(2015/05/28 - 07:51)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting on Wednesday with the speaker of parliament (Majlis)
and MPs, underscored the necessity of persistence in serious efforts by
Majlis in the remaining one year of its four-year term. He said not being
influenced by the issue of elections, interaction with other branches of
government, particularly the executive power, paying special attention to
the issue of the Economy of Resistance, particularly in examining the
Sixth Five-Year Economic Development Plan (March 2015-March 2020), the
budget bill for the Iranian calendar year 1395 (starting March 2016) and
insistence on the fundamental positions of the Islamic establishment and
the revolution are among the most important tasks assigned to the
legislators.
“The key to the country’s economic problems as well as the nuclear
issue is reliance on domestic potentialities and belief in the Economy of
Resistance. In the country, there is no deadlock. The remedy to the
problems is to boost domestic production and observe financial discipline,”
Ayatollah Khamenei said.
In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei heaped praise on the lawmakers in
the ninth Majlis for their efforts and satisfactory measures and
recommended they benefit from the remaining one year of their term. “Over
this time, be careful so that the issue of elections [to be held by] the
end of the year would not influence your words and behavior and you should
set rightfulness as the only yardstick,” said the Supreme Leader.
In his second piece of advice, the Supreme Leader recommended the
lawmakers pay special attention to the sixth development plan and steer
clear of languor in their final year in office in examining the law
governing the development plan. Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The law [governing
the] sixth [development] plan is important because the administrations
will be obligated to obey it and people’s lives will be influenced by this
law.”
Ayatollah Khamenei’s third piece of advice pertained to interaction
with other branches of government, particularly the executive power. “The
executive branch is responsible for coordination between other branches
and organs and its successful performance will influence the performance
of other organs. Therefore, interaction with the executive power is
necessary and is a real manifestation of rapport and empathy,” he said.
The Supreme Leader said one of the tools for interaction is “good faith,”
adding: “Interaction will not be created by bad faith and by considering
the opposite party’s [position] as compromise, treason and exploitation.
Moreover, good faith does not mean credulity and being deceived.”
Noting that interaction is different from distraint, Ayatollah Khamenei
said: “the MPs and ministers should base their interaction on legal
obligations and the country’s interests and not distraining from one
another’s camp.”
He said respectful and polite behavior with ministers, particularly in
the parliamentary committee meetings, is another necessity for interaction,
adding: “Neither should the MPs have any humiliating and insolent look,
nor should the administration and ministers hold a majestic look. In all
stages, politeness should be observed.”
The supreme leader’s fourth recommendation to the MP was about the
issue of Economy of Resistance.
To that effect, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted a delicate point and
said: “In the country, there is rapport with regard to the issue of
Economy of Resistance, but empathy should also be created [so that] we
would believe the Economy of Resistance from the bottom of heart.”
Noting that the solution to the country’s domestic problems is the
Economy of Resistance and bolstering production, the Supreme Leader
praised the parliament for having approved the law for the removal of
obstacles to production. He added: “If we boost production and benefit
from domestic potentialities, in addition to domestic problems, the
resolution of external issues like the nuclear issue will also be
facilitated.”
The Supreme Leader said: “For the nuclear issue, there are solutions,
all of which depend on reliance on domestic potentialities and boosting
production.”
“Within the framework of our issues with the US, the West and Zionism,
not to mention the nuclear issue, we also envisage other sequential issues
like human rights. But if we focus on domestic capabilities and resolve
domestic problems, the settlement of these problems will be easy as well,”
Ayatollah Khamenei said. “Therefore, in examining the law [governing the]
sixth plan and next year’s budget [bill], the existing voids should be
filled in light of a special view of the issue of Economy of Resistance,”
the Supreme Leader told the lawmakers.
The Supreme Leader added: “Regarding boost in production, [our] friends
[in] the administration constantly say we are facing shortage of resources.
I am also aware of this issue and the sanctions have also contributed to
the shortage of resources, but shouldn’t we seek a remedy under such
circumstances?”
Noting that there is a remedy, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The shortage
of resources is not an undoable knot and its solution lies in
prioritization when it come to allocation of domestic resources and
financial discipline.”
He said: “Under such circumstances, money is spent in places where it
should not. Therefore, the executive branch, Majlis, the judiciary and the
armed forces should correctly manage [resources] and observe financial
discipline to distribute the resources appropriately and based on
priorities.”
The Supreme Leader referred to some organs, particularly some sections
of the Armed Forces, which have enhanced their capabilities and
performance without any extra budget allocation, saying: “These instances
show that issues and problems could be resolved at a time of shortage of
resources.”
Another piece of advice by Ayatollah Khamenei was insistence on the
fundamental positions of the Islamic establishment.
He referred to the acceptable and positive and quite advanced positions
adopted by the parliament with regard to the main issues and fundamentals
of the Islamic establishment and the revolution, saying: “The structure of
Majlis should always be the towering edifice of the fundamental stances of
the establishment. The yardstick in this regard is the instructions of the
late venerable Imam [Khomeini] and his testament.”
