Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei receives Judiciary chief and officials
(2015/06/29 - 10:53)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in
a meeting on Sunday with the judiciary chief and officials, while honoring
Ayatollah Mohammad Hosseini Beheshti and Ayatollah Ali Qoddousi, both
martyred senior judiciary authorities, described the “independence and
non-impressionability” of the judiciary as very important.
He said: “All factors disrupting the independence of the judiciary,
including threats, subornation, ceremoniousness and public opinion’s
pressure, should be dealt with, and correct judicial behavior and methods
should be relied on.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to “authority” as a factor of independence
in the judiciary apparatus, saying: “The judiciary’s seeking authority is
not the conventional type of authority sought in politics and [sought] by
[political] factions, but it means determination and insistence on the
truth.”
“Abidance by the law and full health” in the judiciary apparatus were
two other factors the Leader described as effective and important for the
independence of the judiciary.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “With regard to the health of the judiciary,
good work has been done and this should continue with seriousness because
any corruption within the judiciary apparatus will clear the way for
bigger corruption in the society.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said “crime prevention” is another sensitive and
important issue of the judiciary.
“Of course, other organs should also be active in this regard, but
there must be organized efforts to that effect, because otherwise, crime
will constantly increase and it will not be possible to manage it (crime)
on a large scale,” said the Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed regret over the growing number of
prisoners, saying: “This issue is imposing costs from different financial,
family, moral and social aspects and a remedy must be found by
concentrating on different solutions.”
To that effect, the Leader said promotion of the culture of peace and
reconciliation in the society, pinpointing maladies and boosting dispute
settlement councils are effective in reducing the number of prisoners,
adding: “In order to deal with the negative consequences of the rising
number of prisoners [held in jail] on financial and drug [trafficking]
charges, new suggestions and solutions must be sought.”
The Supreme Leader stressed the need for efforts to facilitate marriage
for youth, and touched on some problems brought up at family courts,
including “consensual divorce”, saying: “The esteemed judges must minimize
such issues with the help of senior family members.”
“Plan-orientedness”, “revision of and making amendment to the laws” and
“staff recruitment” were three important points and pieces of advice which
the Leader expounded on in his speech.
Emphasizing the necessity of “plan-orientedness” in the judiciary
apparatus, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Reliance on a clear and systematized
plan would help move ahead accurately on the path to a future perspective
and keep one from getting entangled in everyday struggles.”
With regard to the second point, i.e. revision of the laws, the Leader
said: “Law paves the way for the country’s progress and if some laws are
flawed or contradict each other they need to be amended, but I, by no
means, accept dodging the law.”
As the last recommendation, Ayatollah Khamenei described “staff
recruitment” as very important, saying: “There is talented and upright
staff in the judiciary who you should nurture for big plans.”
At the beginning of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei extended
congratulations on the Judiciary Week and commemorated martyrs Beheshti
and Qoddousi.
Referring to the exceptional role and personality of Ayatollah Beheshti
during the years of his revolutionary struggles and also his contribution
to the administration of the country in the course of the revolution, the
Leader said: “Ayatollah Behehsti was a rare figure of the time, and was
viewed as a charismatic and revolutionary personality, a [qualified]
manager and an insightful and revolutionary person whose life was really
beneficial to and effective for the revolution and the country, and his
martyrdom brought about unity and solidarity in the society and
strengthened the revolution.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also described Ayatollah Qoddousi, the first
prosecutor of revolutionary courts, as a person with a delicate spirit and
at the same time courageous and unimpressionable.
The Leader also lauded the judiciary chief for his dynamism, resolve
and studious management in fulfilling responsibilities [assigned to him].
With regard to the importance of the judiciary apparatus, Ayatollah
Khamenei said: “The judiciary is one of the three pillars of the country
and is in charge of executing a major part of Islamic instructions.
Therefore, expectations that this branch of government make endeavors and
efforts and endure hardships are reasonable.”
Prior to the Leader’s speech, Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli
Larijani commemorated the martyrs of the June 28, 1981 terror bombing,
particularly Ayatollah Beheshti, and presented a report on the judiciary’s
measures and plans.
Ayatollah Larijani referred to the Leader’s demands on the judiciary,
saying the judiciary’s six priorities are working out a specific and clear
mechanism to make policies and follow up on their execution, monitoring
the performance of the judiciary, preventing any delay in judiciary
affairs, staff recruitment and nurturing successors, crime prevention and
interaction with the other two branches of government (executive and
legislative). He said: “The judiciary’s policies have been adopted based
on the Leader’s guidelines, the [20-year national] Outlook Plan and the
country’s Five-Year [Economic Development] Plan, and have been drawn up
under a five-year judiciary plan.”
Saying that the performance of judges and the judiciary staff are
strictly supervised, Ayatollah Larijani said: “The entire judiciary
apparatus has been mobilized to boost administrative health.”
Among other points highlighted by Ayatollah Larijani was the fact that
the time needed for judiciary procedures has been shortened as well as a
higher productivity rate in the judiciary structure and crime prevention
efforts.
At the end of the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei led evening mass prayers.
The Leader’s meeting with
the families of the martyrs of Tehran province
(2015/06/28 - 12:44)
In a Saturday meeting with the families of martyrs of Tehran province
including the martyrs of the incident of the 7th of Tir (June 28, 1981),
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran
and the Iranian nation were indebted to martyrs and the families of
martyrs.
Referring to the hope-inspiring, revealing, and full of spiritual
exhilaration message, and firm resolve of martyrs at any period of time,
the leader said, “Today, the country needs firm resolve and recognition of
enemy and preparedness to face the enemy in the arena of soft war,
including in the fields of culture, politics and social life, and those
people who are trying to embellish the monstrous face of the evil enemy
through media retouch are [working] against expediencies of the nation.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution mentioned reproduction of the
basic Islamic knowledge and their objective materialization in the society
as a blessing of the Islamic Revolution, adding, “Part of this knowledge
is the set of the knowledge related to martyrdom, which was realized in
our society in such a way that martyrs entered the arena with motivation
and joviality, and their honest effort has been accompanied with the great
divine reward of martyrdom, and they met their Lord without any sorrow and
fear, and the spiritual effect of these martyrdoms has been reflected in
the society.”
Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned creating a sense of dignity in families of
martyrs and creation of spiritual exhilaration and joviality, and firm
resolve among people as some of the blessings of martyrs for the society.
The Leader then referred to the terrorist incident that took place on the
7th of Tir, 1360 (June 28, 1981), saying, “A great incident like [the
incident of] the 7th of Tir in which Ayatollah Beheshti and a group of
ministers and Majlis deputies as well as political and revolutionary
activists were martyred, should have naturally led to the failure of the
Islamic Revolution, but blessed by blood of those martyrs, quite the
opposite of what was imagined happened and following this incident, the
nation became united and the revolution was put on its real and correct
path.”
