Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei speaking to the members of the Assembly of
Experts 10.9.2003.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
. . . The Islamic system (in Iran), from its inception, has faced a huge
global challenge. The reason for this is that, in the world, the power holders
think about their own interests and cannot tolerate the emergence and expansion
of a new power against their illegitimate interests. This power came into being
with the victory of the Islamic revolution and the establishment of the Islamic
system in Iran.
Not just the mere fact of this state and the Islamic system, but perhaps more
important and dangerous to arrogance was the spread of Islamic awakening in the
world of Islam; a danger that threatens arrogance today too and directs their
enmities towards the world of Islam and especially towards this central focal
point of the world of Islam, that is to say, the Islamic system. This was
unavoidable. From the very first day, this enmity has existed in various forms.
Fending off enemy's threats
There have been threats against the Islamic system and the Islamic country of
Iran since the beginning of the revolution, in various forms. At times their
protests and their enmity have been even stronger and more tangible than they
are now. We should not forget the imposed war period, when the Islamic Republic
was alone against the arrogant world and the imposition of that war. And also
before and after it, until today.
And those threats are continuing today. Of course, there is a difference in
our favor. It is that we are more experienced today, more aware; we have more
people; we have more ready minds all over the country. Because of the people's
industry and the good intentions of our nation, God Almighty has protected us
well so far. God willing He will continue to do so in the future.
What, under the present circumstances, I consider my duty, and I also
recommend to the country's officials, is that we must not leave the arena of the
hard work. As to where that hard work is our responsibility, based on the
correct understanding of issues, is the most important way to solve problems. We
should strive and work hard, since the continuation of that hard work and
struggle during the oppressive period of the satanic regime enabled us to
overcome those huge problems facing us.
That continued hard work during the war removed that great threat from the
country. The continuation of the struggle and resistance against various
problems has been the only solution throughout the revolution period - the
adventuresome 25 years of the revolution. As it is said: “And those who strive
in Our cause, We will certainly guide them to our paths.” And as it is also
said: “And if any strive with might and main, they do so for their own souls.”
That hard work is the only way for us. And, alhamdulillah, our nation, our
officials, the large number of pious people in our society, our youngsters, are
all ready for that endeavor. We should not let our resolve weaken in any way.
That hard work applies to various arenas, which includes to strive for the
country's independence and national integrity, in the face of the hegemonic
policy of America in the past few years. That hegemonic policy, that
expansionist policy, that monopolism and aggressionism are not solely targeted
at countries in the Muslim world, Eastern countries, or the Middle East; they
cover the whole world. It means that even the Europeans feel that they are the
targets of economic, cultural and political aggression by America. That is felt
by them and is a fact.
That hegemonic and expansionist policy is partly directed at our region and
our country. In that arena one should vigilantly strive and resist and not let
the country's independence be threatened and its national integrity trampled on.
The integrity has been achieved for the country thanks to Islam and the people's
hard work. It should be preserved with all our might. That is one of the arenas
of endeavor.
The second arena is the propagation of the culture of pure Islam and
religious thought and the propagation of the ideology that led to the awakening
of the Muslim world. The name of Islam and the truth of Islam existed in some
parts of the Muslim world; stronger in some parts and weaker in others. But the
image of Islam to the world, the ummah, as a great entity, possessing vast
talents and capable of moving and awakening, is an image that started in Islamic
Iran and spread to and saturated the whole world. Meaning the image of Islam
from that angle and the propagation of that ideology in the Muslim world. An
ideology that a government has created which has been able to extract freedom,
democracy and a government reliant on the vote of the people, from the heart of
Islamic teachings.
That is what is unprecedented in the Muslim world, in our time and in the
last few centuries. The image of an Islamic government in the eyes of the people
during the rule of the Ottomans, and before them, the Abbasids and Umawwids, was
different. It which was the opposite of what the Muslim world understands by a
government from the standpoint of Islamic Iran. Which is a religious culture
arising from the Islamic system, which has been the source of this Islamic
system, and the move towards Islamic unity.
Islamic unity
In the same ideology, one aspect is the unity of the Muslim peoples. That is,
Islam's view of the people as a single entity. Shunning tribal disputes and
sectarian disputes in the world of Islam and in Islamic communities: this was
something of which the Islamic revolution was the harbinger. These things must
not be neglected or forgotten.
Freedom. Rule by the people. The quest for justice. These were slogans that
were raised by the Islamic revolution. And it presented Islam to the world with
these perspectives, with these slogans, with these viewpoints. We have to pay
attention to these things.