The Supreme Leader said: “If Majlis always insists on the fundamental
and principled positions of the establishment, there would not be the risk
of plunging into the horrible precipice of the hegemonic system, but if,
God forbid, there is no such perseverance, dangers will abound.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to the nuclear issue and said: “Our
positions on the nuclear issue are the same as we have expressed openly to
people. The same points have been notified to the officials both verbally
and in writing. Of course, some points have been said in private and
off-the-record to stress and elucidate the principled positions.”
Noting that [nuclear] officials and negotiators are working hard,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “They should insist on the positions announced
[to them] and we hope that they will be able to guarantee the interests of
the country and the establishment.”
At the start of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to big
opportunities like the months of Rajab, Sha’ban and Ramadan on the lunar
calendar, calling on all officials, including lawmakers, to strengthen
their communications with God. He said: “By performing prayers revealed in
these months and by increasing our affinity with Quran and Nafilah prayers,
we should clear the way for closer communications with God.”
He stressed that everyone should feel responsible before God for his
term in office, saying the last year in office for the MPs is important.
“We should make efforts, so that our drive would be within the framework
of observing divine rightfulness, and [having] an honest tongue as well as
a truthful look.”
Before the Supreme Leader’s speech, Majlis speaker Ali Larijani
submitted a report about the performance of the ninth Majlis over the past
three years. He said: “Over this period, 120 laws have been approved, most
of which have sought to meet the needs of the economic and production
sectors.”
He referred to the approval of laws for removing obstacles to
production, combating smuggling of goods and hard currency, procurement of
basic commodities for vulnerable strata and the budget bills in the 9th
Majlis.
“Special attention to the healthcare sector, boosting the country’s
defense structure and preparing the ground for the privatization of
half-complete projects are among other effective measures [taken] by
Majlis,” he said.
Larijani referred to the Majlis supervisory measures and the
performance of the Audit Court, Majlis Research Center, Article 90
Committee of Majlis and Laws Compliance Council and with regard to the
ninth Majlis’ view of major issues and regional and international affairs,
he said: “The strategy of the ninth Majlis is [to provide] all-out legal
defense for the nation against foreigners based on Imam Khomeini’s
principled thoughts and concentration on domestic production and the
nuclear issue.”
Ayatollah Khamenei
warning about enemy plots to sow discord among Muslims
(2015/05/23 - 18:01)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, received the participants in the 32nd International Quran
Competitions in Tehran on Saturday, which coincided with the birthday of
Hazrat Abolfazl Abbas (PBUH). The participants, who included instructors,
reciters and memorizers of the Holy Quran, were received by Ayatollah
Khamenei at Imam Khomeini Hosseiniyeh (religious center).
In this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the need for the
presence of the Quran in all aspects of individual and social life of
Muslims, noting that reaching this lofty goal requires two elements of
“insight” and “determination.”
“The remedy to the current problems of the Muslim world is submission
to the instructions of the Quran and not submitting to the impositions of
modern ignorance and resistance against bullying of this ignorance,” the
Supreme Leader said.
He noted that reciting and memorizing the Quran are preludes to being
inspired by Quranic ethics and shaping a society based on Quranic
instructions, adding: “Today, unfortunately, the Muslim world is suffering
from weakness and poverty and differences and civil wars stemming from the
pressures of ignorant regimes, which the only way to resist these imposed
pressures is submission to the Quran and having serious determination for
moving towards its lofty goals.”
The Leader said: “If one step is taken towards Quranic goals, God will
bestow more power and this is the issue that the Iranian nation has
experienced, and by resisting against bullying, has achieved higher
capabilities and hope.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said benefiting from the experience of the Iranian
nation with regard to resistance against powers is the solution to the
problems of the Muslim world, adding: “Today, fomenting discord and
division among the Muslim Ummah is one of the main plans of the enemies.
Therefore, everybody should be cautious not to cry out [in favor of]
division and become the mouthpiece of the enemies of Islam and the Quran.”
Noting that any person serving to foment discord among Muslims is the
mouthpiece of the enemy, the Leader said: “Causing differences under such
titles as Shia and Sunni, Arab and non-Arab, and ethnicities and
nationalities and nationalistic prejudices is on the agenda of the
ill-wishers of the Muslim Ummah, which must be resisted with “insight” and
“determination.”
The Supreme Leader said insight and correct differentiation between
“friend” and “foe” is very necessary, adding: “When determination and
resolve are combined with insight, it would be easy to tread the path and
resist pressures and impositions and conspiracies, and that is the divine
assistance.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said increasing familiarity with the Quran on a
daily basis in the society is promising and hope-inspiring. He stressed
the necessity for serious attention to the Quran by officials, adding:
“Youths and intellectuals must become more familiar with the Quran because
enriching the mind with Quranic knowledge would affect the words and deeds
and large-scale decision-makings.”
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that familiarity with the Quran would
guarantee a bright and happy future, adding: “Today, movement toward Islam
and the Quran has fortunately started among Islamic societies, one of
whose blessings is Islamic Awakening.”
The Supreme Leader said: “Islamic Awakening is a reality which cannot
be done away with and its effects will expand day by day.”
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that scholars, intellectuals, writers,
students, researchers, and reciters and memorizers of the Quran shoulder a
heavier responsibility with regard to the increasing expansion of Islamic
Awakening, and emphasized: “People must be inspired with hope regarding
the path promised by the Quran.”
In conclusion, the Leader expressed hope that Muslim governments would
get familiar with the Quran in practice and carry out its commands,
instead of merely speaking about it.