The Leader emphasized that another blessing of the blood of the 7th of
Tir martyrs was revelation of the true colors of the perpetrators of this
crime, adding, “Following the 7th of Tir incident, the true face of direct
culprits of this major crime, who had introduced themselves in another way
for many years, was revealed for the people and the youth, and the same
terrorists sought refuge with Saddam after a while and got united with him
in order to counter the Iranian nation as well as the people of Iraq.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said revelation of the true face
of foreign and domestic culprits of the 7th of Tir incident as well as
some people who had opted for satisfied silence over this incident was
another blessing of the blood of the martyrs of this incident. Ayatollah
Khamenei added, “Following the incident of 7th of Tir, the Great Imam
[Khomeini] took suitable advantage of this incident, [and] saved the
Islamic Revolution which was being deviated from its main path, while
exposing the genuine current of the revolution before the entire nation.”
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the spiritual exhilaration of the society
after the 7th of Tir incident, adding, “This incident revealed to the
enemies the power and the penetration of the revolution into the depths of
the society and they realized that violent methods would not bear fruit
against the Islamic Revolution.”
The Leader said revelation of the true face of the arrogant powers with
a claim to human rights was one of the blessings of the blood of the 7th
of Tir martyrs, reminding, “The same people who perpetrated the crime of
the 7th of Tir are now acting freely in Europe and the United States and
meet with officials of these countries and are even allowed to deliver
speeches at meetings on human rights!”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution emphasized that such acts signify
the climax of hypocrisy and two-facedness of those who claim to be
advocating human rights, adding, “Our country has 17,000 martyrs of
assassination most of whom are ordinary people including business people,
farmers, civil servants, university teachers and even women and children,
but the perpetrators of all these assassinations are freely present in
countries with a claim to [being advocates of] human rights.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said instilling the spirit of resistance and
steadfastness in the society and boosting people’s morale was another
blessing of the blood of the martyrs. The Leader then pointed to the
recent funeral held for 270 martyrs in Tehran and the enthusiasm and
fervor that was inspired by that funeral, saying, “This huge incident, and
the mobility, readiness and enthusiasm and love and idealism resulting
from it, was the opposite point of dissuasion, disappointment and
stagnation.”
The Leader then expressed regret for the weakness and inadequacy of
measures taken to introduce martyrs, including the failure to introduce
the great capacity of the martyrs of the 7th of Tir as symbol of grandeur
and steadfastness of the Iranian nation, adding, “The youth in the
faithful, revolutionary, popular and self-motivated front must depict an
artistic image of these very prominent personalities by [using] the
language of imagery and by taking advantage of new tools.”
Ayatollah Khamenei then pointed to the “great and indescribable right”
of martyrs and their families with regard to the Iranian nation, adding,
“The families of martyrs transfer their high morale and [strong]
determination into the society and this morale and firm resolve is what
our country needs today.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution mentioned recognition of the enemy
as another basic requirement of today, and while warning about certain
efforts that are made through propaganda and media to embellish the
criminal face of the enemy, pointed to some examples of terrorist acts of
the United States and its stooges against the Iranian nation.
“The terrorist incident on June 28, 1981,” “chemical bombardment of the
city of Sardasht on June 28, 1987,” “the assassination of Martyr Sadouqi
on July 2, 1982,” and “shooting down of Iran's passenger plane on July 3,
1988,” were examples of terrorist acts perpetrated by the United States or
its stooges, which were mentioned by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution,
who added, “Some believe that these days [in the Iranian month] of Tir
must be designated as the ‘American human rights week’.”
Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated the necessity of recognizing the enemy,
saying, “The nation must be ready for [any] encounter and confrontation in
[all] the arenas of soft war, including cultural, political and social
fields, by understanding the depth of the animosity of the enemy.”
Taking to task those people who are trying to justify the violent and
horrendous and monstrous countenance of the United States, the Leader
noted, “Those who want to cover the evil animosity of America and some of
its followers through propaganda and media embellishment are, in fact,
betraying the nation and the country.”
At the end of his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said
the Iranian nation is in need of the inspiring, revealing and full of
exhilaration message of martyrs, saying, “The Iranian nation is indebted
to martyrs and families of martyrs and those who deny this reality are not
familiar with expediencies of the nation and are, in fact, foreigners even
if they have Iranian birth certificates.”
Before the Leader’s remarks, Hojjatoleslam Shahidi Mahallati,
representative of the Leader and head of the Martyrs and War Veterans
Foundation commemorated the memory of the 7th of Tir martyrs, saying,
“Despite the will of the enemies of Islam and revolution, the memory of
the 7th of Tir martyrs is always alive in the country.”
Mahallati, who is also an Iranian vice president, added, “The history
of the Iranian Revolution has proven that the incident of the 7th of Tir
and similar incidents and assassination of thousands of the best helpers
of the revolution has not only failed to weaken [the nation] but has been
also a factor for increasing steadfastness, endurance, resistance, and
strength of the Iranian nation.”
The Leader remarks in a
Ramadan meeting with heads of three branches of government together with
senior officials
(2015/06/24 - 21:54)
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a
Ramadan meeting on Tuesday with heads of three branches of government
together with senior officials and managers, touched on the positive
ramifications of and challenges to the Economy of Resistance as well as
approaches to realizing it. He also mentioned key points about ongoing
nuclear talks between Iran and six global powers.
Making Iran’s nuclear redlines clear, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The
Americans are seeking to dismantle Iran’s nuclear industry, but Iranian
officials, while underscoring the red lines, are looking for a good
agreement, which means a fair and just and honorable agreement [which
would be] in compliance with Iran’s expediency and interests.”
At the beginning of his speech, the Supreme Leader pointed to the fact
that the fasting month of Ramadan is the month of piety. Elucidating
individual and social piety, he said: “Individual piety is in fact the
state of permanent prudence which safeguards mankind from lethal spiritual
blows and, of course, it would also have very important effects on his
worldly affairs.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said social piety could be generalized to include
social and economic affairs too, noting: “Social piety in economic issues
is the same as Economy of Resistance which protects the country against
tremors stemming from global events or against the poisonous shots coming
from hostile policies in the world.”
Reminding his frequent warnings in the past years regarding the need to
strengthen the country against the “economic leaps” taken by world powers,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Over these years, officials made good efforts to
the best of their abilities, but the issue of the Economy of Resistance
should be followed up and realized by tapping into all capacities and
potentialities of the country.”
