Stronger OIC agenda would
better serve Muslims
28.2.2008
Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei told the
visiting Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade Wednesday evening that
America and other superpowers were speaking the language of blackmail when
dealing with global issues, adding that the language of intimidation would
be useless provided the Islamic countries got united.
Ayatollah Khamenei said America earned hatred of the nations by
attacking Iraq and Afghanistan, adding that the American authorities had
realized that a military victory did not necessarily mean that the victor
won the war.
"Americans in every sense of the word have got stressed out in the
region," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The IR Leader then expressed pleasure that the next meeting of the
Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is set to be held in Senegal,
adding that a stronger OIC agenda would better serve the Islamic world.
The IR Leader then raised the Gaza siege issue and the ongoing
bloodletting of the innocent Palestinian people at the hands of the
Zionist regime. Ayatollah Khamenei urged the OIC to undertake its priority
duty of supporting Palestine.
The Islamic Revolution Leader expressed hope the organization could
successfully live up to its assignments regarding the innocent people.
Ayatollah Khamenei then raised the thriving scientific and
technological status quo of the Islamic countries, not least Iran, noting
that the Islamic Republic of Iran could made a large progress free from
the aid of America or other superpowers.
The IR Leader affirmed that Iran was ready to put its achievements at
the disposal of other Islamic countries.
Ayatollah Khamenei turned down an idea prevalent in some Islamic
countries that unless America and other superpowers got approved no
headway would take place.
"This is a false idea. The nations would carry out great jobs against
the desire of the superpowers provided they will," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the OIC enjoys vast potentialities as the
Islamic countries are rich in human and material resources. The IR Leader
urged the organization to help broaden political, economic and cultural
ties among its members until it turns into an influential organization in
the world regardless of what America or other superpowers would wish.
Ayatollah Khamenei was contented that the bilateral agreements between
the two countries have been put to action, urging for more mutual ties.
For his part, Abdoulaye Wade appreciated the IRI supportive stance for
the staging of the next OIC meeting in Dakar, Senegal capital, adding that
the support points to a close relations between the two nations of Iran
and Senegal.
"We always set Iran as our example," Wade said.
Wade said he was inspired by the statements of Ayatollah Khamenei in
the meeting, adding that he would hold them up when handling his official
affairs.
The Senegalese President underlined expanded relations between the two
countries.
He lauded the level of cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran
and Senegal in different fields especially in building car factories,
refineries and electricity networks.
Meanwhile, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was present in the meeting
26.2.2008
"Adherence to the platforms and priciples of the Islamic system by the
officials and people and declaring them obviously and without fear,
resistance and clever presence in the scene are the main factors of the
country's pride and progress in the different courses including the great
nuclear success," the Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali
Khamenei said Tuesday.
In a meeting with the represantatives of the Leadership Assembly of
Experts, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the 8th Majlis elections is an
important case in which the peolpe would take part massively and through
God's favor would bring progress, glory and greatness to the Islamic
system more than the past.
The IR Leader hailed the progress of the Islamic system during the past
29 years specially in recent years and added that nuclear issue was one of
these advancements which really was a great and noteworthy one.
"Those who said in the past that we should quit the nuclear activities
now they say that we are ready to accept your achievements on condition
that it prolonges for a short time. Therefore this achievement will not be
earned without resistance," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
He highlighted the role of the President and his resistance over the
nuclear achievement and added "Beside the nation's resistance, the 7th
Majlis in opposition to some people in past course really stood firmly in
this regard.
The IR Leader thanked various groups of people, respected religious
authorities, great Alims and different officials specially government and
Majlis for adoption of clear stances over the nuclear issue and added that
smart presence of the people in the scene and unity among officials will
secure the Islamic system's strength.
He highlighted the importance of the 8th Majlis elections and hailed
good performance of the 7th Majlis.
"With God's favor the people will show a high turnout in this course
too and we hope that the people choose the represantatives who are brave,
pious, expert and sympathetic to the people to form a more active Majlis
at service of the Islamic system's interests."