Prior to the Supreme Leader’s remarks, Hojjatoleslam Mohammadi,
representative of the Supreme Leader and head of the Endowment and Charity
Affairs Organization, congratulated the arrival of festive occasions in
the lunar month of Sha’ban, and presented a report on the process of
holding the 32nd International Quran Competitions.
He said the Quran competitions this year were held better than last
year’s in terms of quantity and quality, adding, “Indiscriminate attention
to all participants in the competitions and intimacy and sincerity among
them, the participation of junior reciters of the Quran, holding
ceremonies for more familiarity with the Quran in provinces attended by
foreign reciters, praising women active in various Quranic fields, and
enthusiastic presence of people and officials in the competitions were
among the most important features and programs of this round of
competitions.”
(2015/05/20 - 19:21)
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,
the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, on Wednesday attended a
commencement ceremony for graduates of Imam Hussein Military Academy. The
event was held ahead of the birthday of the third Shia Imam, Imam Hussein,
observed as Guardsman Day, this year falling on May 22, and the May 24
anniversary of the liberation of the southern Iranian city of Khorramshahr
from the Iraqi occupation in 1982.
Upon his arrival at the premises, Ayatollah Khamenei visited the Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier and paid tribute to the martyrs of the Sacred
Defense (the Iraqi imposed war on Iran, 1980-1988) by reciting prayers.
The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces then reviewed the guard of
honor. Ayatollah Khamenei also greeted disabled war veterans present there.
In his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to “Modern Islamic
Discourse” and “Discourse of Paganism” as the two main discourses of
today’s world and highlighted the impossibility of any proximity and
reconciliation between these two discourses.
Referring to new excessive demands in the nuclear talks, including a
request to inspect military sites and interview Iranian scientists,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Such permission will not be given at all and the
enemies should know that the Iranian nation and officials will by no means
back down in the face of excessive demands and bullying.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the news about efforts under way by the
ill-wishers of the Iranian nation and some officials of the Persian Gulf
Arab states to spread proxy wars to Iranian borders, saying: “If such a
mischief occurs, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s reaction will be very
tough.”
The Supreme Leader underscored the significance of innovation in all
affairs and highlighting that innovation could be seen in the ceremony
held at Imam Hussein Military Academy, said: “Superficiality should be
avoided in all affairs.”
Noting that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) is a pure tree
which has reached an acceptable level of capabilities and progress and
intellectual and practical maturity, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The Imam
Hussein University (military academy) is a sign of evolution and progress
of the IRGC.”
He said the Imam Hussein Military Academy was established following
important military operations during Sacred Defense and the struggles and
sacrifices of IRGC veterans. “Today, the flag of the movement of the great
Islamic Revolution, which is the flag of modern Islamic discourse, is in
your hands and you have to carry it full steam ahead like your
predecessors,” he said.
The Supreme Leader said the flag of modern Islamic discourse is a
beacon of guidance for mankind to achieve happiness and is highly
attractive for the youth around the world, adding: “This honorable move
started under the leadership of our venerable late Imam [Khomeini] and the
Iranian nation safeguarded this move by making sacrifices and raising this
flag.”
Referring to the “discourse of paganism,” Ayatollah Khamenei said:
“Today’s discourse of paganism is a cruel, bullying, arrogant and selfish
discourse [developed] by hegemonic powers in the world. It stands against
Islamic discourse which favors justice, freedom of mankind, abrogation of
exploitation and colonialism and obliteration of the hegemonic system.”
Stressing that the nations will be able to tell these two discourses
apart and they will recognize the hypocritical approach of the discourse
of paganism, disguised in human rights and non-violence, Ayatollah
Khamenei said: “The possibility of reconciliation and proximity between
these two discourses will never come up because one discourse is devoted
to oppression and hostility against nations while the other discourse
favors supporting the oppressed and confronting the oppressors.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the enemies’ propaganda to create the
impression that the Islamic Republic of Iran is isolated, saying: “The
Islamic establishment has been in the heart of nations from the very
beginning and a clear indication is that people in different countries
have shown interest in the presidents of Iran over the past 36 years.”
The Supreme Leader said the Iranian nation is referred to as a
reputable and honorable nation by other nations and even independent and
just politicians and free-spirited people in the world. He added: “Those
are isolated who can attract a handful of people only through force and
dollars.”
Noting that the Iranian nation has achieved its dignity through Islam
and Islamic ideals and movements, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to some
challenges facing the Islamic establishment and said: “We have no fear for
these challenges because the existence of challenges indicates dynamism,
activity and a forward-moving drive.”
The Supreme Leader said: “The Iranian nation will weather these
challenges with determination and self-confidence and by trusting in God.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said one of these challenges is excessive demands by
the Western party to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. He said:
“The enemies still don’t know the Iranian nation and officials well and
that is why they keep bullying. This nation and the government, which has
emerged from within this very nation, will never bow to bullying.”
The Supreme Leader stressed that the more Iran backs off vis-à-vis
bullying by the opposite party, the more they will step forward. He said:
“In the face of these excessive demands, a fortified wall of national
determination, confidence and might must be erected.”