The Leader underscored the point that the model of Economy of
Resistance has already been implemented in some other countries and ensued
by positive effects, noting that the focal point of the Economy of
Resistance is its endogenous and inward-looking properties. “This
endogeneity does not mean isolationism, but it means reliance on internal
potentialities and capabilities while having an outward look [as well]”
Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Ayatollah Khamenei underlined the fact that the adoption of the
policies of the Economy of Resistance has been the product of collective
wisdom and longtime consultations, saying: “After the announcement of
these policies, many economists have endorsed them and the Economy of
Resistance has now entered the common economic literature and culture of
the country.”
The Leader said the Economy of Resistance stands opposite to the
hackneyed model dictated by world powers to Third World Countries, adding:
“This outdated model is based on a view toward the outside, but the model
of Economy of Resistance is a forward-looking model which relies on
domestic potentialities.”
“Some may imagine that the model of Economy of Resistance is a
favorable model, but its realization is impossible. But I say firmly that
under the current circumstances and in light of the existing potential,
the implementation of the Economy of Resistance is completely possible,”
the Leader said.
After this introduction, Ayatollah Khamenei touched on some of the
country’s many potentialities which can set the stage for the
implementation of the policies of the Economy of Resistance. Ayatollah
Khamenei referred to young university graduates who are self-confident and
have specialized in their fields as the first potentiality of the country,
saying: “The existence of so many young university graduates in the
country is one of the blessings of the [1979 Islamic] Revolution, on
condition that wrong policies would not chip away at the society and the
young manpower.”
The Leader underlined that currently there are 10 million alumni and
more than 4 million university students in the country, and added the
figure is 25 times higher than that in the early days of the Revolution,
“This number of young and specialized graduates is a source of honor
for the Islamic establishment and represents a very big opportunity.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the country’s economic status is another
potentiality of the country, adding: “According to global statistics, the
Islamic Republic of Iran ranks 20th among world economies, and could move
up to the 12 place if untapped potentialities are utilized.”
The Leader said Iran’s first position in terms of oil and gas reserves
are among these capacities. Referring to the country’s unique geographical
position as a bridge connecting North to South and East to West, he said:
“Being a neighbor of 15 countries, with a population of 370 million as a
very close foreign market, and also the country’s
more-than-70-million-strong population as a vast domestic market, are
among other potentialities. The production status will see a big change if
only the domestic market is taken into account.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the country’s infrastructure in energy,
transportation, communications, power plants, dams and management
experience as other such potentialities, saying: “We have to use these
potentialities properly and correctly because the country’s problem is not
lack of plans or authentic words and expertise, but the main issue which
is repeated in the gatherings of the elite, is insufficient use of plans
and authentic words.”
The Leader said some problems stem from internal challenges in the
country and referring to some of these challenges, he said: “The big
challenge in our country is negligence in action and a superficial look at
issues.” The Leader noted: “Verbal and intellectual debates do not push
plans ahead. The resolution of issues requires action and long-term
follow-up upon affairs.”
To see some big jobs produce the desired outcome requires the passage
of as long a time span as a generation, Ayatollah Khamenei said, ading:
“At the time when there was talk of scientific movement in the country, at
universities, nobody might have believed that after 10 to 15 years, the
current scientific movement in the country would emerge under the aegis of
professors and talented youth, but today, compared with those years, we
are witnessing significant progress and in some sectors we are witnessing
stunning progress.”
The Leader also referred to parallel and easy but lethal options as
another internal challenge, saying: “Sometimes, procurement of some
commodities and meeting needs are possible through two ways. One way would
be through Europe, which is easy, and the other is a way other than
Europe, which is hard. The first path would put one in a bind, weaken his
friends and strengthen his enemies.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added: “Another internal challenge, which is a very
big and major error, is to imagine that all ways would be unlocked by
distancing oneself from the ideological principles and tenets of the
Islamic establishment.”
“Officials in the administration [dedicated to] serving [people]
believe in the fundamentals and principles of the [Islamic] Revolution and
I don’t have any complaint against them, but among the executives, some
imagine that the doors would open by backing down from the principles,
while we have seen the result of this big error in some countries in
recent years,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Supreme Leader said: “The only way for progress is perseverance and
insistence on fundamentals and principles.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said another internal challenge is that some imagine
that the people would not tolerate hardships. He said: “If the realities
of affairs are expressed with honesty and accurately to people, people
would stand and resist.”
The Leader said casting doubt on the country’s internal capabilities is
another challenge, adding: “We should trust our youth and people in
economic affairs and benefit from their capabilities.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the main condition for the realization of the
Economy of Resistance is firm and serious determination and refraining
from negligence and easygoingness and reliance on industrious management,
adding industrious management constitutes trust in God and applying
insight and wisdom and at the same time pushing ahead with plans with firm
determination and without any fear for marginal issues.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said promotion of the culture corresponding to the
Economy of Resistance is necessary along with the application of
industrious management, adding: “The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting,
media, officials, Friday Prayers leaders and all those whose words are
influential on people should get involved in promoting the culture of the
Economy of Resistance.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said economization, consumption of domestically
produced commodities, particularly by state institutions, serious action
against unreasonable imports, serious fight against smuggling, paying
special attention to small- and medium-sized manufacturing workshops and
revision of monetary policies and the activities of banking system are
among the necessities of execution of the policies of the Economy of
Resistance. He said: “The main condition for the realization of all these
cases is empathy, rapport and internal solidarity.”
The Supreme Leader reiterated the fact that everyone should help the
government and officials, saying: “Diversion [from main issues to minor
issues] by any party is unacceptable and must be avoided.”
Summing up the issue of the Economy of Resistance, Ayatollah Khamenei
said: “We can do big jobs in the field of the Economy of Resistance and
cross this sensitive pathway.”
In his important remarks about the nuclear issue, the Leader
highlighted three points before outlining the details of the negotiations
and clarifying Iran’s demands and nuclear red lines.
The first point is that whatever the Leader says in public meetings is
exactly the same issues he shares with the president and other relevant
officials in private meetings, Ayatollah Khamenei underlined. Therefore,
he aded, this untrue propaganda that some red lines have been renounced in
private meetings is unrealistic and false.
The second point Ayatollah Khamenei expressed as an introduction to the
nuclear issue was the reliability, zeal, courage and piety of members of
Iran’s nuclear negotiating team.
Ayatollah Khamenei said this team is zealously and very carefully
making efforts in talks with numerous negotiators on the opposite party in
order to undo knots and push plans ahead, and fairly speaking, it (the
team) is declaring Tehran’s positions and following up on them with
courage.