He termed the structure of the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran
as unique in clarification of the platforms and principles of the Islamic
system and added "The Islamic Republic is a unique reality which
established a political and social system, so this system's priciples are
different form international norms and these norms can not be followed by
the Islamic system's priciples."
He noted that the Islamic system's different platforms would not mean
ignoring the scientific successes and experiences of others and stressed "We
evaluate the successes of the other's experiences on the basis of the
Islamic system's priciples."
Ayatollah Khamenei named the Priciples of the Revolution and the late
Imam Khomeini's way as the principles of the Islamic system and said "The
Imam's way is the same as the principles of the pure Islam and Imam
Khomeini would not hesitate about explanation of these principles."
"Justice is the decisive principle of the Islamic system." he added.
The IR Leader pointed to the economic justice and stressed "As we see
in Imam Ali's (AS) words, the criteria of performing economic justice is
comparing our life with the poorest people of the society."
He termed adoption of clear stances against the enemies and being proud
of the values of the Islamic Revolution as the other principles of the
Islamic system and added "We can reveal or hide the Islamic system's
prudences on the basis of expediency but the entity of the the system
should be clear forever because that is the symbol of the Islamic Republic
of Iran."
"Announcement of values and principles of the Islamic system would
bring pride and progress to the country," he added.
"Making discussions over the Islamic values and specify boundaries with
the enemies is another priciple of the system," he said adding that the
Islamic Revolution forces with different political affiliation should
cooperate with each other and specify their ideological boundaries with
the enemy.
The IR Leader said the enemy tries to manipulate culture to influence
political and economic issues.
"An example of such projects is the attempt to devide the country's
political apparatus into radicals and moderates," he added.
He said that in the enemy's division those who beleive in the
principles of the Islamic system will be names as radicals.
"Thank God, the country's current atmosphere and the society dialogue
is the dialogue of adherence to the values and all the branches of the
government honor to this adherence."
"The enemy tries to devide the country's political groups into radicals
and moderates and has announced clearly that the pressures should be
increased over Iran in a way to bring the moderates or those who do not
beleive in the Islamic system to power in the two important elections," he
added.
"These principles should be the basis for unity and national
cooperation and even a minority which has not accepted these principles
will enjoy the public rights as citizens."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into the number one power in
the region through the people's resistance, braveness and presence in the
scene," he said.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into the number one power of
the region through the people's resistance, braveness and presence in the
scene," he said.
He pointed to the position of the Islamic system in the world and the
enemies' efforts against it and added that unity is a necessary need for
the country.
"Unity needs some prerequisites and the groups should leave aside
different political views."
He termed culture and the cultural confrontation as important issues
and added "Culture is similar to atmosphere in a society. If it is safe,
the behavior of the people will be improved
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei, has stressed that Iran has truly made remarkable progress and
achieved a great success in its nuclear program.
Speaking on Tuesday in a meeting with the members of the country's
Assembly of Experts in Tehran, the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei emphasized that those people who were calling on Iran to halt its
nuclear activities have today accepted the significant progress made by
Iran, and this in itself is a major achievement for the Iranian nation
which has come about through resilience and steadfastness. The Supreme
Leader praised President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's role in Iran's nuclear
issue and complemented Majlis lawmakers for not bending to Western
pressure.
Elsewhere in his remarks Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran is
governed based on Islamic principles and values and the Islamic Republic
offers an exemplary and unique socio-political system different from those
seen in today's world; thus the Supreme Leader argued, evaluating the
Islamic system of government in Iran according to Western standards does
not work. In further remarks, the Supreme Leader stressed Iran's stances
with respect to our enemies are forthright and transparent, and that
Iranians are rightly proud of their Islamic revolutionary values and
principles.