The Supreme Leader said one example of excessive demands by the
opposite party to the nuclear talks is its request to inspect military
sites and interview Iranian scientists and researchers. “As it has already
been said, no permission will be given to them for inspecting any of the
military sites as well as for interviewing nuclear scientists and [scientists
in] other sensitive disciplines and encroaching upon their privacy,” he
said.
“I will not allow foreigners to come and speak with prominent and dear
scientists and children of this nation and interrogate them,” Ayatollah
Khamenei said.
Noting that no wise nation and government would authorize such a thing,
he said: “The brazen and impudent enemy expects us to let them have a
dialog with our scientists and researchers about a major national
breakthrough; but this will not be allowed by any means.”
“The enemies of the Islamic establishment and all those who are waiting
for the establishment’s decision easily understand this issue,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The country’s esteemed officials, who are
moving courageously in this field, should know that the only way to stand
up to the impudent enemy is firm determination and lack of passivity.”
The Supreme Leader said: “Officials and negotiators should prove the
message of the Iranian nation’s grandeur during the talks.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said all Iranian officials have taken office under
the aegis of the Islamic Revolution, adding: “We are all dedicated to
serving people and we are obliged to stand against bullying, impudence,
inappropriate expectations and conspiracies with full firmness.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to some news regarding joint efforts
by enemies and some silly officials in the Persian Gulf region to spread
proxy wars to Iranian borders, saying: “The guardians of the Islamic
Revolution and all guardians of national security in the Armed Forces are
vigilant and on alert. If any mischief occurs, the Islamic Republic of
Iran’s reaction will be very tough.”
Emphasizing that the Iranian nation will hopefully keep moving towards
its bright horizons, the Supreme Leader said: “Moving towards lofty ideals
will definitely have costs and throughout history, only nations have been
decorated with a plaque of merit that have refused to buckle under
challenges and have shown firm determination and national might in the
face of any hard or soft invasion.”
The Supreme Leader said the Iranian nation is among such nations and,
concluding his remarks, he expressed hope that the Iranian youth and the
younger generation would shoulder the heavy responsibility assigned to
them by the previous generation more effectively and more firmly than ever.
During the ceremony, IRGC Chief Major General Mohammad-Ali Jafari said
the objective behind upgrading the level of all-out readiness of the IRGC
is to defend the Islamic Revolution and its achievements. He said: “Having
understood the circumstances of the Islamic Revolution and the
confrontation between the two fronts of the oppressed and the arrogant,
the IRGC is looking to bolster its strength on a daily basis by relying on
spirituality, faith, reason and intelligence, to benefit from defense and
security technologies and upgrade tactics of asymmetric warfare.”
Noting that bravery is a requirement for revolutionary guards, the
general said: “Safeguarding the Islamic Revolution against enemies is
backed by the shine of our swords and the power of faith and technologies
which are a counterbalance posing fear and danger to the enemies.”
The IRGC chief said the enemies are more familiar with the language of
arms and “we intend to encounter them using the same language.” “The IRGC
uses its weapon for establishing justice and fighting injustice.”
Rear Admiral Morteza Saffari, the head of the Imam Hussein Military
Academy, also presented a report on the scientific and cultural activities
of the academy.
During the ceremony, two military commanders, two professors and
researchers and the representative of the alumni as well asexemplary
students of the Imam Hussein Military Academy were awarded by Ayatollah
Khamenei. The representative of the cadets was also awarded with
epaulettes.
The implementation of the “Pure Tree” plan was among the programs at
the graduation ceremony.
The military cadets also performed the self-confidence combat show.
The military units present there paraded in front of the
commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.
(2015/05/20 - 09:25)
The remarks made by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyyed Ali Khamenei on May 4, 2015 in a meeting with members of the
Committee Commemorating Muslim Kurd Peshmerga Martyrs, were published on
May 16.
Ayatollah Khamenei honored the Muslim Kurd Peshmerga martyrs and
referring to the sacrifices made by these pious and faithful youths, said:
“By venturing out in the battlefield, the Muslim Kurd Peshmerga put their
lives on the line [to counter] counterrevolutionary groups that threatened
their families’ serenity, but fairly speaking, these courageous youths
passed their test.”
The Supreme Leader highlighted the failure of the enemy’s policy of
using “ethnicity” and “religion” to make Kurdistan insecure and turn that
region into a spot harmful to the Islamic Revolution. He said: “In the
early years of the [Islamic] Revolution, counterrevolutionaries did their
utmost to make this region insecure, but Kurdish people and scholars were
in solidarity with the Revolution. They (counterrevolutionaries) even
martyred some of Kurdish scholars, the latest case of which was several
years ago when they martyred a pious figure like late Sheikholeslam.”
Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the point that “the enemy would not sit
idle and would, as much as it can, bear animosity by resorting to the many
security, propaganda and financial tools at its disposal”, saying: “Of
course, in Iran, the enemy cannot take advantage of ethnic provocations
against the Kurds, but some are seeking to fan the flames of religious
prejudices and pit Shias against Sunnis, and some fall for these plots out
of negligence.”