Ayatollah Khamenei said anyone who keeps abreast of the details of the
talks will definitely confirm whatever was said about the nuclear team. He
noted that the nuclear negotiators may make a mistake in action, but they
are faithful and zealous.
The Supreme Leader’s third point was addressed to the critics of the
nuclear talks.
He said: “I’m not opposed to criticism and consider it as necessary and
helpful, but that is a fact that criticism is easier than practice,
because seeing the faults of the opposite party is easy, but understanding
its difficulties and concerns is difficult.”
The Leader said: “My words should not block the continuation of
criticisms, but we should bear in mind that the nuclear team is aware of
some issues which are being criticized, but some necessities may make them
take certain actions.”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to present a brief history of negotiations
with the Americans, which would significantly help understand the process
of talks.
He said: “The issue of negotiations with the Americans dates back to
the previous administration and is related to the dispatch of a mediator
to Tehran to request talks.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added: “At that time, one esteemed official from [a
country in] the region came to us as a mediator and clearly said that the
US president has requested he travel to Tehran and tell us of the
Americans’ request for negotiations. The Americans had told this mediator
that they wanted to settle the nuclear issue while recognizing Iran as a
nuclear power and lift the sanctions in 6 months. Of course, we told the
mediator that we do not trust the Americans and their words, but due to
the insistence of that mediator, we agreed to try this issue once more and
the negotiations started.”
The Leader highlighted two important points in global rivalries, saying:
“In any diplomatic confrontation, there are two fields which should be
taken into account. The main field is one of truth, action, generation of
assets and diplomatic chiefs that [should] turn these assets into
concessions and guaranteeing of national interests.”
“The empty hand of every country in this first field would limit its
flexibility in the second field, and [it was] based on this very logic [that]
Iran entered the field of negotiations with important and strong
achievements [from before]. The ability to produce 20% [enriched nuclear]
fuel was one of them,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said all nuclear powers refused to supply 20% fuel
to the Tehran Nuclear Research Center for producing radiopharmaceuticals
and they even blocked Iran’s purchase of fuel from other countries, but
Iran’s young and honorable scientists produced this fuel and converted it
into fuel plates and the opposite party was checkmated.
He said: “In addition to 20% fuel, we had another realistic and field
achievement and in fact the strategy of Iran’s perseverance against
pressures paid off and the Americans reached the conclusion that the
sanctions would not leave their desired impact [on Iran] and they had to
find another solution.”
Referring to Iran’s suspicious look at the American side, Ayatollah
Khamenei said: “However, we were ready to pay a price if the Americans
were ready to deliver on the pledges and promises through that regional
mediator because in negotiations, it would be possible to make U-turns
based on logic and calculations, but a few times after negotiations, they
(the Americans) started [making] excessive demands and showed
unfaithfulness.”
Noting that for Iran, a good agreement is a just and fair agreement,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Throughout negotiations, the Americans first
changed the six-month period promised for the removal of the sanctions to
one year and then they lengthened the talks by repeatedly making excessive
demands and even threatened more sanctions and spoke of militarism, [options]
on the table and [options] under the table.”
In summing up his remarks about the negotiations, Ayatollah Khamenei
said: “Reflecting upon and studying the US demands indicate that their
objective is to eradicate Iran’s nuclear industry, destroy Iran’s nuclear
identity and change it into a meaningless cartoon and painting.”
The Leader pointed to Iran’s need for 20,000 megawatts of nuclear
electricity, saying: “While making efforts to dismantle [Iran’s] nuclear
industry and depriving Iranians of the myriad advantages of this industry,
they (the Americans) also intend to sort of keep the sanctions in place
while continuing to [pile] pressures [on Iran].”
Regarding the realities of complexity of talks with the Americans, the
Leader highlighted another important point, which was the US government’s
need for a nuclear agreement.
“If they can achieve their objectives in the negotiations, they will
gain a big victory because they have managed to subdue the
independence-seeking Iranian nation and have defeated a country that can
serve as a model for other countries. All of their haggling and
unfaithfulness are [aimed at] realizing these objectives,” Ayatollah
Khamenei said.
Reiterating Iran’s logical demands since the start of negotiations to
date, the Leader said: “We have said from the very beginning that we want
the cruel sanctions to be lifted. Of course, we are ready to give things
in return on the condition that the nuclear industry is not stopped, nor
harmed.”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to sketch out Iran’s nuclear read lines.
As the first red line, he said: “Contrary to the Americans’ insistence,
we do not accept long-term 10-year and 12-year restrictions and we have
told them the acceptable number of years for restrictions.”
The Leader said continuation of research and development and
manufacturing work even during the period of time that restrictions are
applied is Iran’s second red line, adding: “They tell us: You should not
do anything over these 12 years. But that is excessive bullying and extra
unreasonable rhetoric,” he said.
Explaining the third nuclear red line, the Leader said: “The economic,
financial and banking sanctions, whether related to the [UN] Security
Council or the US Congress or the US administration should be lifted
immediately when the agreement is signed and the remaining sanctions
should be lifted within reasonable time intervals.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The Americans express a complicated,
multi-layer and strange formula about the sanctions and it is not clear
what the output would be, but we express our demands clearly.”
Continuing his remarks about the red lines in the nuclear talks,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The removal of sanctions should not be tied to
the fulfillment of Iran’s obligations, they should not say ‘you first live
up to tour obligations and then the [International Atomic Energy] Agency
would verify [Iran’s nuclear work] for the sanctions to be lifted’. We do
by no means accept this issue.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added the manner of lifting the sanctions should
correspond to the manner Iran makes good on its obligations.
The Leader said Iran would not like to see the fulfillment of the other
side’s commitments subjected to the IAEA report because the agency has
time and again shown that it is not independent and just and therefore we
are pessimistic about it.”
“They say the agency should be convinced. This is unreasonable word.
How can it make sure unless it inspects this territory inch by inch?” said
Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Leader said firm opposition to “unconventional inspections,
cross-examining Iranian figures and inspections of military centers” are
among other nuclear red lines.
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out: “In Iran, everyone, including me, the
government, Majlis (parliament), the judiciary, security and military
organs and all institutions want a good nuclear agreement, an agreement
that would be drafted honorably, fairly and in compliance with Iran’s
expediency and interests.”
“Although we are looking for the removal of the sanctions, but from
another aspect, we consider them as an opportunity because they have
caused us to pay more attention to domestic manpower and potentialities,”
Ayatollah Khamenei said.
At the start of his speech, the Leader advised officials to benefit
from the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan, particularly the prayers
revealed in this fasting month. He said: “The holy month of Ramadan is the
month of humbleness, seeking forgiveness and the month of return to God,
self-purification and moralities.”