Turning to the cultural assault of the enemies, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei said these are not limited to simply cultural issues, and
referred to the enemies' attempts to use culture as a means of affecting
Iran's political and economic affairs. Saying the enemy has resorted to
its usual tactic of dividing and pigeonholing Iran's politicians and
political scene, the Supreme Leader emphasized that the enemy wants to
confront those who are firmly committed to the principles and values of
the Islamic revolution.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
The supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei
emphasized that one of the most important things is resistance and
preventive measures. The Bam earthquake once again made us and the
country's officials vigilant toward these vital issues.
Today, quake-prone structures are rising all over the world, thanks to
seismological progress. It is heartening to note that an exhibition
showcasing techniques for building quake-prone structures is being
established.
When floods and earthquakes occur and the country's officials disregard
such natural disasters and fail to take lessons from them, then these
disasters will indeed result in devastation and calamities.
The devastation caused by the earthquakes, especially human casualties,
is indeed mournful; hence no efforts should be spared to upgrade the
quality of housing.
It is of utmost regret that we make massive use of iron and steel
contrary to the right way of using this material and applying the proper
scientific trend.
Urbanization, housing and building housing units are very important. We
should not think of doing something only when the quake happens but rather
we should learn lessons from the past.
We should pay attention to issues like building housing units and
building structures. Housing is the shelter and refuge of all human beings.
Natural disasters are a result and cause of human activities. These are
calamities, which we bring about due to our negligence and shortfalls.
An earthquake occurs for only a few seconds; but its aftermath remains
for years.
Every individual who struggles and strives at the time of an earthquake
in order to reduce its damage has successfully passed this test and
whoever remains indifferent toward such a natural disaster has failed in
the test.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
The 42-year, relatively short life of the Prophet Mohammad's (SAWA)
10th Infallible Successor, Imam Ali al Hadi (AS) was full of patience,
promotion of knowledge and spiritual values, resistance against the plots
of oppressors and confrontation of the reactionary elements.
The Infallible predecessors of Imam Hadi (AS) all moved in this same
direction. They strove to make God's sovereignty and the divine law govern
societies.
Finally, the struggle between the 10th Imam and the caliphs of his time
turned out to be in his favour both spiritually and temporally.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Sample ImageThe Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution underlined
today that the Islamic Republic's powerful and steadfast position
vis-à-vis the US and Global Arrogance is the only way for the Iranian
nation's march towards the pinnacle of dignity and progress. Ayatollah
Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who granted an audience in Tehran to hundreds of
people of different walks of life from the Iran's northwestern province of
East Azerbaijan, said the people of Iran are resolved to resist and
safeguard their inalienable rights, or else they would be questioned in
the Divine Court for their negligence of the gifts bestowed by God. On the
recent rhetoric of US President George W. Bush that different kinds of
pressures be exerted on the Iranian people to force them to give up
nuclear energy, the Leader said the White House is well aware of the
peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities, and has willfully resorted
to use different tools to try to prevent the Iranians from making peaceful
use of nuclear energy. He added: the US is worried that this achievement
would infuse new life into the spirit of self-confidence of Iranian people
concerning their talents and capabilities. He further took note of the
values of the Islamic Revolution and the steadfastness of the Iranian
nation as the source of pride for Muslims around the world. Ayatollah
Khamenei, recalling the unique characteristics of Martyr Imad Mughniyah,
the senior commander of Lebanon's Hezbollah who was cowardly assassinated
last Wednesday by the Zionists, said: "Martyr Mughniyah considered himself
a son of the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (may his soul
rest in peace), and was proud of this token relationship due to the fact
that the late Imam rejuvenated the souls of the young generation of
Lebanese and Palestinians." He added: the humiliating defeat of the
armed-to-teeth Zionist entity at the hands of Lebanon's lightly armed
Islamic Resistance forces in the 33-day war in the summer of 2006 was a
clear manifestation of the Islamic Revolution and the ideals of the late
Imam abroad. The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said, thanks to their
trust in God Almighty, their lack of fear of death, and their
self-confidence, Lebanese youths managed to shatter the myth of
invincibility of the Zionist entity and its blind supporter, the US, in
the 33-day imposed war.
