tehran, oct. 31, irna -- leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah
seyed ali khamenei said here sunday that presence of alien forces in the persian gulf is
provocative, causing tension and insecurity. addressing the graduation ceremony of imam
ali military academy, the supreme leader said the great nation of iran needs a calm and
secure environment to go ahead with its lofty goals and if the enemies beyond the borders
wanted to disrupt the current security in iran, each and every individual particularly
members of the armed forces would strongly stand against them. the commander-in-chief of
the armed forces said the persian gulf littoral states are in charge of security of the
persian gulf and despite the u.s. claim, presence of the foreign forces in the persian
gulf does not bring security, but rather it causes insecurity.
the persian gulf is surrounded by the nations with longstanding
background which are capable of administering the affairs of the region, the leader
said.
"the iranian people do not initiating any war, bloodshed, aggression or
intervention, but, they have proved that they act very bravely against any treacherous movement of the
enemies," ayatollah khamenei said. the leader said iran has no intention of any
aggression on the other country, but, the instable states and governments on the eastern
and western borders require the iranian nation to preserve their full
preparedness.
elsewhere in his address, the supreme leader said service within the armed forces is a
honor for the personnel and the iranian nation has appreciated the position adopted by the
army in different battlefields and periods since the establishment of the islamic
republic. the leader paid tribute to late general ali sayyad shirazi who was martyred by
the terrorist mujahedeen khalq organization (mko) in may and to the late former commander
of the armed forces general qassem-ali zahirnejad who died last month. the leader said the
islamic revolution guards corps (irgc) and the army of the islamic republic are the two
brothers. they should reinforce their organizations and boost faith and wisdom. the leader
also gave recommendations on educational and academic training of the rank and file of the
armed forces. :irna 31/10/99 20:04
TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei here
Sunday said there are powers in the contemporary era that consider themselves the main
rulers of the globe and interfere in any part of the world when their interests demand so
and do not hesitate to commit human massacre or inflict heavy destruction on
nations.
Speaking in a meeting with the visiting former South African president Nelson Mandela, the
Leader stated that Israel and the U.S. are two vivid examples of the hegemonic powers that
use any possible means to remove any obstacle on their own way. The Leader pointed to a
threat against Iran by a U.S. (State Department) spokesman, terming it as a sign of the
selfish and oppressive policies of the U.S. Administration. Underlining the rootlessness
of the regime occupying Qods, Ayatollah Khamenei said the Zionists expelled Palestinians
from their homeland and have so far committed all possible forms of crimes against them in
an attempt to usurp their territories. Stressing that the U.S., Britain and other
hegemonic powers have assisted the Zionists in such an attempt, the Leader said the
usurper Zionist regime today, however, feels that it has been choked by the Palestinian
issue. Because, the Leader remarked, there exists a 10-million strong Palestinian nation
with faithful, strong and determined personalities who are bent on continuing their
struggle for the restoration of their rights. Reiterating that the issue of Palestinian
nation should be separated from that of treacherous Palestinian agents, the Leader said
not only the West Bank but the entire occupied territories belong to the Palestinian
nation. Ayatollah Khamenei condemned and rejected as unacceptable expulsion of Palestinian
people from their homeland and transfer of a group of Jews from the U.S., Europe, Russia
and other parts of the world to the occupied Palestine. No doubt, stressed the revolution
Leader, nations will move forward towards their goals in the light of their continued
struggles, adding that certainly the Palestinian nation will emerge victorious and will
regain not only the West Bank but the entire Palestinian territory. Palestine belongs to
Palestinians, remarked the Leader and said Palestinian Muslims, Jews and Christians will
live together.
The Leader expressed satisfaction with Mandela's success in the short period of his
responsibility and said his major accomplishment while serving in the capacity of South
African president was his emphasis on moral principles. Ayatollah Khamenei underlined
preservation of principles and trust in people as two important lessons taught by Imam
Khomeini and said the Imam always trusted people and taught Iranian officials to do so and
safeguard principles.
Mandela said he was pleased with his meeting with the Leader and termed the late Imam
Khomeini's personality as unique. The South African veteran leader said the late Imam
Khomeini not only was leader of the Islamic Republic, but was also the champion of
liberation movements across the globe. The campaign the late Imam Khomeini led against the
ruler of the time indicated the admirable bravery in his character, Mandela said. He said
he is proud of paying tribute to the late Imam Khomeini for the second time.
