic System in the world
of Islam as well as the Muslim nations' ever-increasing welcome to the
Islamic Revolution shown during IRI's high-ranking officials' visits to
those countries, adding that President Ahmadinejad's letter to the
American President was a fine initiative, because initiation, courage and
daring others govern the field of international issues.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to a ratification recently passed by the
Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) which binds stopping voluntary
suspension of Iran's nuclear activities in case of reporting or referral
of Iran's file to the Security Council, calling it one of the best
ratifications of the Majlis under the Islamic Revolution System.
Concerning the country's nuclear affairs, the IR Leader said that the
Iranian young scientists guaranteed the future of the Iranian nation's
energy needs in the long run by their great achievement, adding that the
trend must not be lost at any price, because any backward movement is
equal to one hundred percent loss.
Referring to pressures of big powers and enemies of the Islamic system,
Ayatollah Khamenei said that in order to tackle with those pressures,
hearts and thoughts as well as the country's general milieu must be
consolidated.
Touching on enemies' different ways to pressure the system and people,
Ayatollah Khamenei denounced remarks by American and British authorities
that they have no problem with the Iranian nation as lies, adding that
they only have problem with the Iranian nation, because the Iranian
government and authorities are chosen through their votes and those people
are standing behind the system and support it.
The Honorable Leader pointed to attempts to provoke sectarian and
religious tensions as another approach of enemies and described it as
their last straw against the System and people, adding the enemies of the
nation have made it clear that they have allocated sums to campaigns
against the Iranian nation, but, like in other occasions, via a wrong
analysis, they trod a ground that underpins the Revolution and this move
too is definitely doomed to failure.
Referring to an elaborate record of the Azerbaijan province during the
Mashrooteh constitutional revolution, the Islamic Revolution developments
and the after-revolution era, Ayatollah Khamenei asserted that enemies
failed to know Azerbaijan, because Azeri people have always proved to be
unparalleled in diligently supporting the Islamic Revolution and the
country's territorial integrity and independence.
Recounting the early revolution incidents in Tabriz and the well known
quotation of the late Imam that "no worry, people of Tabriz will respond
to them," Ayatollah khamenei asserted that today, like ever before, people
of Azerbaijan and the aware and revolutionary figures of the land will
respond to enemy in the best manner and as they proclaimed in their recent
rallies, the sacrificing Azerbaijan will not separate from the Revolution.
The IR Leader described the present conditions of America in the region,
especially in Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, and the failure of the
"Great Middle East" plan based on the Zionist regime and the establishment
of a Great Middle East based on the Islamic Republic of Iran along with
other points of strength and stability of the Islamic System, as tokens of
a sensitive juncture in terms of emergence of strong points.
Ayatollah Khamenei urged continuing the right path and holding on the
flag of original Islamic statute, cautioning about vanity or negligence,
because "the Almighty God has no intimacy with any nation and will punish
vain and negligent people."
Meanwhile, the IR Leader praised the Parliament Speaker and lawmakers
and described the three branches of government as members of a single
association. Ayatollah Khamenei urged further cooperation between the
three branches, especially the Administrative and the Legislative, adding
that the Islamic Consultative Assembly, while keeping its independent
position, must pay attention to certain considerations and the
Administrative for its part, must fulfill its obligations toward Majlis so
that people experience integrity and harmony among branches of power.
Praising Majlis for avoiding controversial and contentious discussions,
Ayatollah Khamenei said that Majlis representatives must act in a way that
their performances recall the same slogans people voted for.
The Honorable Ayatollah Khamenei accounted active presence of lawmakers
in the parliamentary discussions and commissions and using expert
consultation as among their duties and urged for Majlis deputies to pay
attention to priorities and people's exigencies in reviewing bills and
draft laws.
The IR Leader called on lawmakers to mind their position and the
effects of their words and deeds in society, adding that officials and
deputies, by Divine assistance and maintaining virtue, must be careful not
to be entrapped by worldly whims and desires and not let these affairs
overshadow their positions and only mind the Divine consent.