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, has
expressed his condolences to Hezbollah's leader over Imad Mugniyah's
martyrdom. In his message to Hezbollah Secretary General Seyyed Hassan
Nasrallah on Thursday, the leader hailed Mugniyah and described him as a
great man. Part of his message reads: "The life and martyrdom of people
like Imad Mugniyah is an epic that Sample Imageawakens nations and will
set examples for the youth." Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr
Mottaki attended Mugniyah's funeral ceremony, held in Beirut on Thursday
and delivered a message from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In his message
Ayatollah Khamenei noted: The bloodthirsty Zionists must know that the
pure blood of martyrs like Imad Mugniyah will grow hundreds like him and
will increase resistance against corruption and atrocities twofold." The
Zionist regime after the humiliating defeat during the 33-day war against
Hezbollah was after an opportunity to take revenge from Hezbollah leaders
and commanders. Imad Mughniyah was one of the main commanders of the
Hezbollah forces during resistance operations against Zionist aggressions
and from the very beginning he was on the list of the Israeli
assassination targets. The Israeli leaders have openly expressed
satisfaction over his martyrdom but claimed that the illegal regime had
not been involved in the assassination. While evidence rules out any doubt
about the involvement of the Zionist regime in the martyrdom of Mughniyah,
one of the Ex-CIA agents has said that all evidences show that Israel's
spy agency Mossad was behind the killing of Mughniyah. He has admitted
that Mughniyah had been placed on the top secret list of the Zionist
regime and the US and was finally assassinated by Mossad agents in
Damascus. The coward assassination of Imad Mughniyah by Israeli
mercenaries not only does not show the power of Zionists but also casts
light on this reality that Zionist occupiers resort to assassination and
conspiracy because they fear direct confrontation with such great men as
Imad Mughniyah.
17.02.2008
In an address to a large group of East Azerbaijan residents, Ayatollah
Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the vigilance,
faith, insistence on the values of the Revolution and the values cherished
by Imam Khomeini (RA), and displaying national talents and capabilities as
some of the factors that have contributed to the survival of the
Revolution and its ever increasing vitality. His Eminence also said that
the Iranian nation is determined to become a knowledgeable and powerful
nation, achieve a superior international status and serve as a practical
model to all nations - which, he stated, will be realizable by relying on
the framework provided by macro-planning that guides the general
revolutionary practices and the specified horizons, by revitalizing the
historical and cultural treasures and by relying on youthful talents. In
this gathering which was held on the eve of the anniversary of the
historic uprising of Tabriz residents on February 9, 1978 the Supreme
Leader described this intelligent and courageous move as a turning point
in the Islamic movement of the Iranian nation and also as a perfect
example of the vigilance, understanding, and courage of Tabriz residents
and added: "These features are the secrets behind nations' freedom from
oppression and their stepping on the road to progress and prosperity.
Thanks to the effective leadership of Imam Khomeini, the Iranian nation
which was under the oppression of colonialist powers and despotic and
dependant rulers turned into a dynamic, vigilant and powerful nation and
paraded its national might. Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the nation's
faith and its reliance on the mottos and ideals of the Islamic Revolution
as the main difference between the Islamic Revolution and other
revolutions. He pointed to the rally held on February 11 and said that
although it is 29 years since the victory of the Islamic Revolution,
public turnout and vitality in the rally was far more than the past years,
which he described as having resulted from the dynamism of the Islamic
Revolution and the Iranian nation.