Prior to the Leader’s speech, President Hassan Rouhani said since
taking office 22 months ago, his administration has pursued mutual
confidence, adopted a peaceful behavior, sought to narrow gaps and steered
clear of extremism.
“The government’s approach in foreign policy has been constructive
interaction with the world, while respecting this red line: ‘Preserving
independence, honor and national pride’, and on cultural issues, giving
more space to all those active in the fields of culture and arts with
respect for moral red lines and Islamic teachings,” said the president.
President Rouhani said the resolution of the nuclear issue within the
framework of regaining nuclear rights and meeting the country’s needs are
two priorities of his administration, adding: “What brought powerful
countries to the negotiating table was the resistance of the Iranian
nation to pressures by ill-wishers and the failure of the sanctions.”
Noting that the sanctions will never succeed and that the Iranian
nation is able to deal with its social, economic, political and cultural
challenges even under the conditions of sanctions, the president said:
“Under the conditions of sanctions, we managed to curb the inflation with
people’s help and get out of stagnation. It was again under the same
conditions of sanctions when investment grew.”
The president said increasing strategic commodities’ stocks, removing
hurdles to exports, submitting a motion for leading the country out of
stagnation, reducing wheat imports, modifying farming models, offering
healthcare services, helping low-income classes, paying commodity
subsidies, reducing dependence on oil in the budget, reducing spending,
launching 8,000 industrial production units and taking useful steps in the
environmental sector were among his administration’s measures under the
conditions of sanctions.
President Rouhani said a drop in oil revenues was a specific condition
of the current calendar year, adding: “We have to weather the problems by
making efforts and exercising unity, empathy and solidarity. We will do it
with people’s help.”
He noted that unnecessary attrition should not be allowed in the
society, saying: “If the opposite party [in the nuclear talks] does not
make excessive demands, an agreement would be within reach and we will
cross this historic bottleneck.”
Elsewhere in his speech, the president said nations in the region are
today facing extra pressure in the face of intervention by some countries
and terrorists, adding: “The Islamic Republic of Iran is at the forefront
of fight on terrorism and support for regional nations and it will
continue this path.”
Leader remarks in the
Affinity with the Quran meeting
(2015/06/20 - 09:40)
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei received
Quranic experts on Thursday, which marked the first day of the holy month
of Ramadan, in which the holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (Peace
Be Upon Him).
In the “Affinity with the Quran” meeting which took more than three
hours, 15 top holy Quran memorizers, reciters and experts recited Quranic
verses. The spiritual event also featured eulogies in praise of the
Almighty.
In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei hailed the ever-increasing and
obvious progress that Iranian Holy Quran reciters have made, and said
having a pleasant voice is a prelude to instilling Quranic concepts into
the hearts of the audience.
The Leader underlined that the ground is prepared for the Quran to have
a greater impact on the society, and added, in order to make the
recitation of the holy Quran effective, the reciter himself should believe
in the verses he is reciting from the bottom of his heart.
Holy Quran reciters can stress certain words several times in order to
better infuse Quranic concepts into the audience, Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
The Leader also urged the reciters to avoid going to extremes when
repeating Quranic verses to accentuate them, saying another factor which
makes holy Quran recitation effective is to have a balanced tone while
reciting Quranic versese.
Ayatollah Khamenei also gave another piece of advice to all reciters
and lovers of the holy Quran. “It is not necessary to prolong the
enunciation of certain words or verses; moreover, there is no need to
cheer [the reciters] more than what is usual,” he noted.
Ayatollah Khamenei
receives Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and his accompanying
delegation in Tehran
(2015/06/18 - 10:35)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a
meeting on Wednesday with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi
and his accompanying delegation in Tehran, underscored the absolute
necessity of remaining vigilant in order to safeguard Iraq’s political and
national unity.
Referring to the determination, perseverance and courage of Iraqi youth
in the fight against terrorists, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The great
potential of popular volunteer forces will be very effective and
influential for the future and progress of Iraq in different arenas.”
The Leader noted that the resistance of the Iraqi nation and government
against terrorists would guarantee the security of countries in the Middle
East region, saying: “One of the outstanding features of Iraqi pepole,
which further came to light during the battle with terrorists, was the
courage and determination and strength of popular volunteer forces and
zealous nomads in confronting the enemy.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the existence of terrorists in Iraq is a
short-lived event, noting: “Popular volunteer forces are a great asset and
a reliable source in different arenas, [which goes] beyond the battlefield.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The experiences of Iraqi people with the
British colonialism in the past and with the Americans’ expansionism at
present indicate that the ill-wishers of the Iraqi nation will never favor
the emergence of great popular forces on the scene. Therefore, this
popular asset must be protected.”
One of the objectives pursued by security and intelligence services of
Western countries in Iraq is to destroy the pillars of political and
national unity in the country, said the Leader, adding: “This conspiracy
and efforts to sow discord should be tackled cautiously and attentively,
and the Shia-Sunni as well as Kurd-Arab unity in Iraq should not be
allowed to be harmed.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the
unity of combatant and revolutionary groups in Iraq and it is necessary
that Iraqi people and officials vigilantly watch out for divisive attempts
by foreigners.”
Noting that the Islamic Republic of Iran views the security and
progress of Iraq as its own security and progress, Ayatollah Khamenei said:
“The Americans are seeking to plunder the Iraqi wealth on the one hand, as
they do in some Arab countries in the region, and on the other, to impose
their own demands like in the past. But such an objective should not be
allowed to be realized.”
Reiterating Iran’s all-out support for Iraq’s legal government,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “As before, the Islamic Republic of Iran will
continue to support the Iraqi government and people.”
Elsewhere in his speech, the Leader said the hospitality and rapturous
welcome extended to pilgrims of Iraqi holy shrines on Arabeen Day (40th
day after the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein) was another
outstanding feature of the Iraqi people. He added: “This spiritual
devotion and behavior in today’s material world is very important and
considerable and [shows that] the depth of this virtue [enshrined in]
Iraqi people has not yet been realized well.”
In this meeting which was also attended by Iran’s First Vice-President
Es’haq Jahangri, the Iraqi prime minister expressed great contentment with
this meeting and said Iran’s continued support for Iraq and the Iranian
government’s sincere cooperation [with the Iraqi government] is indicative
of the depth of relations between the two countries. Abadi said "the
enemies of Iraq have concentrated all their power on creating tribal and
religious divisions, but the people and government of Iraq are determined
to confront this conspiracy and safeguard national unity.”
Noting that Takfiri terrorists operating in Iraq and Syria make no
difference between Shias and Sunnis, he said that the perseverance of the
Iraqi government and nation has strongly blocked the expansion of ISIL in
the regional countries, but serious confrontation with these terrorists
requires the unity of the regional countries.