Today, too, all these concepts - within the aggregate of ideas of the Islamic
system - that arise out of Islam are being combated in the world at various
levels: the rule of religion, religion's concern for the affairs of people's
lives, the compatibility of rule by the people with religion. These things are
being combated both in the theoretical arena and the arena of action; just as
the unity of the Islamic ummah is also fiercely combated. And this is one of the
old experiences of colonialism.
And today, we see that, in different parts of the world, the enemies are
seriously pursuing sectarian wars between Muslims. Just now, in Iraq, they are
suggesting to a part of the world of Islam that Iraq's future state will fall
into the hands of the Shias and that this is a threat to them. They suggest to
Shias: Your enemies are the Sunnis. They are advancing their policies in this
way, so that they can sow dissension between Shias and Sunnis, between different
Islamic schools of thought. This is one of the old policies of colonialism, of
which the British are among the past masters. They are very good at it. In our
country, too, they carry out efforts to this end.
The slogan for pure Islam - the Islam which laid the foundation for the
Islamic system - is that all Muslims, despite their religious differences, must
be united. They should refrain from hurting each other’s feelings. Such a
religious culture embodies freedom, justice and democracy. We can see solidarity
in the Islamic world and among the Islamic nations. This forms an arena in which
we must work hard and strive.
Establishing justice, fighting corruption
We must also work towards improving the lives of our people inside the
country. This is among our most important tasks. When we speak about improving
the living conditions, we are referring to jobs, security, health, education,
culture and ethics. The responsibility for achieving this goal rests on the
shoulders of the country's executive machinery. Everyone must work in this arena.
We consider this to be an important area and do our utmost to help its
development.
The most difficult task relates to establishing justice. Eliminating
discrimination, preventing the misappropriation of public funds are among the
most difficult tasks we are faced with. Based on historical lessons and domestic
experiences, which we have acquired in the past years, we have come to realize
that establishing justice is one the most difficult tasks. Anyone who commits an
offence, be it tangible or intangible, is against the establishment of justice.
That is what we mean by having to strive for establishing justice and
fighting corruption. We mean fighting financial corruption, specially among the
officials and those in charge of the public funds. This is one the most
difficult and at the same time most rewarding tasks facing us - if it were to
yield result. If there is justice in society, then people would tolerate many
hardships. They remain patient, if there is no discrimination and favoritism.
This is a very difficult arena to work in. These four areas form the most
important battlefields for us. We are doing our part in working in these areas.
We also offer our help and advise to the country's honorable officials. If the
experts in our society and country's officials demonstrate unity in their
position and slogans, then we will achieve victory in all fields. The Holy Quran
teaches us this. We have also learned this lesson from history. Our esteemed
Imam (Khomeini) repeatedly reminded us of this point. We should not let discord
permeates through our voices and slogans. We should maintain a united front
against the aggressive enemy. This is our duty today.
Upcoming elections
Differences in tastes, differences in views about numerous details, maybe
differences over fundamentals on some issues that do not play a part in the
basis of the system do exist. And it is not unexpected. There is nothing wrong
with the existence of differences in tastes and views of this kind. The thing
that is wrong is for differences, even at levels more trivial, lower than this,
to lead some people - before the eyes of the enemy - to stand against one
another over small or big issues and to forget the enemy. And, possibly, some of
them, in the course of these domestic, family disputes, may even wink at the
enemy, may even convey a slight gesture of affection to the enemy, overtly or
covertly. This is the thing that is bad. This is what we strongly call on all
the factions in the country to shun.
Otherwise, well, differences do exist, dialogue does exist. This has always
been the case. It is unavoidable. And it poses no important threat to the
system. When the officials in charge of various sectors are expending effort,
working, striving, it does not matter that differences of this kind exist, as
long as they do not prevent the work. The thing that is important is differences
in stances, in showing conflicting and contradictory images to one another - and
before the eyes of the enemy. Care must be taken about this. We give this advice
to everyone.
And, in the not-too-distant future, in a few months, we have the Majlis
elections. God willing, it will be an arena for the Islamic system to display
its strength and for our people to display their strength and for the
mobilization of our masses, with their presence on the stage, so that, despite
the enemy's propaganda, it can become clear that this system does not depend on
one person or two people or this or that person. This system depends on the
votes of the people, on the people's sentiments, on the people's affections, on
the people's will and resolve, and on the people's presence on the stage. Pious
people.
When assuming such positions, the enemy would certainly not be able to harm
this country and the revolution. We must recognize and understand our own
position and act with great care. No-one should be negligent in this area. We
must all know our duties and fulfill our grave responsibilities. If we fulfill
our duties, then we will succeed and with God's help continue our work. As
honorable Ayatollah Meshkini has pointed out, we should remember that what
elevates us and bring us into God's grace are our action, work, effort and
sincerity. We hope that with God's grace such efforts are intensified among our
people and officials. We pray to God for the success of the honorable gentlemen
here.