The Supreme Leader underscored the need for the vigilance of
sympathetic and faithful elements against these plots, saying: “He who
assails Shiism under the guise of supporting Sunnism has no interest in
Sunnism and Islam. Nor does he who fans the flames of prejudice against
Sunnism under the cover of supporting Shiism have any religious devotion.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to Britain’s record of triggering religious
discord between Shias and Sunnis and London’s cashing in on that, and
touched on an ongoing development, namely the US Congress’s alleged
support for Iraqi Sunnis. “Are they really interested in Sunnis?” asked
the Supreme Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “They are against everything which bears a
sign of Islam and there is no difference for them between Shias and Sunnis,
and such issues as religion and ethnicity are pretexts for sowing discord.”
Noting that the enemy should be stripped of these pretexts, the Supreme
Leader said: “It is necessary to hold cultural events like this very
commemoration of Muslim Kurd Peshmerga martyrs and also to pay attention
to the issues facing the youth.”
On the auspicious
anniversary of the ordainment of the esteemed messenger of Islam, the
Prophet Muhammad
(2015/05/17 - 17:10)
On the auspicious anniversary of the ordainment of the esteemed
messenger of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Supreme
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei received on
Saturday a group of Iranian officials, ambassadors of Muslim countries and
people from different walks of life.
In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei underscored the need to benefit from
the lessons of the ordainment to vigilantly confront today’s modern
paganism which is much more dangerous and more equipped than pre-Islamic
paganism, saying hegemonic powers, led by the United States, are behind
the emergence of “modern paganism.”
He said: “The experience of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the past
35 years has shown that the vast Muslim community could stand against this
paganism and overpower it by sticking to the two principles of ‘prudence’
and ‘determination and perseverance’.”
The Supreme Leader extended his congratulations on the Mab’ath (ordainment)
to the Iranian nation, the Muslim world and all free-spirited people,
saying mankind needs to learn the lessons of ordainment and review these
lessons. He said: “The ordination of the Prophet (PBUH) was meant to
tackle the paganism which was not limited to the Arabian Peninsula, but
dominated all empires of that time across the world.
Ayatollah Khamenei said “lust” and “wrath” were the two main elements
of paganism in the pre-Islamic era, adding: “At that time, Islam rose up
against extensive depravity in human life, which stemmed from unbridled
carnal desires and sexual lust on the one hand and the dominance of wrath
and destructive cruelty on the other.”
Referring to the recreation of pre-Islamic paganism in the current era
based on the same elements of “lust” and “wrath,” the Supreme Leader said:
“Today, we are still witnessing illogical and unrestrained debauchery and
uncontrolled brutality and massacre, with the only difference being that
the current paganism is unfortunately armed with science and knowledge and
is much more dangerous.”
Noting that the current situation in Muslim countries, insecurity,
fratricide and the domination of terrorist groups over regional countries
are examples of modern paganism resulting from plots hatched by hegemonic
powers led by the US, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “In order to realize their
ominous objectives and safeguard their interests, they resort to extensive
propaganda based on lies, an example of which is the Americans’ claim of
fighting terrorism.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The Americans made these allegations while
they have already acknowledged their involvement in the creation of the
most dangerous terrorist groups like ISIL. The Americans officially
support terrorist groups in Syria and their supporters, the Americans back
the fake Zionist regime which is ratcheting up the pressure on the
Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank, but in their slogans, they falsely
claim to be fighting terrorism. That is modern paganism.”
The Supreme Leader said: “The nation of Iran, the vast Muslim community
and rulers of Muslim countries! Know that we can stand up to this paganism.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the central plank of hegemonic powers’ wicked
policies in the region under the present circumstances is to trigger proxy
wars, adding: “They pursue their own interests and seek to fill the
pockets of arms manufacturing companies. Therefore, the countries in the
region should be vigilant not to be entrapped by these policies.”
He said among other false allegations by the US is its claims about
security in the Persian Gulf, adding: “The Persian Gulf security belongs
to the countries in the region which have common interests and not to the
US. Therefore, security in the Persian Gulf region should be provided by
the vey same countries in this region.”
Noting that the US is not seeking to establish security in the Persian
Gulf and that it is not competent to air its views on this issue either,
the Supreme Leader said: “If the Persian Gulf region becomes secure, all
countries in the region will benefit from this security, but if the
Persian Gulf becomes insecure, all countries will suffer from insecurity.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said another example of US’s false allegations
regarding its alleged efforts to secure the region is the deplorable
situation in Yemen, adding: “Today, Yemen has turned into a scene of the
massacre of innocent women and children. It is blamed on apparently Muslim
countries, but the mastermind and key culprit is the US.”
He said the US’s allegations that Iran is supporting terrorism are also
false, adding: “The Iranian nation firmly stood against US-funded and
US-backed terrorism which surfaced inside the country. But Iran is accused
of sponsoring terrorism! That is while the one who openly supports
terrorism is the US.”
Stressing that the Iranian nation has always stood and will continue to
stand against terrorism and its supporters, the Supreme Leader said: “The
Iranian nation will cooperate will all those who have stood up to the most
dangerous terrorists and the terrorist Zionists in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon
and the occupied [Palestinian] territories.”
Ayatollah Khamenei reminded US officials of Washington’s terrorist
activities, saying: “You are terrorists! Acts of terror are your handiwork.
We oppose terrorism, we fight it and we will support any oppressed [nation].”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the Yemen, Bahrain and Palestine nations are
among
oppressed nations, adding: “While in Islam’s heyday, polytheists in
Mecca stopped wars in forbidden months, today in Yemen, in the month of
Rajab in which [war is] forbidden, bombs and missiles are being dropped on
innocent people.”