"Those who exclaimed in the past that the Islamic Revolution and Imam
Khomeini (RA) were consigned to oblivion were mistaken because the Islamic
Revolution and its mottos are more popular among the public now than they
used to be, and our people show greater affection for those who pay more
attention to the revolutionary mottos," His Eminence added. The Leader of
the Islamic Revolution described the current status of the Iranian nation
in the world and its spirit of self-confidence as having resulted from the
Islamic Revolution. He went on to say that the main reason behind all
political and economic pressure and even military threats is that the
enemy is worried about the Iranian nation's determination to quickly move
towards the revolutionary ideals and values and its reliance on national
self-confidence. Their concern stems from the fact that the revelation of
the Islamic Revolution's efficiency will endanger the very existence of
arrogant powers in the Islamic countries. The US president George W. Bush
had said in a speech that in order to force Iran to give up its military
activities the US has to continue exerting pressure on the country.
Touching upon these remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said that although they
know that Iran is not trying to manufacture nuclear weapons, they are
making these allegations in an attempt to prevent the Iranian nation from
achieving advanced technology relying on its national talents and
capabilities. He described mighty resistance against America and other
arrogant powers as the only way to set out on the route to thriving,
progress and claiming one's rights and added that despite all the
propaganda and pressure, the Iranian nation strongly declares that it will
stand up for and claim its rights. "Allah will reproach our nation unless
we do so." Having described presence on the scene, preserving the unity
and great achievements of the Islamic Revolution as the right approach, he
went on to say that this year has been named "the year of national unity"
which means that the revolutionary family must promote its unity day by
day regardless of trivial problems and minor quibbles. Pointing to the
upcoming parliamentary elections, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the
elections as one of the arenas in which the nation can display public
presence on the scene and added: "I have always emphasized the importance
of massive and dynamic public participation because going to the polls is
against the will and desire of the enemy." He referred to the strenuous
efforts of the enemy in order to prevent the Iranian nation, especially
the youth, from treading the path of the Islamic Revolution and stressed,
"Massive public participation in the elections is considered mujahidah and
will be rewarded by Allah the Exalted." The IR Leader described voting
qualified candidates as another important electoral issue and added that
the most important standard for electing individuals is the attempts on
their part to revitalize the Islamic Revolution's mottos, which is an
issue that has "nothing to do with different names or parties." Stressing
the fact that the solution to the country's issues and achieving the
ideals is based on practicing the IR motto, Ayatollah Khamenei stated that
only those who believe in Islam, Islamic Revolution's mottos and national
capabilities should be voted into decision-making centers. Having
emphasized the need for maintaining vigilance, the Leader said that we
must beware of hypocritical people. The leader of the Islamic Revolution
referred to Imam Khomeini's path, revolutionary values and Iranian
nation's resistance as an honor for many Muslims. Pointing to the personal
characteristics of the martyr Imad Mughniyah, he said: "The martyr Hajj
Imad Mughniyah, who was martyred by the Zionists, considered himself to be
a son of Imam Khomeini (RA), and he was proud of that. That was because
the Magnanimous Imam (RA) revitalized him and other Palestinian and
Lebanese youth and infused them with a new spirit." Ayatollah Khamenei
referred to the ignominious defeat suffered by the Zionist regime and the
US during the 33-day Lebanese war against a number of lightly-armed
faithful youth as an instance of the influence of the Islamic Revolution
and the movement started by Imam Khomeini (RA). His Eminence said "by
relying on Allah, welcoming death, resisting on the battlefield and
falling back on their self-confidence, the Lebanese youth put an end to
the myth that the US and the Zionist regime were invincible." Elsewhere in
his speech, His Eminence described the uprising of the people of Tabriz
against the previous evil regime on February 9, 1978 as a historic event
which brought about honor for the people of Azerbaijan. He went on to say
that the most important feature of the this courageous movement was to
prevent the uprising of the people of Qom on January 9, 1978 from sinking
into oblivion, which turned the uprising into a dynamic current. The
leader of the Islamic Revolution described the movement as an event that
served as a model to other people during the Revolution and as sign of the
vigilance of the people of Tabriz and said: "I wholeheartedly accept the
truth of the motto that says the people of Azerbaijan are vigilant."