Supreme Leader receives
Afghan president
Tehran, May 27, IRNA
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
received here Saturday visiting Afghanistan President Hamed Karzai.
In the meeting, the supreme leader said, "Very deep cultural, religious
and historical ties have created an appropriate and natural ground to
consolidate bilateral relations."
Cooperation in issues like Hirmand River water and Iran's active and
independent presence in Afghanistan rebuilding are among factors to
strengthen bilateral ties, the supreme leader pointed out, "We should
stand against those who oppose cooperation between regional countries and
neutralize their conspiracies to create discord."
Referring to extensive damage which Iranian nation and government have
suffered in fighting against drugs, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "We expect
the Afghans fight seriously against plantation of narcotic drugs."
Expressing satisfaction over progress in establishment of governmental
bodies in Afghanistan, the ayatollah noted Afghanistan was kept
underdeveloped because of interference of alien forces in the last decades,
but the Afghans with their strong culture, brilliant talent and
perseverance can make progress, if the American and the Europeans do not
interfere in Afghanistan.
Ayatollah Khamenei also said consolidation of ties between three
Persian language countries of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan would be
beneficial to the three countries and called for more effort in this
concern.
President Karzai appreciated Iran's help and said Afghanistan will
never forget their Iranian brothers' aids and we are proud to have a
friend like Iran.
The visiting president said historical and cultural commonalities,
proper knowledge of Iranians about Afghanistan problems and the wish of
Afghans for expansion of ties with Iran are among the factors which make
bilateral relations strong.
He concluded, "We see our future in cooperation with Iran and we want
the best ties and relations with you."
Supreme Leader calls for
honoring thoughts, doctrines of Imam Khomeini
Tehran, May 24, IRNA
Supreme Leader-Commemoration of Imam Khomeini
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
said on Wednesday that the thoughts and identity of Imam Khomeini are
still alive and dynamic and the principles inherited from the late Imam
Khomeini are moving on explicit and definite bases.
In a meeting with members of the headquarters in charge of holding
anniversary of Imam Khomeini's departure (June 4), the Supreme Leader said
that safeguarding the thoughts and principles of Imam Khomeini is the main
task.
Referring to invincible character of Imam Khomeini in the process of
the Islamic Revolution which culminated in 1979, the Supreme Leader said
that Imam Khomeini by relying upon faith and without fearing any threats,
in an era when religion had weak presence in the society and even was
exposed to ignorance owing to prevalence of materialistic views, entered
the scene and introduced religion as the basis for human lifestyle and
founded a state on the foundation of religion.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that Imam Khomeini enjoyed exemplary insight,
talent and firm character.
"He founded a sapling which has blossomed and grown up with deep roots.
The big powers, in spite of a variety of conspiracies have been
disappointed in confronting it," Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out.
"Hostility of the hegemonic powers to the Islamic Republic is in fact
because of their enmity with the thoughts of Imam Khomeini and some 17
years after his departure, they still target his lofty personality by all
means at their disposal," the Supreme Leader said.
The Supreme Leader said that those advocating doctrines of Imam
Khomeini should honor their commitments.
"They cannot proclaim themselves as advocates of Imam Khomeini and, on
the other hand, seek their personal benefits under the Islamic Republic by
ignoring social justice and moving in harmony with international
capitalism."
The Supreme Leader said that the late Imam Khomeini believed in
religion and ideology as basis for the state, adding that it is impossible
for one to see oneself an advocate of Imam Khomeini, but, at the same time
call for separation of ideology from politics.
"This is the US methodology."
"When Iranian diplomats find fault with Western officials and urge them
to correct their mistakes, they say that they are going along with their
own principles. Now, how they expect Iranians to drop their own principles
and do just like them?" Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Supreme Leader criticizes
Int'l media networks for ignoring human tragedies
Tehran, May 16, IRNA
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei
said on Tuesday that international media networks are suffering from an
epidemic of ignoring human tragedies at the expense of magnifying small
events.
In a meeting with representatives of different national radio and
television networks being represented in the Seventh International
Conference of Radio Union, the Supreme Leader said that the international
media networks easily ignore death of 120,000 Iraqi civilians in US-led
invasion of Iraq and instead, they give wide coverage to the bird flu
victims.