Noting that supporting the oppressed is an Islamic instruction, the
Supreme Leader said: “We will defend the oppressed and confront the
oppressor as much as we can.”
Ayatollah Khamenei called on the regional countries to remain vigilant
against hegemonic powers’ policy of creating an imaginary enemy and making
these countries get scared of each other. “They try to keep the main enemy,
which is the [global] hegemony and its stooges and the Zionists, in the
margin and turn Muslim countries against each other. Therefore, this
policy, which is modern paganism, should be confronted.”
Reiterating that the nations in the region have woken up, the Supreme
Leader said: “Islamic Awakening may be suppressed temporarily, but
awakening and insight could not be suppressed and today the Iranian nation
and most nations in the region are aware and vigilant.”
The Supreme Leader said arrogant powers have for years been making
efforts to stifle awakening and resistance in the region and they have
spared no effort over the past 35 years to confront the Islamic Republic
of Iran as the axis of this awakening, but they have always been defeated
and they will be defeated from now onwards, too.”
Prior to the Supreme Leader’s speech, President Hassan Rouhani
expressed congratulations on the Mab’ath, saying the ordainment of the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) meant the start of a new era for the community of
faith. “According to the teachings of the Ordination, what can build the
future history and society ruled by justice is not the sword, bullets and
towering palaces, but righteousness and divine revelation,” he said.
He said that the sharia (canon) presented to people by the Prophet
Muhammad (PBHU) contained wisdom, justice, virtue and moral perfection.
“Islamic sharia has nothing to do with violence. Those who want to
juxtapose sharia with violence have understood nothing of sharia.”
The president referred to the spread of divisions and Iranophobia among
Muslims and said that Iran has always been seeking peace, justice, helping
others and resisting oppression and bullying and will never bow to
oppression and excessive demands.
“Iran has not invaded any country and won’t do so, but if it is invaded,
its response will make the invader sorry like [its response] during the
eight-year defense [against the Iraqi invasion of Iran from 1980 to
1988],” he said.
Rouhani said Iran seeks nothing beyond its legal rights, and addressing
neighbors and Muslim countries in the region, noted: “Seek refuge in the
Prophet (PBUH)’s camp and the Qur’an, and don’t go towards Camp David
because only the camp of Islam and the Prophet (PBUH) can save you.”
(2015/05/14 - 09:08)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting on Wednesday with visiting Iraqi President Fuad
Masum and his accompanying delegation in Tehran, described Iraq as a very
important and influential country among Arab and Muslim states.
Touching on the extremely regrettable situation in the Middle East
region, including in Yemen and Syria, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Given its
status, Iraq can definitely be influential in regional issues and this
potential should be used more than ever before.”
The Supreme Leader highlighted deep-seated and brotherly relations
between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq and welcomed growing ties
between the two countries. He said: “Compared to previous years, the
current Iran-Iraq relations are unprecedented and this trend is indicative
of the wisdom and prudence of [our] Iraqi brethren, which should continue.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s readiness to
offer assistance for the progress and stability of Iraq, describing as
precise and comprehensive Masum’s remarks on Iran-Iraq relations and the
situation in Iraq and in the region.
He added: “Among Arab and Muslim countries, Iraq is one of several
important countries with unique features.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the establishment of a popular and stable
government in Iraq is one of the unique features of that country among
Arab states, noting: “Different Iraqi officials and groups should
seriously safeguard this key advantage and not allow some possible
differences harm this historic achievement of the Iraqi people.”
The Supreme Leader also referred to the influence of the Iraqi
government in the Arab world, saying: “Today, the region and the Muslim
world is witnessing regrettable and really tear-jerking issues like the
issue of Palestine, the issues of North Africa and the war in Syria and
Yemen. Iraq can definitely be influential in these issues.”
Ayatollah Khamenei described as very dangerous the plot hatched by the
enemies of Islam for Syria and said: “They are seeking to create permanent
instability and insecurity in Syria in a bid to destabilize the entire
region.”
He reiterated the point that the scheme devised by some Arab countries
for Syria is very destructive, saying: “Their scheme will not only ruin
Syria, but also destroy their own countries.”
The supreme leader said the restoration and maintenance of stability in
Syria is the most important objective, and touching on the Iraqi
president’s remarks about ISIL terrorists’ actions in Syria and their
impact on Iraq and the region, he added: “The presence of numerous
Takfiri-terrorist groups in Syria under different names benefits the
Zionist regime and those seeking to destabilize the region in order to
impose their own will.”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to highlight the ongoing regrettable events
in Yemen, saying: “The Saudis have made a big mistake in Yemen and the
crimes they have committed will definitely backfire on them.”
Underscoring the necessity of a swift halt to the massacre of oppressed
people in Yemen, the Supreme Leader said: “The Yemen events show that an
unwise and ignorant way of thinking among Saudis is making decisions about
Yemen issues.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the Saudi regime’s justification for its
aggression against Yemen is idiotic, adding: “They invaded Yemen under the
pretext of a request [to be returned to power] by Yemen’s former fugitive
president who betrayed his country at the most sensitive juncture.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said Iraq’s role and position vis-à-vis these issues
is important. He expressed optimism about the future of Iraq and heaped
praise on the Iraqi government for its initiative to mobilize people to
join the regular Army.