14.2.2008
Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei wrote a message
Thursday to pass on condolences to Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed
Hassan Nasrallah over the martyrdom of the assassinated Lebanese warrior
Hajj Imad Mughniyeh.
The text of the message in full follows.
Bismillah-e Rahman-e Rahim
Dear brother Hojjat-ol-Islam Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah
The martyrdom of the dedicated and diligent brother Hajj Imad Mughniyeh
was a great accomplishment and a prosperous culmination for the man
himself as his heart was brimming with the love of diligence in the path
of God; at the same time, it was a source of pride for the Lebanese nation
which is rearing and offering such great men to the span of freedom
seeking and combat against oppression.
Though a heartrending loss for all noble men and all those who knew him,
not least his parents, his wife and his dear children, the life and death
of the eminent, diligent freeman and his likes is an epic which would
awaken the nations, produce examples to youths and show to every one the
path to bright horizons.
The bloodthirsty, criminal Zionists must mind that the pure blood of
such martyrs as Imad Mughniyeh would generate hundreds of other Imad
Mughniyehs and would double the resistance against oppression, corruption
and transgression.
Such men as the great martyr sacrifice their lives, well-being and
temporal gains in the path of support for the innocent and combat against
the oppression and arrogance. This is a sublime merit to which all the
fair-minded individuals would pay homage.
May Allah's Consent be on him as well as on all those who are dedicated
to the path of truth.
I offer my congratulations and condolences over the great martyrdom to
you and his respected family as well as the prideful youths of Hezbollah
and resistance and the overall Lebanese nation.
Greetings to him and you and Mercy of Allah
Sayyed Ali Khamenei
Feb. 14, 2008
Iran found new identity
after revolution
8.2.2008
Islamic Revolution Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei said that the
Iranian Islamic Establishment has been dignified owing to the sustained
march forward of the Iranian nation since the triumph of the Islamic
Revolution 28 years ago, calling the upcoming nationwide rallies to mark
the event as a venue of national resolve and grandeur.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks Friday morning in an allegiance
renewal ceremony by the Iranian Airmen on the eights day of ten-day
national celebrations in commemoration of the Islamic Revolution triumph,
February 1979.
The annual ceremony is staged to mark a historical allegiance the
Iranian air force made with the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam
Khomeini the departed on February 8, 1979.
Ayatollah Khamenei placed a premium on the upcoming nationwide march,
adding that the revolutionary ceremonies, despite what happens in many
other countries, are totally organized by the public so that the people
are turning out under any conditions.
"This year as well the Iranian people will make an even much more
enthusiastic presence in the scene and demonstrate their resolve and
national solidarity with the Islamic Revolution in the eyes of the world,"
Ayatollah Khamenei affirmed.
"Those who are expected to note the amount of solidarity on the part of
the Iranian nation with the revolution will note it and for the same
reason the turnout in the Bahman 22 (Feb 11) marches is of paramount
importance," Ayatollah Khamenei urged.
Ayatollah Khamenei identified prudence, inspirational faith and
risk-taking mood as among the factors driving the dignity of the Iranian
nation in the course of the Islamic Revolution years.
"The Islamic Revolution put dignity in the place of alien-imposed
humiliation, independence in the place of bitter dependence of the Taaghut
(unbelieving rulers) era and grandeur in the place of complete surrender
to the aliens," the IR Leader affirmed.
Ayatollah Khamenei averred that the country found a new identity
following the Islamic Revolution triumph by laying the foundation of a
democratic establishment based on human values after ousting the
totalitarian and hereditary rule of the sultanate.
The IR Leader noted that the Iranian nation had already paid the costs
of covering the path of progress, adding that thank to the Islamic
Revolution, the Iranian nation has turned into a dignified and
inspirational nation and the Islamic Republic system is sovereign so that
all the regional and ultra-regional powers have found no option but to
admit to the reality.