The Supreme Leader said that a distinctive way of thinking and culture
have dominated the international media networks serving interests of large
economic enterprises and the hegemonic powers.
"If ethical values and virtue find a way to the administrative system
of the international media networks, situation of humanity will improve
and they would work for happiness and prosperity of mankind," the Supreme
Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the mass media would have positive impacts
on improving situation of the mankind and promoting international peace
and security, but, they have become as tools in the hands of warmongers to
ignite flames of war and promote a certain lifestyle in order to strip
different nations of their cultural identity.
"The mass media should serve as a good venue for dialogue among nations
in bilateral or multilateral forms to exchange views about culture, ethics
and lofty humanitarian values," the Supreme Leader said.
Citing the example of "one-way propaganda of the international mass
media", the Supreme Leader said that the international mass media are
attributing "weapon production" to Iran's plan to produce nuclear energy,
because they are working for the arms manufacturing companies and
producers of destructive atomic bombs.
"They are spreading big lies every day. They do not reflect every day
systematic genocide of defenseless Palestinians by the Zionist regime, but
instead, they give full coverage if an explosion occurs and a few people
get injured," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Tehran, May 11 - Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei
visited Thursday Tehran 19th International Book Fair.
During the 3-hour visit, the IR Leader talked with a number of
publishers and was briefed on the latest publications in the field as well
as rate of book sales.
The Leader was accompanied by Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance,
Hussein Saffar-Harandi.
Tehran, May 2 - "Education and nurture is the cornerstone of the future
of the country," Islamic Revolution Leader told a large group of teachers
and educationists Tuesday, adding that if the Iranian people wish to have
a bright future and improved conditions, special attention should be paid
to education and nurture.
Speaking to a gathering of teachers on the occasion of 'Teachers Day',
Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei pointed to educational syllabus of developed
countries which includes easy philosophical lessons for children.
The Leader termed the move a new approach to the role of education and
nurture in resolving human essential issues.
Ayatollah Khamenei urged dealing with education and nurture through a
comprehensive approach, adding that "unless we want to lag behind the
global upswing the approach should be adopted."
Ayatollah Khamenei described Ministry of Education and Nurture as the
most important productive body. The IR Leader called for deliberate
investment in the field, adding however that intellectual investment is
more essential than finance.
Ayatollah Khaemeni said that finest and most marked intellects must be
called upon to lift Ministry of Education and Nurture from stagnancy and
the grip of obsolete and static methodologies so that the ministry would
pave the way for a bright future through due planning.
The IR Leader recalled the grim eras of Qajar and Pahlavid dynasties
during which the Iranian nation was held backward and said that in order
to make for the imposed backwardness, all people should do their best and
take on bypass roads to reach the apex of science and advance. He vowed
the ascension will be possible taking into account the talent and wit of
the Iranian nation.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that by promulgating justice-oriented outlook
in the ministry, stage will be set for relative justice in future and
reducing class gap, adding that no justice-oriented outlook will tolerate
the existence of underprivileged schools alongside futuristic ones.
"Such outlook solely pays attention to talent, shunning matters of
money or region," he noted.
The IR Leader put emphasis on the issue of nurture, underlining that
role of nurture in promotion of young generation faith, character,
self-confidence, and wit. The Leader called on related officials to pay
harmonious attention to both education and nurture in drawing future
prospects.
Ayatollah Khamenei criticized poor attention currently paid to the holy
Quran in educating and nurturing children, adding that whereas a
praiseworthy Quranic movement exists in the society, the ministry has
fallen short. The Leader said that ground must be prepared for a fine,
fair and effective presence of Quran in various levels of educational
system.
The IR Leader also highlighted the role of national teacher training
centers in training aware, efficient and professional forces.
The Leader expressed pleasure over his meeting with teachers.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the country at present undergoes favorite
conditions the administration follows revolutionary aspirations and
essential affairs.
He urged for utilizing the opportunity to revitalize the ministry of
Education and Nurture under the invaluable 20-Year Outlook plan.