He said: “The Iraqi youths are all potential heroes who can play a role
under appropriate conditions and in different domains. That is the
experience we have had in Iran.”
The Supreme Leader also inquired about the health condition of Iraq’s
former president, Jalal Talabani, and prayed to Almighty God for his
recovery.
During this meeting also attended by President Hassan Rouhani, the
Iraqi president expressed great pleasure over his meeting with Iran’s
Supreme Leader and said: “We believe that as the Leader of the Islamic
Revolution and as a great religious figure, Your Excellency will be able
to help Iran and Iraq broaden their relations and help resolve the Iraqi
issues and problems.”
Noting that the Iraqi government and nation would never forget the
Islamic Republic of Iran’s assistance during the ISIL attack and under the
most difficult conditions, the Iraqi president said: “The ISIL in Iraq is
no different from ISIL in Syria because the ISIL poses a danger to the
entire region.”
Masum described his talks with Rouhani as good and expressed hope that
their negotiations would clear the way for further expansion of mutual
cooperation.
(2015/05/07 - 08:44)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting on Wednesday with the minister of education,
Education Ministry officials and a large number of teachers from across
the country elaborated on the unique position of education and the very
important and influential role of teachers in training a pious, cognizant,
insightful, self-confident, lively and hopeful generation.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the realization of such lofty objectives is
tied to cohesive and full execution of a document drawn up for fundamental
changes in the education system, saying: “Government officials,
particularly economic officials, should pay special attention, beyond the
attention paid to other organs, to the livelihoods of teachers and keep in
mind that any spending in this sector would be tantamount to investment
for the future and added value.”
He also referred to recent threats by US officials at a time when
nuclear talks are underway between Iran and global powers, saying: “I
don’t agree with negotiations under the specter of threat. Foreign policy
officials and negotiators should respect the red lines and principles
carefully and they should also defend the grandeur and splendor of the
Iranian nation while they continue talks without bowing to any imposition,
force, humiliation and threat.”
At the beginning of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei honored Ayatollah
Morteza Motahari, who was martyred following the 1979 Islamic Revolution,
saying the late ayatollah was a teacher credited with purity and
relentless efforts.
The supreme leader referred to the education system’s role in building
the country’s future, saying: “In the education system, the teacher plays
the most focal and the most influential role in developing the
intellectual and mental character of pupils and the future generation of
the country. It is such that even parents and the living atmosphere are
not as influential on the pupils.”
“Given the position of the education system and teachers with regards
to the country’s future, any spending in this sector is in fact investment,”
said the supreme Leader.
Noting that such a view should be taken into consideration in economic
policymaking for the education system, he highlighted the role of teachers
in training high-profile and prominent figures. “Teachers are tasked with
training a pious, cognizant, self-confident, hopeful, lively, insightful,
determined and physically and mentally healthy generation,” he said.
“Teachers are in fact tasked with establishing a superior and better
society. That is in continuation of the prophets’ task, i.e., education
and purification,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
He said that there are requirements for the teachers to be able to
accomplish the mission assigned to them, adding: “One of these
requirements is to pay attention to the issue of teachers’ livelihoods.
Government officials, particularly economic officials, should pay special
attention to the education system and teachers despite all restrictions
and give the issue priority.”
Stressing that the enemies would exploit any negligence regarding
teachers’ livelihood problems, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Of course,
teachers are pious, noble and smart people and they watch out for plots [hatched]
by enemies and those bearing a grudge against the Islamic establishment,
who intend to fabricate seditionist, factional and political slogans under
the pretext of the teachers’ livelihoods and cause trouble to the [Islamic]
establishment.”
The supreme leader said the issue of the establishment of a university
for teachers is very important because that university would train
teachers. “All procedures in this university, particularly the vetting of
would-be teachers, curricula and the selection of professors and faculty
members should be fair and compliant with the criteria set by Islam and
the revolution,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said veteran experts have endorsed a document for
the education system to be revamped, adding: “For this document to be
fruitful, it needs to be executed fully. If one section of this
fundamental change document is implemented in the education system while
another section is ignored, this document would not be influential and
nothing would happen.”
The supreme leader underscored the need for making the education staff
and teachers familiar with the requirements of this document, saying: “To
that effect, publicity organs, particularly the IRIB (Islamic Republic of
Iran Broadcasting) should help the education system.”
The supreme leader underlined the use of potentialities enshrined in
the 6th Five-Year Economic Development Plan which, God willing, would be
drawn up based on general policies in the future, and a special
consideration for the education system’s fundamental changes document in
the national plan. Addressing Education Ministry officials, the supreme
leader said: “Watch out for superficial and routine programs to not
replace fundamental changes in the education system.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the conditions in the county are ready for
fundamental changes in the education system. He said: “Hopefully, the
country enjoys stability and security today and government officials are
wholeheartedly working. Under such circumstances, the ground is prepared
for boosting the quality of the education system and bringing it to the
desired point.”
Concluding the first part of his speech, the supreme leader heaped
praise on teachers and said: “I hereby offer my salutations to all
teachers across the country.”
In the second part of his speech, the supreme leader focused on the US
officials’ recent treatment of the Iranian nation at a time when nuclear
talks are underway.