Message of Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei on the
Martyrdom of Ayatollah Sayyid Mohammad Baqir Hakim
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
"To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return" (2:156).
The guilty and sinister hands of the mercenaries of arrogance have created a
great tragedy. They annihilated a precious figure who was a bastion of
resistance to those who are occupying Iraq. Today, next to the immaculate
mausoleum of the Amir al-Mu'menin, may God bestow His blessings and mercy upon
him, Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir Hakim, as well as dozens of faithful men and women
who had benefited from taking part in precious Friday-prayers, drank the elixir
of martyrdom. They ascended to the safe realm of divine blessing and magnanimity.
This beloved martyr was a mujahid alim who spent years fighting the malevolent
Saddam regime in order to ensure the restoration of the rights of the Iraqi
nation. After the collapse of that monument to evil and corruption, he remained
a strong bastion of resistance against American and British occupiers. He
started a difficult struggle against their sinister plots. He prepared himself
for martyrdom in pursuit of this great jihad because he wanted to join the ranks
of the martyrs of the eminent Hakim family, as well as the others who were
martyred in pursuit of knowledge and erudition in Iraq. The calamity which
befell Holy Najaf today and the martyrdom of that magnanimous Sayyid and mujahid
alim, was, undoubtedly, an act perpetrated with a view to serving the interests
of America and the perfidious Zionists. Martyr Ayatollah Hakim was the
embodiment of the rightful demands of a nation which saw its religion and
independence being threatened. It can see that its house is under the boots of
the occupiers. It wants to defend its religious and national identities from the
occupiers. The martyrdom of that magnanimous Sayyid was a heart-rending tragedy
for the Iraqi nation and provides further evidence of the crimes committed by
the occupiers. They have imposed insecurity and disorder on Iraq through their
illegitimate presence. However, the enemies of an independent and Muslim Iraq
must know that the martyrdom of an innocent man will not weaken the
steadfastness and resistance of the Iraqi nation in the face of the plots
hatched by arrogance and Zionism. This will not weaken their faith in and
loyalty to the line of Islam or to their religious leadership. In fact, the
Iraqi nation will only become more steadfast. Insha Allah. I would like to
remind the faithful and brave Iraqi nation that the only way to ensure its lofty
status and save the country from the dangerous plots hatched by arrogance and
Zionism is to speak with one voice under the glorious banner of Islam. Today,
they can rely upon this strong divine bond to define the future destiny of their
country and future generations. An Islamic and independent Iraq will remain a
shining star in the Islamic world. Prominent religious and political figures of
Iraq can only rely upon God and their unanimity to accomplish the huge task
which they will have to accomplish in this truly exceptional period. I hope that
they will remain steadfast in pursuit of this goal and I wish them success. I
wish to send my condolences to His Eminence Baqiyatallah al-Azam, ruhi fedah,
the peoples of Iraq and Iran, as well as to hawzahs and eminent maraji of Najaf
and Qom and the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq, on this tragic
loss. I wish to also send my condolences to the eminent and martyr-nurturing
Hakim family in particular and the martyr's magnanimous brother, Mr. Sayyid Abd
al-Aziz Hakim and the beloved family and children of that martyr. I would also
like to congratulate them on this act of martyrdom. I also beseech God to grant
patience and bestow His rewards upon the respectable families of the others who
were martyred as a result of this calamitous incident. I ask Almighty God to
enhance the status of all of those innocent martyrs and ensure the rapid
recovery of all of those who were injured as a result of the incident. In order
to pay tribute to that beloved Sayyid and all the other combatants who fought
alongside him, I hereby declare three days of public mourning.
"And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their
affairs will take" (26:227).
Seyyid Ali Khamenei 1 Rajab 1424 (29 August , 2003).
Message to Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad Baqir Hakim
Text of Ayatollah al-Udhma Khamenei's August 24 2003 message to Ayatollah
Sayyed Muhammad Baqir Hakim, following the explosion at the home of Ayatollah
Sayyed Muhammad Sa'id Hakim:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad Baqir Hakim, damat barakatuh. The news of the
explosion at the honorable home of Ayatollah Sayyed Muhammad Sa'id Hakim, damat
barakatuh, made me very sad and concerned. The criminals who perpetrated this
bloody incident move in line with evil policies aimed at weakening the great
Najaf Hawzah and threatening the lofty position of marjaiyah. Such criminal acts
could be used as an excuse by the occupiers of Iraq for police tactics and
suppression and could lead to unrest and domestic disputes at a time when the
oppressed people of Iraq have the greatest need for unity of expression. If the
perpetrators of this crime are not direct mercenaries of the aggressor enemy,
they are undoubtedly deceived people who have acted contrary to the dictates of
religion, wisdom and ethics. I strongly believe that, with vigilance and a firm
resolve, the pious and brave people of Iraq will overcome all the conspiracies
of the enemies, and by relying on dear Islam and seeking the attention of the
Pure Imams, God's peace be upon them - for Iraq is the place of their pure
mausoleums - they will raise the banner of Islam, independence and freedom over
that country, Insha Allah. I pray to God for greatness for Islam and Muslims and
success for your excellency. Peace and God's mercy be upon you.