"The overall outcome of different stances and assignments in the past
28 years has been a steady march of the Iranian nation forward which has
never get halted despite all enemy efforts and in the future too it would
not stop," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The IR Leader said the current appreciative tone the global powerhouses
are practicing towards the Iranian nation was the fruit of the nation's
perseverance in the path of progress.
"Some of the decision making centers in the world are expressing their
appreciation in a hostile, envious mood while some others with
satisfaction. Nevertheless, the Muslim nations and even some non-Muslim
ones are lauding the Iranian nation in all their enthusiasm," Ayatollah
Khamenei said.
Ayatollah Khamenei then raised the issue of the upcoming parliamentary
elections set for March 14 and called it a touchy and decisive issue.
"A reviewing of the previous elections helps prove that the hostile
propaganda efforts of the global arrogance have revolved around provoking
a low turnout in elections, all to no avail nonetheless. The issue would
point to the significance of the polls," Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Islamic Revolution Leader said the enemies have got frustrated with
the democracy of the Iranian nation.
"Those who invade other countries and commit bloodshed under color of
democracy would find no option but to allege lack of freedom or popular
enthusiasm in the electorate or otherwise make efforts to scrap the polls
when they come to deal with the Iranian democracy," Ayatollah Khamenei
said, adding that at some periods the enemies tried to scrap the Iranian
vote through a few deceived elements but their efforts ended up in failure.
Ayatollah Khamenei deemed it a national undertaking and a religious
obligation for the Iranian people to take part in the elections, adding
that the assignment would not lose its essentiality by the coming to power
of a specific political party and thereby all the people must know
themselves obliged to cast ballot without any excuse.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iranian electoral system as one of the
healthiest compared to other countries.
"I have instructed the authorities in charge of elections to strictly
follow the Constitution. Every one must respect the rule of law because
the Constitution specifies the boundaries of truth and falsehood. It must
not be bypassed," Ayatollah Khamenei underlined.
Ayatollah Khamenei urged the authorities to take care to fulfill the
rights of all the nominees and at the same time try to protect the rights
of people in a way that neither the incompetent nominees are allowed to
stand vote nor the competent ones are deprived of their rights.
Ayatollah Khamenei in some other parts of his speech offered
congratulations to the IRI's Air Force over their annual day and praised
the historical move of the Force to join the ranks of revolution in
February 8, 1979 as a brave, timely move which reflected the overall
sentiment and thought of the Army's Air Force at that time.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said the Army found a new
identity following the Islamic Revolution and successfully passed the test
of Sacred Defense against the invading forces of Saddam Hussein (1908-88).
Ayatollah Khamenei urged the Force to double its efforts in the track
of progress by reliance on material means and at the same time through
promotion of faith.
Ayatollah Khamenei then turned to the Palestinian issue, saying that
the ongoing Gaza siege and the ensuing Israeli bloodshed in the area were
an immediate outcome of Washington's wrong policies in the Middle East and
its shameful Annapolis conference.
Ayatollah Khamenei called on the Islamic governments to join ranks to
break the Gaza siege, adding that the Egyptian nation and government bear
a heavy responsibility in this regard.
The Islamic Revolution Leader urged the Muslim nations to give backing
to the Egyptian nation and government so that they could fulfill the
undertaking.
"At time when the Gaza population are enduring fire and blood following
the visit of the American President to the region, there would be no use
in the negotiations of the regional countries with America and the usurper
Zionist regime," Ayatollah Khamenei noted.
Ayatollah Khamenei cautioned the Arab governments to beware not to play
into the hands of the arrogance against the people of Gaza otherwise shame
would linger on their forehead forever.
The Islamic Revolution Leader considered resistance and perseverance as
the only alternative for the Palestinians to gain freedom.
"The perseverance of the Palestinians and the Gaza people in the face
of the immense economic pressure and bloodshed is indeed praiseworthy,"
Ayatollah Khamenei appreciated, urging the Palestinian nation however to
be wary of the enemy conspiracies to drive a wedge between the Palestinian
nation and their elected government (Hamas).