Ayatollah Khamenei first referred to an undeniable fact, saying: “Over
the past 35 years, the enemies of the Islamic establishment, despite their
constant ranting, have always been aware of the greatness and splendor of
the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic establishment.”
“This splendor and greatness are not illusionary and are genuine
because the great country of Iran, with a population of over 70 million,
enjoys a unique cultural, historic and deep-seated background adorned with
courage and determination,” he said.
Noting that the Iranian nation has always defended its identity and
character, the supreme Leader said: “During the eight years of Sacred
Defense (1980-1988 Iraqi imposed war) all world powers tried to bring this
nation to its knees, but they failed. Therefore, this greatness and
splendor should be safeguarded.”
“Many political officials from different countries have overtly and
covertly acknowledged that if the current sanctions and pressure [imposed]
on the Iranian nation had been imposed on any other country, that country
would have imploded, but the Islamic Republic of Iran stands firm and
steadfast,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
“These issues are not minor subjects, but global propaganda campaigns
have always sought to keep people of different countries unaware of Iran’s
realities; however, many nations are aware of these realities and the
world’s political officials are well aware of these facts although they
may not express openly and [prefer to] speak otherwise.”
Addressing foreign policy officials and elite in Iran, Ayatollah
Khamenei said: “Know that if a nation fails to defend its greatness and
identity in the face of enemies, it will definitely buckle under pressure.
Therefore, the identity and character of the nation should be appreciated.”
Referring to recent military threats against Iran by two US officials
simultaneous with the start of the nuclear talks, Ayatollah Khamenei said:
“Negotiations under the specter of threat is meaningless and the Iranian
nation does not tolerate negotiations under the shadow of threat.”
He touched on remarks by US officials that the US would launch a
military campaign against Iran if need be, saying: “First of all, how dare
you! Secondly, as I said during the tenure of the former US president,
gone is the hit-and-run era and the Iranian nation would not let anyone
planning to invade it alone.”
The supreme Leader said all officials, particularly nuclear negotiators,
should take this issue into consideration, adding: “Nuclear negotiators
should always take the red lines and the principles into account and, God
willing, they will not overstep these lines.”
“It is not acceptable [to see] that the opposite party is constantly
threatening [us] simultaneous with the negotiations,” he said.
“The Americans’ need for nuclear talks is not less than Iran's, if not
more. We would like to see the negotiations come to a conclusion and the
sanctions lifted, but it does not mean that if the sanctions are not
lifted we cannot run the country,” he added.
“Now, it has been proven to everyone inside the country that the
settlement of economic problems does not depend on the removal of the
sanctions, but the economic problems should be resolved with prudence,
determination and our own capabilities, whether the sanctions remain in
place or not,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
“Of course if the sanctions are not in effect, the settlement of
economic problems might be easier, but even if the sanctions continue [to
remain in place], the problems would be still resolvable,” he added.
With regard to the US’s need for negotiation with Iran, Ayatollah
Khamenei said: “In order to register a key point in their track record,
they desperately need to say that ‘we brought Iran to the negotiating
table and imposed some issues on it.’!”
“I do not agree with negotiations under the specter of threats,” the
supreme Leader said.
Addressing the Iranian nuclear negotiators, he said: “Go ahead with the
negotiations within the main lines. If you reach an agreement within this
framework that would be ok, but don’bow to imposition, force, humiliation
and threat, whatsoever.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the US government is the most disgraced
government in the world, adding that one reason is the US’s open support
for Al Saud’s crimes in Yemen.
“Without any justification and only under the pretext of Yemeni
people’s rejection of a given person for the presidency, the Al Saud
government is busy massacring innocent people and women and children in
Yemen and the Americans are supporting these big crimes,” the supreme
leader said.
Emphasizing that the US has no position among the nations in the region,
he said: “The Americans are shamelessly supporting the carnage of Yemeni
people, but they accuse Iran, which is trying to deliver medication and
foodstuff aid to Yemeni people, of interfering in this country and
shipping arms.”
“The combatant and revolutionary nation of Yemen does not need weapons
because it controls all military centers and barracks. It needs
humanitarian aid due to the medical, alimentary and energy blockade which
you have imposed, but you do not even allow the [Iranian] Red Crescent
[Society] in,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Noting that the path chosen by the Iranian nation is a humble and
strong one which augurs well, he said: “Thanks to divine support and to
the dismay of enemies, this path will lead to its desired results and
everyone will see that the enemies will fail to realize their ominous
objectives against the Iranian nation.”
Before Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech, Minister of Education Ali Asghar
Fani commemorated martyrs Mohammad-Ali Rajaei, Mohammad-Javad Bahonar and
Ayatollah Motahari as well as Teacher’s Week, saying: “The establishment
of an executive committee and the compilation of a roadmap for fundamental
changes in the education system, organization of more student visits [to
former warzones], promotion of the holy Koran at schools, organization of
more training trips for pupils to learn the Iranian-Islamic lifestyle,
organization of sports Olympiads at schools with focus on the three
principles of education, purification and sports, special attention to
schoolchildren in impoverished areas, revision of curricula to comply with
demographic policies and the economy of resistance, more contribution of
benefactors to school building and boosting the capabilities of teachers
have been among the measures taken by the Ministry of Education recently.”