The Iraqi prime minister also expressed gratitude to Iran for backing
and assisting the Iraqi government and nation in confronting terrorists.
(2015/06/05 - 08:05)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, addressing a large gathering of faithful Iranians at the
mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Republic on Thursday, said the
Imam Khomeini school of thought was the promising roadmap drawn for the
Iranian nation.
Referring to the necessity of dealing with attempts made to portray a
wrong image of Imam Khomeini, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Reviewing the
documented principles of the Imam’s school of thought is the only way to
tackle attempts [aimed at] distorting the personality of that great [leader];
principles like proving the pure Islam and negation of the American Islam,
trust in the authenticity of the divine promise and distrust of the
arrogant [powers], trust in people’s will and power and opposition to
governmental centralizations, serious support for the poor and opposition
to aristocracy, seriously supporting the world’s oppressed and explicit
opposition to international bullying [powers], independence and rejection
of submission to hegemony, and emphasis on the national unity.”
At the beginning of his speech on the 26th anniversary of passing away
of Imam Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to
the birthday of Imam Mahdi (AS) on the 15th day of the lunar month of
Sha’ban, saying that the expected coming of an End-of-Time Savior is a
principle agreed upon by all Abrahamic religions.
“All Islamic denominations recognize this savior as a descendent of the
last Prophet under the name of Mahdi. For their part, the Shias have solid
evidence to prove that the Hazrat Vali-e Asr [Guardian of Time (Imam
Mahdi)] is the son of the 11th [Shia] Imam and is blessed with specific
characteristics,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said inspiring hope is the main feature of belief in
the reappearance of Imam Mahdi, adding, “The luminescent flame of this
deep-seated and life-saving belief has inspired Shiism with hope in future
and motivated it in all periods of darkness and oppression.”
The Supreme Leader went on to elucidate the significance of the main
topic of his speech, that is, “distortion of the personality of Imam
[Khomeini],” saying, “Despite certain efforts to confine him to his time,
the great Imam is manifestation of the great and history-making movement
of the Iranian nation and naturally distorting his character would inflict
heavy damage on the persistence of this drive. Therefore, we should be
totally vigilant on this issue.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the “intellectual, political and social”
thoughts of Imam Khomeini set the “roadmap” for the Iranian nation to
achieve such lofty objectives as justice, progress and authority,
emphasizing that “without an accurate and non-distorted knowledge of the
Imam, persistence of this roadmap would not be possible.”
Referring to the prominent jurisprudential, mystic and philosophical
aspects of the late Imam’s personality, the Supreme Leader said Imam
Khomeini’s character was realization of Quranic verses describing genuine
combatants of the God’s path, who have accomplished their mission of jihad.
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The high-profile Imam of the Iranian nation
overthrew the rotten and wrong regime of hereditary monarchy through a
unique development in the history of this land and the Muslim world, and
established the first Islamic government since the advent of Islam and
wholeheartedly accomplished the mission of Jihad in the path of God.”
He said “internal jihad and profound spirituality” are complementary to
political, social and intellectual jihad embarked on by the late imam,
adding,"The mindset which set the stage for these great developments was
based on an ideology relying on monotheism."
The Supreme Leader said a second specification of the Imam Khomeini
school of thought was its being up-to-date, adding, “By relying on his
cohesive intellectual mindset, the Imam offered solutions to problems that
the Iranian society and human societies were suffering from, and the
nations realized the value of these solutions and that is why the Imam’s
school was expanding among nations.”
He said liveliness, dynamism and practicality were among other features
of Imam Khomeini school of thought, adding, “The Imam was not like some
intellectual theorists and ideologues who utter attractive words within
their circles, which are not effective in practice. "
The Supreme Leader said creating motivation, dynamism and hope among
the Iranian nation are auspicious outcomes of following the Imam and his
school of thought, adding, “The great Iranian nation is still largely
distant from realizing its objectives, but the important point is that the
nation and its youths continue this illuminated path with hearts filled
with motivation and determination and hope.”
He added that correct continuation of this enthusiasm-inspiring path
depends on correct and precise knowledge of the Imam and the principles of
his school of thought. “Distorting the Imam would be [tantamount to]
distorting his path and making efforts to divert the Iranian nation off
the right path. In case the Imam’s path is lost or forgotten or, God
forbid, intentionally ignored, the Iranian nation will be slapped in the
face.”
Stressing that the global arrogance and bullying powers continue to
rivet their covetous eye on Iran as a great, rich and important country in
the region, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Deceitful powerful [governments] in
the world will not abandon their insatiable greed unless the Iranian
nation becomes so advanced and powerful to dash their hopes.”
Noting that the path for the progress and strength of the Iranian
nation depends on moving within the framework of the principles and
fundamentals of the Imam’s school of thought, the Leader said, “Having
these issues in mind, the threat of distorting the venerable Imam becomes
important and should serve as a serious warning for officials, ideologues
of the revolution, old disciples of the Imam, followers of the Imam, and
all the youths and pundits and academics and seminarians.
The Supreme Leader said the issue of distortion of the personality of
the late Imam dates back to the beginning of the Islamic Revolution,
adding, “Since the beginning of the revolution and during the late Imam’s
lifetime, the enemy was making efforts to introduce him in global
propaganda as a puritanical and harsh and inflexible and unmerciful
revolutionary.”
“The venerable Imam showed a firm and unflinching personality against
arrogant powers, but at the same time, he was a manifestation of affection
and kindness, and compassion and infatuation before God and human beings,
particularly the poor,” he said.
Referring to distortion of the personality of the late Imam, the
Supreme Leader said, “During the late Imam’s lifetime, some used to
attribute whatever they liked to the Imam while their words had nothing to
do with his personality.”
“After the demise of the Imam, the same trend continued to the extent
that some have described the Imam as a liberal-minded man with no
constraints in his political, intellectual and cultural behaviors, while
this attitude is totally wrong and unrealistic,” said the Supreme Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the only way to get correct and precise
knowledge about the personality of the late Imam is to review the
principles and fundaments of his school of thought, adding, “If the
personality of the Imam is not known through this method, some may
introduce the Imam based on their own intellectual tastes.”
Stressing that the popularity of the Imam is lasting among people and
that the enemy has failed to undermine this popularity, Ayatollah Khamenei
said, “To that effect, the issue of distortion of the influential
personality of the Imam in people’s minds is a big threat which can be
staved off by reexamining the intellectual principles and fundaments of
the Imam.”