Mandela appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran's move to cut off relations with the
South African apartheid regime immediately after victory of the Islamic Revolution and
setting up closer ties with the popular movement in South Africa.
"We are indebted to the Islamic Revolution and express our highest gratitude to the
Leader, the Iranian nation and government," the South African veteran freedom fighter
said. The South African charismatic leader said the independent nations should exercise
solidarity to stand against the big powers. With solidarity the independent states can
make good on the injustice done against them by the big powers, Mandela said.
Meanwhile, Mandela Saturday appreciated Iran's support for the struggle of the African
people against apartheid and also observed that President Khatami's visit to the Vatican
and Saudi Arabia had left a pleasant impact worldwide...... (Source: Tehran Times)
tehran, oct. 14, irna -- leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah ali khamenei sent a
message of condolences wednesday on the occasion of the passing away of the former chief
of staff of the army major general qasemali zahirnejad. praising the outstanding services
of the late ''brave and zealous'' general in the eight-year sacred defense (1980-88), the
leader also highlighted zahirnejad's devotions in other fields. the commander-in-chief of
the armed forces expressed condolences over general zahirnejad's death to the armed
forces, the army in particular, and his bereaved family. general zahirnejad who passed
away tuesday night, was serving as head of the advisory group of the commander-in-chief of
the armed forces. he was the first army officer who was promoted to the rank of brigadier
general after the 1979 islamic revolution and to the rank of major general later on. ns/ks
end
:irna 14/10/99 11:59
tehran, oct 13, irna -- supreme leader of islamic revolution ayatollah ali khamenei
here on wednesday underlined the need for using the positive grounds available for
expansion of tehran-athens cooperation. the leader of islamic revolution in a meeting with
greek president constantinos stephanopoulos, in which iran's president hojatoleslam
mohammad khatami was also present, stressed that there is no negative point in iranian
nation's mind about greece. background of greek culture and knowledge in iran's history is
highly brilliant and outstanding, and scientific and cultural exchanges and cooperation
have always existed widely between iran and greece. the supreme leader referred to great
iranian and greek scholars as founders of human beings' civilization and said iranian and
greek peoples have shown their talent on issues related to culture and civilization and on
this basis can consolidate their friendship bonds. the leader said that necessary tools
are at the disposal of nations which possess lofty cultures to complete man's contemporary
civilization, adding that iran and greece can cooperate in this respect. stephanopoulos on
his part termed sentiments of iranian and greek nations as positive and friendly towards
each other. iran and greece are inheritors of rich cultures and on this basis iranian and
greek officials feel more responsibility towards present issues of the humanity, he
said.
underlining importance of cooperation between iran and greece in various fields, the greek
president said there are many fertile grounds for expansion of tehran-athens relations.
:irna 13/10/99 21:33
tehran, oct. 12, irna -- leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah ali khamenei here
tuesday stressed continuation of the struggle with israel until its complete withdrawal
from occupied territories. the leader made the remark in a meeting here with the visiting
secretary general of the lebanese hizbollah movement and his accompanying
delegation.
ayatollah khamenei said the widespread propaganda and political activities of the regime
occupying palestine and its allies is an attempt to negate the palestinian nation and
suppress their resistance. the leader of the islamic revolution stressed the need for
continuation of the struggle until full victory. underlining the need for unconditional
withdrawal of israel and evacuation of south lebanon, ayatollah khamenei recalled the time
when palestinians hesitated until israelis dominated them. ''but,'' the leader
stressed,
''a new generation emerged who launched the struggle in the name of islam and thereby
palestinian resistance took shape.'' now the israelis attempt to quell the
resistance,
remarked the revolution leader. pointing to a trivial concession apparently granted to a
small group of palestinians, the leader said it is part of the policies of israel to
introduce this small group as representative of the great palestinian nation and thus
negate palestinian identity in their propaganda. but, the leader said, the palestinian
nation exists and aslong as this nation exists struggle with usurper zionist regime will
continue as well.
prior to the leader's remarks, nasrollah reported on the activities of lebanese
hizbollah.