(Signed) Sayyed Ali Khamenei. 2 Shahrivar 1382 (24 August 2003).
Iran is standard bearer of religious democracy
His eminence speech was on Wed. 6th August 2003 in an audience contained
officials of the administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate. the Merciful.
First of all I welcome all the dear brothers and sisters. I hope this meeting
will be a source of goodness and blessing for us all. Secondly, I thank Mr.
president for his stately remarks. They were very good, specially the parts on
the moral and ethical society. The remarks were full of ideas as well as
feelings of faith, sympathy, vision and vigilance. . . Much progress has been
made
We, the Islamic revolution and system, were handed over a country where 70
per cent of the people were illiterate. Today, we are a literate people. A very
large portion of the people are educated. The figures are well known. Our
country has done a miracle for the growth of universities and students. The
number of students and university branches - which exist in every part of the
country today - are ten times more than what they were when the Islamic system
was established. Are there any small or large towns in the country where there
is not a university or two?
The progress in the domain of technology is amazing: In the petrochemical
industry, in the oil industry, in the production of steel, in the products of
the military industries, and the military equipment which are being produced in
the country. There was a time that we couldn't even dream about having, let
alone building, such products. Today these things are being built. As for
superior technology, the world speaks about this with pride. Despite all their
enmity they had to concede that Iran is among the ten countries which has been
able to produce the nuclear-fuel cycle. This is not a small matter. Of course,
it is only natural that when there is such success they should make a commotion
about it. They say "Yes, they want to do this and do that, they want to
build (nuclear) bombs", and they say other things. But this is not
important. This progress has been made as a blessing of the Islamic system. It
is the same in the domain of research. The research at each of these huge and
important universities which I sometimes visit - I am kept informed from a
distance or I go an d visit from close quarters - their research is truly
admirable. This has been achieved at a time when in the past years problems have
not allowed the government to allocate as much fund as it should be to research.
Look at the medical advances, the infra-structural advances, the dams, the
roads, the offshore platforms, the offshore stations used for oil and other
things. These things have been achieved, with the blessings of the Creator,
while we maintained our independence, i.e. while they had shut all the main
doors on us around the world. But maybe this was a blessing (in disguise).
Sometimes we are unhappy that doors are closed on us in the world but this
forces us to deal with ourselves and to use our potential to bring about
progress and advancement.
On Islamic democracy
We have our own experts and the main executors are from inside the country.
Of course, as far as possible we have benefited from the global knowledge. This
is because the global knowledge belongs to all members of mankind. Likewise, our
knowledge belongs to all other human beings. Once upon a time, the Islamic world
offered its services to the rest of the world, and today we benefit from the
global knowledge. . .
One of the most important gains of our Islamic state is the realization of
democracy. Our religious democracy which stems from Islam is an achievement that
gives pride to all Muslims. This country had never experienced the sweet taste
of people's involvement throughout history. Only for a short period when the oil
industry was nationalized (in 1953), the people experienced some sort of
democracy with many limits. This is a long story. At any rate, that short period
of democracy did not last long. It was attacked and destroyed. However, we have
succeeded in establishing a lasting democracy. Our people participate in the
elections to appoint their president, their leader and the deputies of the
Majlis. We are witnessing that our people are involved in the political arenas
and the decision-making process. This is a major achievement of the Islamic
state. We must be proud of serving such a state.
My dear ones, we must be proud, we must be proud. And we must transfer this
proud feeling to the young people. The younger generation must feel proud of
living in the Islamic Iran. But our enemies do not wish this. They intend to
make our young people feel ashamed and humiliated. They magnify our weak points.
No doubt, every one has weak points. All nations and all states have weaknesses.
However, our enemies exaggerate and magnify our weaknesses by waging propaganda.
They stress on some weak points and tell so many lies repeatedly against us that
even our statesmen come to believe that they may be true. This is the policy of
the enemy so as to deprive us of our feeling of pride.
American-Zionist front against Islamic Republic
You should promote a sense of pride among yourselves, among your youngsters,
among the new developing generation. We have many resources thank God. But we
also face challenges and problems. This is the other issue that I want to talk
about. There are not just one or two challenges or problems. There are many.