The Supreme Leader said the intellectual principles and fundaments of
the late Imam stem from his remarks during 15 years of the Islamic
movement and 10 years after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, adding,
“If these principles are placed together, the image of the real
personality of Imam Khomeini will take shape.”
Before elucidating seven items of the intellectual principles and
fundaments of Imam Khomeini, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted several points
about the Imam as follows:
These principles have been repeatedly mentioned in the Imam’s remarks
and are among the Imam’s keywords.
These principles should not be handpicked and expressed selectively.
The Imam’s principles are not limited to these seven points and experts
can extract other principles from the Imam’s school of thought within the
defined framework.
Ayatollah Khamenei then highlighted the seven principles of the late
Imam’s school of thought, saying, “Substantiation of the pure Mohammedan
Islam and negation of the American-style Islam” is one of these principles
and the Imam always put pure Islam against American-style Islam.
In elucidating the nature of the American-style Islam, the Supreme
Leader touched on its two branches, i.e. secular Islam and petrified
Islam, saying, “The Imam always drew a parallel between those who favored
separation of the society and social behaviors of humans from the religion,
and those who had a view of religion, which was backward and rigid and
incomprehensible for new thinkers.”
Noting that both branches of the American-style Islam have always been
supported by bullying powers and the US, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Also
today, the deviant current of Daesh (ISIL) and al-Qaeda as well as
outwardly Islamic currents, which are [in fact] unfamiliar with Islamic
jurisprudence and Sharia, are backed by the US and Israel.”
“In the Imam’s view, pure Islam is based on the Book and tradition,
which is achieved through an illuminated viewpoint and in accordance with
conditions of time and place, recognition of the potential needs of
Islamic societies and human beings, and by taking into consideration the
methods used by enemies and through scientific methods established in
seminaries,” he said.
“In the Imam’s school of thought, the Islam [promoted] by courtier
clerics and Daesh-style Islam, on the one hand, and an Islam indifferent
to the crimes [committed] by the Zionist regime and the US and [an Islam]
relying on big powers, on the other hand, both reach the same point, and
both are rejected,” he said.
“He who claims to be following the Imam should distance himself from [both]
rigid-minded and secular Islam,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.
The Supreme Leader said “reliance on divine assistance and trust in the
authenticity of the divine promise versus distrust of global arrogant and
bullying powers” is the second principle in Imam’s school of thought,
adding, “The venerable Imam always believed in divine promise and its
authenticity and, on the contrary, he placed absolutely no trust in the
promises of global arrogant powers.”
“This outstanding feature of the late Imam had caused him to express
his views clearly, firmly and frankly,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
Referring to the late Imam’s responses to letters from some arrogant
heads of state, he said that the responses had been written with full
frankness and firmness while being full of politeness and respect. The
Leader added, “The Imam injected trust in God like blood in the vessels of
the Iranian nation and the nation turned to trust in God and believe in
divine help.”
Touching on the late Imam’s absolute distrust of arrogant powers and
his full ignorance of their promises, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Today, we
are totally feeling this issue and we have realized why the pledges of
arrogant powers could not be relied upon because they say something in
private meetings, which they contradict in public meetings and in practice.”
The Supreme Leader noted that “trust in God and mistrust of arrogant [powers]”
was among the unwavering principles of the Imam’s intellectual fundaments,
saying, “Of course, it did not mean severing ties with the world because
relations existed at a normal and respectful level, but there was no trust
in arrogant powers and their followers.”
“Belief in people’s will and power, and opposition to governmental
centralizations” was the third principle highlighted by Ayatollah Khamenei
as another fundamental principle of the late Imam Khomeini’s school of
thought.
Emphasizing that the venerable Imam really believed in people’s power
and vote in different economic, military, reconstruction, publicity and
above all electoral issues, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “During the 10-year
of the Imam’s life after the revolution, eight years of which coincided
with the imposed war [with Iraq (1980-1988)], around 10 elections were
held without being postponed even for a single day and they were all held
on time because the Imam respected the vote, thoughts and views of people
in the proper sense of the word.”
The Supreme Leader said, “Even in some cases, people’s vote and view
differed from that of the Imam, but the Imam respected people’s vote.”
Referring to the late Imam’s remarks in which he introduced himself as
the servant of the people and the people as source of blessing, Ayatollah
Khamenei said, “These descriptions indicate the prominent status of people
and their views and votes and presence in the Imam’s mind. Of course,
people also responded appropriately to this view and turned out
wholeheartedly wherever the Imam pointed a finger at.”
Concluding this part of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “There was
a mutual relationship between the Imam and people. The Imam loved people
and the people loved the Imam.”
The Supreme Leader went on to highlight one of the principles of the
late Imam’s school of thought, saying, “As far as domestic issues [were
concerned], the Imam was a serious supporter of the poor and the oppressed
and he forcefully and bitterly rejected economic inequality and
aristocracy.”
Noting that the late Imam was a supporter of social justice in the
proper sense of the word, Ayatollah Khamenei said this point was
repeatedly mentioned in the Imam’s remarks and was one of the major lines
of the late Imam. “The Imam underscored the necessity of the eradication
of poverty and [the necessity of] combating impoverishment, on the one
hand, and warned officials against getting used to aristocracy and luxury
life, on the other,” the Leader said.
Referring to the late Imam’s insistence on the officials’ trust of the
poor, the Supreme Leader said, “The venerable Imam always said the poor
and slum dwellers turn out [every time they are called on] without showing
any dissatisfaction with problems and hardships, while privileged classes
complain more about the problems.”
Regarding the fifth principle of the late Imam’s intellectual
fundaments, the Supreme Leader said, “Regarding foreign relations, the
Imam was openly in the camp opposed to international bullying and arrogant
[powers] and he did not hesitate in supporting the oppressed.”
Stressing the point that the late Imam showed no sign of being willing
to reconcile with the arrogant powers, Ayatollah Khamenei said the “Great
Satan” allusion to the United States was a stunning invention by the late
imam. “The ideological and scientific interpretation of the “Great Satan”
attribution is very extended because when someone is called as the Satan,
the behavior and treatment and sentiments toward him should fall within
framework of his “satanic nature,” the Leader added.
He said, “Until the last days of his life, the Imam held the same
feeling vis-à-vis America and while using the “Great Satan” attribute, be
believed it from the bottom of his heart.”
“On the other hand, since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, some
did not pay attention to America’s role in feeding the remnants of the
oppressive [Pahlavi] regime which had been overthrown by the Iranian
nation, and therefore they favored the presence of the Americans in the
country and even with the continuation of the activities of some American
institutions,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said this issue was the major
sticking point between the late Imam and the post-revolutionary interim
government, adding, “They [officials of the interim government] did not
notice that America would [once more] deal a blow to the nation should it
was given a new chance, but the Imam was well aware of this issue and
adopted position accordingly and the Imam’s view with regard to the
takeover of the Den of Espionage (the US Embassy in Tehran) was within the
same framework.”