:irna 12/10/99 14:23
tehran, oct. 11, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution,
ayatollah seyed ali khamenei on monday underlined the need to make necessary planning to
promote the youth's scientific talents. in a meeting with a group of top
students, the
leader said that religious faith is very effective in carrying out hard studies and
opening the ways for scientific progress. the paramount leader said science is a necessity
to protect dignity and provide welfare and strength on the international scene. science is
a prerequisite for prosperity though it is not enough by itself to lead a nation towards
happiness, the leader said adding that if a nation could not make progress in scientific
field, no doubt it is doomed to remain backward in both economy and public
welfare. the
leader said the iranians rank top for their high degree of learning skill compared with
other world countries, and referred to avicenna, farabi and mohammad zakariya-e razi as
the great iranian men of talent who have enlightened humanity in the course of
history.
the leader said religious faith has been positive point in the scientific progress of the
iranian nation. at the end of the 19th century, religion was introduced as obstacle to
scientific progress, a claim which is totally unfounded, because scientific progress needs
faith and an unbeliever has nothing to do with science. faith in religion helps an
individual to proceed with the hard work of research studies, the leader said.
the supreme leader rejected an untrue a western analysis that science is in contradiction
with religion and said what happened in the middle age which was an era of ignorance and
misery for europe cannot be applied to the entire world. because in the fourth, fifth and
sixth centuries of hegira, the islamic states led by iran had made great progress in the
islamic civilization, religion cannot be against science. what created obstacle to science
in the west was ignorance and superstition attributed to christianity, the leader said
adding that in the history of islam, no scientist has been persecuted for acquisition of
science, but, in europe, several people were killed for their scientific
knowledge. the
leader said those having scientific knowledge in iran except in few cases have all
believers in god. in this country science has developed in parallel with religious faith
and religion has helped in making breakthrough in scientific fields. those iranians who
have scored success at international level since establishment of the islamic republic in
iran are generally god believers and know the teachings of holy quran. prior to the
leader's remarks, dr. haddad-adel introduced the top iranian students who have ranked top
in the international olympiads on math, chemistry, physics, biology and computer.
:irna
11/10/99 18:26
tehran, oct. 9, irna -- leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah
seyed ali khamenei on saturday called on the rank and file of the law enforcement forces
to make every endeavor to fulfil their duties and avoid being affected by their personal
feelings and preferences in the work place. in a meeting with thousands of policemen and
their commanders on the occasion of the law enforcement forces (lef) week, the leader
felicitated the police force on the occasion and emphasized the importance of police's
position in the islamic system owing to their close relationship with people. the law
enforcement forces should be a symbol of dignity, strength, and mercy in connection with
every individual and not with a specific stratum of society, the leader said. ayatollah
khamenei pointed to the reliability of the police as a fundamental necessity to protect
the dignity, life, property and intimacy of the people which brings honor and pride to the
police force. the leader underlined the role of the law enforcement forces in the security
of individual and social life and said those wearing the police uniform are required to
appreciate the opportunity given to them as blessing from god and dedicate himself to
fulfil the duties he is expected to do. ayatollah khamenei said the police force should
carry out their duties by honoring the law adding that obligation of the police is a
delicate issue, and therefore the law enforcement forces should strongly prevent any
violation of the law and wrongdoing. elsewhere in his address, the supreme leader referred
to international issues and said the silence and indifference on part of the so-called
advocates of human rights toward bombardment of the civilians in south lebanon by the
zionist regime indicated to what extent they give empty promises. the leader also quoted
international observers as predicting gloomy future for the materialist systems and those
not moving in the direction of god. he said this is contrary to the bright prospects the
muslim nations have on the horizon and that's why the great nation of iran is heading for
prosperity despite all animosities (of the materialist systems). the commander-in-chief of
the armed forces called on the police force to upgrade methods and quality of their
services to guarantee security of public life.
prior to the leader's remarks, lef commander brigadier-general lotfian gave a report on
the performance of the forces under his command. he outlined the programs being followed
by police to fight social corruption and insecurity. :irna 09/10/99 16:47
tehran, oct. 6, irna -- leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah ali
khamenei here wednesday underlined the significance of the caspian sea as an important
center of gravity in the world. in a meeting with the visiting kazakh president nursultan
nazarbayev, also attended by president mohammad khatami, the leader stressed the need for
expansion of cooperation and convergence among the countries in this part of the
world.
underscoring the importance of cooperation among member states in the economic cooperation
organization (eco), ayatollah khamenei pointed to the many commonalties which can further
link regional countries together and facilitate widespread cooperation on the basis of
preservation of mutual interests. therefore, the leader remarked, eco member
states,
including the caspian sea littoral states, should take greater strides towards more
serious cooperation. the leader of the revolution underlined the need for cooperation of
the regional countries in security affairs and said regional countries should find a
solution to the bitter situation in afghanistan and through their active cooperation put
an end to insecurity in the region and thereby curtail the hands of aliens from
afghanistan.