However, I see two major challenges. One, the formation of a united front
against us. Members of this front are America and the Zionists. You shouldn't
think that there is a global coalition against the Islamic Republic. No. This
united front, the centre which works against the Islamic Republic with all its
might, has two members: the regime of the United States of America and the
Zionist regime and its Zionist supporters around the world whose power, wealth
and influence around the world are not insignificant. This is it. This is one of
the main challenges that we face. The reason for their enmity is obvious. Once
Iran was a rug under the feet of the Americans. They did whatever they wanted in
Iran. They controlled the economy. They controlled the culture. The major
appointments and dismissals were under their control. The government was under
their c! ontrol. They profited and plundered. And now they have lost this. This
was one reason. The important issue was that the great movement of the Iranian
nation became a turning point for the Islamic world. Today, the issue of the
Islamic revival has spread from east, or at least from Pakistan, to the west and
North Africa. The people are demanding Islam. The people are openly demanding
support for Islam. This is a great threat to America. They admit that their
interests are threatened and they are correct. Of course, their interests are
illegitimate. Yes, the Islamic reawakening is threatening their illegitimate and
odious interests. They are therefore seriously opposed to our Islamic state.
Thanks to the emergence of the Islamic system, the resistance of the
oppressed Palestinian people gained a new momentum. The Zionists have realized
this and are now accused our Islamic Republic of offering military assistance to
the Palestinians. These are all lies. The Palestinian people have risen to
defend themselves and there is no doubt that they are ins! pired by the Islamic
movement. The Zionists are therefore strongly opposed to the centre point. Their
provocations against us began in various shapes from the start of the revolution.
. .
Nuclear weapons don't solve problems
During the war (with Iraq) we managed to get hold of many sorts of weapons
despite their wishes. They were against it. And we got hold of other things too.
But they went even further. Gas pipelines and other things. For example, during
the former government there was the Japanese project for the construction of a
dam over Karun river. The contract had been signed but they undermined it. Some
countries took notice of American pressure and some didn't. They continued to
work with us. We have done what we should have done and we have progressed. But
they have not reduced their enmity. It is a continues and perpetual enmity. Of
course, this will continue until they lose hope. When dealing with visions in
our country there is a certain issue that we have to ! take into consideration,
not only vis-a-vis the fourth or the fifth Development Plan, but will all the
general visions of every political and economic activity. The issue is that we
have to reach a point where the enemy feels it can no longer cope and it can no
longer hope. Then their enmity will diminish or end. As long as the enemy has
the hope that it can uproot the Islamic system it will try to hurt us. We should
concentrate our efforts to strengthen the structure in such a way that they feel
any attack of the sword will only blunt their weapon against their own interests
and every bullet against us will ricochet back to them. (Audience chants of
approval: Allahu Akbar)
Of course, since the coming to power of the warmongers in the American
government - the neo-conservatives who are true warmongers and whose work is
based in war and military aggression - the tone and language of their threats
has changed. What are we to do with this challenge? As far as I can see we have
to strengthen ourselves and engage in legitimate defence. This is the dictate of
reason, and of political and diplomatic logic. Of course, domestic strength, is
not in the sense that they imagine, i.e. obtaining a certain sort of weapon. No.
Nuclear weapons don't solve any problems, as Mr. President pointed out.
Furthermore, we don't agree, logically and principally, with weapons of mass
destruction in this form. We are opposed to them. At that time (of war against
Iraq), in the discourse on Jihad we argued against biological and chemical
weapons, and we banned them. Our government announced this at the time. This is
not the case. Domestic strength has another definition. I will briefly refer to
this later. However, any form of withdrawal from an arrogant and bullying power
is a unilateral act. Any form of withdrawal is an invitation to further
aggression. We have learnt this from experience. We have experienced this in the
past years and in various fields.
On faith, resistance, steadfastness
Wherever they have seen a step back, they have com! e a step forward. They
have not been grateful, saying: Well, they have made a concession, so we will
make a concession. No. Such things have no meaning in a confrontation with
powers. Materialistic powers do not understand that. When they see that the
other side has gone back a step, or is cowed, they feel that more pressure
should be applied. The only thing that can safeguard Iran and the Islamic system
is inner strength and a firm resolve for legitimate and logical defence. That is
what has taken place in the past 25 years, without relying on others. Some
people think that if we wish to say no to America, we should rely of Europe.
They say: There is no difference between America and Europe. In the first place,
there is a difference. Secondly, did we rely on the Soviet Union when we
confronted America in the war (with Iraq)? They were enemies then. In practice,
the enmity of the former Soviet Union towards us during the war was not less
than that of America. It is not like that. If the nation conforms to the
conditions for inner strength - the nation does; you and I should - the enemy
cannot deal us blows. Of course, it plays tricks, makes things difficult,
imposes costs on us. But reaching the lofty position of greatness and progress
has a price. Finding greatness and loftiness is costly. Degradation is also
costly. Is degradation not costly? Just take look at the Iraqi Ba'thists. An
American officer takes away the wife of a Ba'thist officer and has his way with
her and he does not dare to say anything. Is there any greater degradation? And
they are paying the price. They have been debased and they are paying the price.