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to some events in the region in recent
years and the backfiring of trust that some groups put in the United
States, saying, “The Imam always took stance against the US and its
political and security apparatus within the framework of this intellectual
principle, and at the same time, he sincerely and firmly supported
oppressed nations, particularly the Palestinian people.”
Stressing that the current developments in the region and the world can
be analyzed within the framework of this logic that was promoted by the
late Imam, the Supreme Leader said, “Today, as much as we oppose the
savage and cruel behaviors of the Daesh in Iraq and Syria, we oppose the
American Federal Police’s brutal behavior in this country, and we consider
both these behaviors alike.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “As much as we are opposed to the cruel
blockade of the oppressed people of Gaza, we are opposed to the
bombardment of defenseless people of Yemen, [and] to the same degree that
we oppose crackdown on people of Bahrain, we oppose America’s unmanned
aircraft’s strikes against people of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
Reiterating that Iran supports the oppressed and opposes the oppressor
within the framework of the late Imam’s clear logic, Ayatollah Khamenei
said, “This is why the issue of Palestine is still a major issue for the
Islamic Republic of Iran and will never be removed from the [Islamic]
establishment’s agenda.”
The Supreme Leader added, “The issue of Palestine is the field of an
obligated and necessary Islamic struggle and no development will be able
to separate us from the issue of Palestine.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Some in Palestine may not fulfill their duty,
but what we endorse is the Palestinian people and combatants.”
“Emphasis on independence and negation of submission to hegemony” was
the sixth principle of the late Imam’s school of thought, which Ayatollah
Khamenei highlighted in his speech.
Defining independence as “freedom on a national scale,” Ayatollah
Khamenei drew attention to unacceptable contradiction that certain
individuals claim to be advocating individual liberties, but speak against
the independence of the country and the liberties of a nation. He added,
“Unfortunately, some are fabricating theories in order to negate
independence and describe independence as ‘isolation’ or an issue of low
significance, which is a very important and dangerous error.”
He referred to the late Imam’s firm belief in independence and his
dismissal of hegemony, saying that most activities of enemies like threats
and sanctions are designed to damage this principle. The Leader added,
“The enemy is targeting the independence of the country and everyone
should know the enemy’s objectives and be vigilant.”
The principle of “national unity and confronting the divisive
conspiracies of the enemy” was the last principle in the late Imam
Khomeini’s school of thought, which was highlighted by the Supreme Leader
of the Islamic Revolution.
He said religious and ethnic division was among the major policies of
enemies, adding, “From the very beginning of the victory of the revolution,
our venerable Imam showed a unique reliance on national unity and unity
among all people in the face of this conspiracy.”
Pointing to the persistence of the policy of division, the Supreme
Leader said sowing division in the Muslim world is a major policy of the
US and arrogant powers. He added, “In the face of this conspiracy, the
Islamic Republic’s view is an ‘Ummah-building’ one and is in compliance
with the realization of Islamic Ummah and based on this, Iran has
maintained relations with the Shia brethren of Hezbollah and the Sunni
brethren in Palestine alike.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the talk about “Shia Crescent” by the United
States’ second-hand stooges as well as the US tolerance or assistance for
terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria, like Daesh [ISIS], are evidence to the
arrogant powers’ policy of sowing discord, adding, “Everyone, either Sunni
or Shia, should watch out not to play into the hands of the enemy.”
He said, “Both the US-backed Sunnism and the Shiism exported to the
world from London are Devil’s brothers and are agents of arrogant [powers]
and the West.”
The Supreme Leader said from this viewpoint, the choice of ‘empathy and
rapport’ as the motto for the current Iranian year, and emphasis on that
motto were aimed at foiling enemy’s divisive policies. He added, “The
enemy is threatening the very existence of Islam and all ethnic groups and
denominations [of Islam] should close ranks and join hands in order to
block the enemy’s infiltration into the vast Muslim world.”
Summing up this part of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei said these
fundamental principles form the basis of Imam Khomeini’s views. He added,
“The Imam’s principles are not limited to these items and experts can
conduct research on this issue. However, nobody should attribute whatever
he desires to the Imam, but their remarks should be based on principles
which exist in sources related to Imam and that in a persistent and
repeated manner.”
In the final part of his speech, the Supreme Leader highlighted an
important fact, saying, “Everyone must know that the enemy’s objective is
the return of its unconditional domination on this country, and its frowns,
smiles, promises and threats are all aimed at achieving this objective.”
He said the basis of enmity to Islam is opposition [of Islam] to the
restoration of this hegemony, adding, “The enemy is opposed to Islam
because Islam resists this conspiracy. They are also opposed to the
Iranian nation because the nation is standing as firm as a mountain
against them.”
Ayatollah Khamenei then referred to remarks by a veteran American
politician that Takfiri terrorist groups are not important for the West
and that Iran, which is seeking to establish a great Islamic civilization,
should be considered as enemy. The Leader added, “This policy shows the
significance and necessity of Ummah-building in the Muslim world, and
everybody must know that the enemy is doing its utmost to block the
Islamic movement and the progress and prosperity of the Iranian nation.”
He said, “Among the [Iranian] nation, the enemy shows more opposition
to anyone who is more steadfast. They are more opposed to faithful and
religious elements and revolutionary organizations and institutions
because they know that these elements are strong and fortified obstacles
to infiltration by the enemy.”
Prior to the Supreme Leader’s speech, Hojjatoleslam Hassan Khomeini,
the grandson of the late Imam Khomeini, welcomed pilgrims to Imam
Khomeini’s shrine. Referring to the ongoing developments in Iraq, Syria,
Yemen and Bahrain, he said reactionaries have driven the region into chaos,
adding, “The Islamic society is suffering from very bitter events, which
are caused by those who are filled with anger and grudge against Islam.”
Hassan Khomeini, who is in charge of Imam Khomeini’s shrine, said, “A
violent group is targeting the entire Islamic civilization under the guise
of Prophet [Muhammad (PBUH)] and Islam, is on killing spree, and has
depicted a very bad image of Islam through support of foreigners and
Zionists.”
Hassan Khomeini reiterated that Iran is the land of the late Imam
Khomeini and that the entire world has tested the Iranian nation, saying,
“If anyone takes a nasty look at the country, the nation – under the aegis
of the commander-in-chief [of Armed Forces] – will not allow any
infringement on the country and will defend the territorial integrity and
independence of the country.”