That is the fate of an army that does not resist the enemy. Achieving greatness
and loftiness and power also has a price, which should be paid. One should act,
move forward. What I feel is that, in our short-sighted, personal experience,
God's promise to us so far has been true. "And be steadfast in patience;
for verily Allah will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish" [Quranic
verse! ]. Wherever we had faith, waited, resisted, the Almighty God did not l et
us go unrewarded. Wherever we did not act we received blows, there were
disruptions. It is the same now. The Almighty God said to his prophet: "Therefore,
stand firm (in the straight path) as thou art commanded." [Quranic verse]
Resistance and steadfastness should be in a straight path; there should be no
deviation from that straight path. That is our solution. That is the solution to
Iran's problems. And you and I should pay attention to it. Of course, the ugly
face of America's bullying has been exposed in the world today. That helps us.
Warmongering American, Zionists Their slogans of human rights, democracy and
such have become meaningless in the world today, because of what they have done
in Iraq and Afghanistan, because of the evil intentions that they have voiced.
According to reports, at the meeting between the prime minister of the Zionist
regime and the American president last week the American president present him
with a map of Greater Israel, from the Nile to the Euphrates. What does that
mean? How can Islamic countries believe their words? How can they regard America
as an arbitrator in the Palestinian issue? That aggressive, bullying, usurping
and wrong slogan - from the Nile to the Euphrates - was the cursed and condemned
slogan of the Zionists. Recently they have denied it, saying: No, that is a lie,
we have no such intentions. Now these American warmongers are advocating it.
That has exposed them to the Muslim world. Even if some heads of Islamic or Arab
states do not dare say anything, the nations understand, the nations hear, the
nations will stand against them.
Development Plans Regarding the economy, what we attach importance to is
economic progress; employment, which is a very important issue; reducing
inflation; self-sufficiency in basic agricultural products, that is, the
country's food security. They are very important and fundamental issues. In this
period we must reach the desired level in that field. That is, we! should bring
inflation down to single figures. Of course, in some of the countries mentioned,
according to figures, inflation is very high. They have made some progress, but
inflation is very high. It is intolerable. Life is very difficult in some of the
countries mentioned, which I do not want to name. In the social field,
development should be knotted to the people. The people should be the axis of
development. Justice is definitely one of the main factors. Any planning and
policy making that ignores justice and fair distribution of wealth in society
cannot fulfil our desired goal. It is not our desired plan. That should be noted,
especially by the planners. I say this, particularly since our brothers from the
Management Organization are here, experts are here. They should note that the
issue of social justice, economic justice and fair distribution of wealth must
definitely be observed. We are not saying that everybody should earn the same.
That is not the point. But we cannot overlook justice, which is one of the most
fundamental factors in the Islamic Republic system. It should definitely be
observed.
Eradicating poverty: Civil and legal security are also very important which
should be noted. Freedom, in a logical and proper manner - not in an extremist
way, not as an imitation - proper freedom, the banner of which the Islamic
revolution and the Islamic system has raised in the Muslims world. The banner of
freedom was raised by the Islamic republic. There should be freedom in society.
Of course, there are many countries that proclaim freedom, shout slogans about
it. But they have no freedom. Civil freedom is severely violated in some areas.
It exists in Europe and in the United States of America, itself. In America
there is freedom up to the point where it does not harm the basic interests of
capitalists, who are the masterminds of the American system behind the scenes.
If it is damaged in the slightest, freedom is heavily suppressed. And they pay
no attention to anybody else. That is how it is. We believe in freedom. Our
belief in freedom is deep-rooted and based on religion. Another point regarding
social issues is safeguarding the rights of citizens. Diplomacy: There should be
dynamism, having direction, actively participating in regional and international
conventions and organizations. Scientific issues: What we have been saying and
repeating for the past two or three years about software development and
knowledge should be achieved. It is not a slogan. I am, of course, following it
up with all the possible centres. But I do not do executive work. On the
importance of constitution I recommend that the executive departments should
perform the task of implementing projects. Praise be to God, this has started
already. However, we must become more serious in innovating knowledge. We must
develop new science in all spheres. The major part of our national power came
from our morale of devotion. This morale demonstrated itself during the (Iran-Iraq)
war as seeking martyrdom. Today, we are facing another battlefield which is more
daunting and more ! difficult than the arena of war. And here we must raise the
morale of devotion and self-sacrifice too. Such a morale will confuse all the
equations designed by the enemies. If we were to boost this morale among
ourselves, we would disturb all the equations of power balance in the world in
our favour. On Islamic constitution The constitution resembled the pillars of a
building. It is like the foundation of a structure. If we wanted to build a huge
and high-rise structure, we would need to dig a foundation and erect pillars to
determine the general shape of the structure. The constitution is the foundation
and pillars of such a building. We have a constitution, which is our firm
framework. Over the past 24 or 25 years much effort was undertaken to decorate
inside of this lofty structure. We can offer it as an example to the rest of the
world, but the enemies are concentrating all their efforts to prevent us from
doing so. They therefore attack the foundations of this structur! e in order to
demolish it. Of course, our ordinary laws are flexible. It is not wise for us to
destroy the foundations in order to alter and modernize the routine laws. That
is, one does not destroy the foundations when one wishes to alter the decoration
inside a building. We must resolutely safeguard the foundations. The foundations
were laid properly. We can see that in the world today there are nations with
constitutions going back 200 to 300 years. The governments of these nations,
which occasionally protest against the Islamic Republic, firmly safeguard their
own constitutions. They clutch firmly to safeguard centuries old constitutions
to protect them from harm. Let me give you an example. Last year, a group of
so-called American intellectuals issued a statement to justify the warmongering
policies of the American president and his gang. In that statement, the
intellectuals laid emphasis on the American values based on the constitution of
George Washington's era. Their values are therefore over 200 years old. The
American values became a principle for them to justify their warmongering
policies and even the application of atom bombs. During the same period George
Bush threatened to drop bombs on several countries. See how committed they are
to their values. However, when it comes to us and as we show commitment to our
constitution and values, they accuse us of fundamentalism or describe us as
reactionaries. In other words, the American fundamentalism is viewed as a
positive virtue, whereas Islamic fundamentalism - based on logic, wisdom,
experience and desire for independence - is condemned as some sort of debasement.
Of course, they no longer use that term fundamentalism to describe us, instead
they refer to us as conservatives.
They do not realize that in our country all groups are fundamentalists. There
may be a handful of extremists here and there, but all the elements serving in
various departments of our country are fundamentalists in essence. That is,
everyone believes in the fundamental principles ! of our state and Islam. These
principles must be highlighted and respe cted. World Trade Organization can wait
The fourth development plan will ensure that the structure of our constitution
is safeguarded in accordance with our principles. The next five-year development
plan will be important because it pursues major objectives. However, it is also
important to select the proper path so as to realize these objectives. It is not
as if the objectives can be realized by adopting any method. No, we must choose
the appropriate path. That is, if we were to follow certain paths, the enemies
would be waiting in their quarantine and will not allow us - according to the
interpretation of a friend - to proceed until they disarm us. We must not submit
to disarmament. That is, we must follow the paths which do not lead to our
disarmament from our genuine weapons. We must select the proper paths. Of course,
the fifth plan has particular specifications. These specifications should be in
line with the special circumstances of the country including its geograph! ic,
historical and cultural features. We cannot imitate the method of approach
adopted by other countries. Development plans cannot be based on imitation. It
is wrong to assume that a certain path will ensure success just because another
country pursued that path and achieved success. The planners should bear in mind
our country's resources, possibilities, potentials and capabilities before
choosing the paths. The next plan should not concentrate solely on economic
objectives. It should consider cultural, security, spiritual and ethical values.
The plan should proceed within the framework of our macro-economic and social
development policies.
It must make certain that our state is not digested in the belly of the
global economy. Please pay attention to this point. I have raised the same point
once or twice before in the discussion about joining the World Trade
Organization (WTO). In my opinion, joining the WTO will be a positive measure.
However, we must join when we equip our country with the necessary
infrastructure. At present, our country lacks such infrastructure. If we were to
remove the trade tariffs to join the WTO, we would be digested in the body of a
superior economy. It would be tantamount to us drowning and disappearing within
that economy without the ability to compete. If that were to happen, we would
destroy the existing domestic products which we have nurtured to grow with the
toil of our nation's blood and sweat. Yes, the WTO is an immense arena for
commercial activities, but we must have the ability to compete in this arena. In
other words, we must learn to swim before jumping into the water. I said several
days ago that joining without preparation would be the same as dispatching a
football team to compete at the international games without any practice. Such a
team would be defeated in the first match of the world cup when its goalkeeper
fails to save 20 shoots of the ball. We must prepare ourselves and we must not
be in a hurry. It does not matter if we have to wait for five or 10 years. It!
will not be late. We must first prepare the economic foundations before joining.
When we are certain about our ability to compete, we can join with peace of
mind. Any recommendation to join now will be tantamount to being digested in the
global economy and it will be a fatal blow for our national economy and
independence. Need for unity, self-confidence In compiling the next five-year
development plan, we must not lose our national self-confidence. The late Imam
(Khomeini) used to say that believing in our capability was highly important. We
have managed to achieve a lot despite all the hostilities against us. The mere
survival, even if we had not managed to achieve something positive, would have
been an accomplishment. However, we have performed many tasks and have had some
valuable achievements. The enemies are unhappy with our achievements. They have
therefore declared blatantly that they cannot bear to see the Islamic Republic
reaching the superior technology, for inst! ance, in the nuclear field. There
are other such examples. To be fair, in this country we have achieved a lot in
various fields including cultivation of crops. We are capable and we must
safeguard our self-confidence.
We must also safeguard our unity. I call on everyone to attach importance to
the issue of safeguarding our harmony, unity and solidarity. This is one of the
principles of our system. I am not addressing the nation over this issue,
because the nation is united. There is no disagreement among the nation. I am
addressing the elite and politicians from various factions. They should not
confront one another because of minor pretexts and insignificant differences of
opinion. They should not raise a hue and cry against each other resorting to
wrong assumptions. A friend was telling me that the point I raised about the
insiders and outsiders has been accepted by everyone, however, some people have
altered the position of outsiders and insiders. I mean, you must trust an
insider as a member of your clique. We must consider as insiders tho! se persons
who are sympathetic towards our revolution, our state and Islam. The outsiders
are the ones who are opposed to the principle of our state. Serve the people We
should restrain our egos. Being in the positions that we are we shouldn't give
in to pleasure, lust or wealth. We are passing through a significant juncture.
It is historically important and significant. You should realize that all of us
are under the scrutiny of people's judgment. They judge us and our actions. If
we make mistakes, if we slip, if we give in to the pleasure, comfort or lust of
this world, the revolution will pay a high price and it will be registered in
our record and history. Of course, everything is obvious to the Creator.
I have also said that it is the same thing with serving the people. Serving
the people has its own logic. We are basically here to serve the people. Our
philosophy is to serve the people. It has been reported in traditions that the
Islamic rulers - all of them, the mini! ster, the governor, the senior and the
junior official, everyone - should treat people as a compassionate father
threats his children. How would you feel if your child was suffering from
sickness, cold, hunger, humiliation, insult and loneliness? Would you be able to
tolerate it? You should feel the same if this was to happen to anyone anywhere
in the country. We shouldn't be calm and tranquil. This is the meaning of
serving the people. This is the meaning of the movement of providing service.
Furthermore, we should inform the people about these services. People must be
aware of the great things which have taken place so that they feel the pleasure.
There should be financial discipline and war against corruption as well. These
things are also necessary. There is a final point that I want to make. My time
is running out and you should forgive me for holding you up for an hour. It is
about the elections. The elections for the seventh Majlis are ahead of us.
Usually, before elections there is some hue and cry, most of which is of a
propaganda nat! ure. They are mostly for propaganda purposes or a prelude to
propaganda. I ask all the three branches, the Majlis deputies, government
officials, Judiciary officials, to try to maintain balance in the country's
political situation, so that in a balanced atmosphere the people would be able
to go to the polls. The people like elections. What drives the people away is
the upsetting scenes they see in our ranks. A balanced and reasonable atmosphere.
There is nothing wrong with critical dialogue. But discussion and hue and cry
are not the same. In Islamic democracy discussion is different than the
screaming and knife wielding you see in some democracies. They can talk, as the
Imam (Khomeini) said, seminary talk. He said: Engage in seminary talk, in the
Majlis and elsewhere. Talk, discuss, argue over issues. But do not bear a grudge
against each other. You should not let differences of opinion to become fights.
That fight would cause weakness. Lies, insults, offices accusing othe! r offices,
spreading rumours, slandering rivals and provoking others a re not consistent
with Islamic elections. I am addressing all the factions, not just a particular
person or faction. It is the duty of us all. All the factions should observe
this. They should all move within the framework of the law. Neither the Majlis,
nor the Guardian Council, nor the Expediency Council, nor the president, nor the
leadership, none of them have the right to break the law. Wherever the law has
given a certain authority to a person or an organization, they should act in
accordance with that authority. The enemy is tempted when there is a dispute
between us. As it was in 1359 (1980). In 1359 the two trends that the fugitive,
banished president (Abolhasan Bani-Sadr) started in the country tempted the
enemy. They said: There is a dispute; they are at each other's throats. The
enemy was tempted and invaded us. Of course, the enemy received a slap in the
face. But there was damage. We were at war for eight years. Do not let the enemy
be tempted by these disputes - and at times pretended disputes.