welcoming iran-kazakhstan cooperation in the field of oil, the leader
expressed the hope that through efforts of presidents of both the countries, the interests
of the muslim nations of iran and kazakhstan will be preserved and guaranteed in the light
of expanded communications and effective cooperation. during the meeting president
nazarbayev reported on the talks between his delegation and officials of the islamic
republic of iran and voiced his country's readiness for broader economic and security
cooperation with iran. he said those who have entered the caspian sea region from beyond
oceans, are only seeking their own profits and do not care for the interests and
independence of the regional countries. the kazakh president termed as ''highly
important'' bilateral cooperation in the field of oil swap and said iran possesses high
potentials in transfer of oil. he called for iran's cooperation in transfer of kazakh oil
through the caspian sea and said kazakh people will never forget such a great assistance
by iran. :irna 06/10/99 14:01
tehran, oct. 5, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah
seyed ali khamenei here tuesday received the visiting zanzibar president dr salmin amor
and his high-ranking accompanying delegation.
referring to the historical ties between the two countries, the supreme
leader welcomed expansion of iran-zanzibar relations. ayatollah khamenei termed the
existing relations between the islamic republic of iran and african countries,
particularly with tanzania, based on various common points, as positive and
fruitful. the
leader further underlined the need for establishment of unity among world muslims and
reiterated that today, the world of islam, more than ever, is in need of unity. such unity
will not be against any country in the world, but it will be a fundamental and crucial
element in maintaining the interests of the muslim nations, the grand leader
noted.
expressing delight over his visit with the islamic revolution's leader, president amor
termed his current visit as very useful for him and his entourage. referring to alleged
western propaganda against the islamic republic of iran, he said that they are contrary to
the realities in the country. he further praised the key role being played by islamic iran
in consolidation of unity among the world of islam and in strengthening the resistance of
muslim nations against the enemies. the first vice-president hassan habibi was also
present in the meeting.:irna 05/10/99 14:36
tehran, oct. 1, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution, ayatollah
seyed ali khamenei, on friday addressed thousands of worshipers at the friday
congregational prayers at the holy shrine of imam khomeini in southern tehran on the
occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of the founder of the islamic republic and the
birth anniversary of hazrat fatemeh zahra (as), prophet mohammad's (pbuh)
daughter. in his
second sermon to worshipers, he referred to the printing of a play in the student bulletin
of amir-kabir university of tehran earlier this month, that was considered outrageous to
the religious sentiments of the people towards the 12th imam of shi'ite muslims, hazrat
mahdi (as). he reminded that the issue would have to be reinvestigated especially by the
cultural policy-makers of the country with a view to ascertaining whether it had been
undertaken intentionally and with full knowledge of its every implications as an
anti-religious gesture, or whether it had been the work of only one or two individuals
without their personal knowledge of its true meaning. the leader of the islamic
revolution, also deplored mention in the print media, of the word 'student
bulletin'
saying that the word 'student' would unjustly imply the involvement of the whole student
population of the country in that affair which, he said, would be a grave injustice to
college students nationally.
in his second sermon to the worshipers that was also broadcast live on the iranian
radio,
he also strongly advised the masses against vigilance committee spirit for punishing
people whom they might consider responsible for sinful acts, and reminded that at every
eventuality it is always the responsibility of the government to investigate into such
acts and punish the wrongdoers.
in his second sermon to worshipers at imam khomeini's holy shrine friday, the leader of
the revolution said in part: "the incident had various implications, and i would like
to discuss only a number of points in relation to that development which was an insult
against the 12th imam of shi'ite muslims. "the material that was printed in the
student bulletin (two weeks ago) really pained my heart. that was an ugly
happening. obviously, everybody among the rank and file of the administration offered some form of
reaction to it. "if the members of the ulema as well as the rest of the people had
not reacted responsively, it was probable that the trend would go on in the
future. under
such circumstances many people become restless and their religious sentiments come to the
surface. i thank all responsible officials and the individual people who showed some form
of reaction to the material printed in the (student) bulletin according to their religious
responsibility. i am confident that the people will not allow challenging their religious
convictions with the aid of cultural tools. "the second point is that the bulletin
was referred to as a 'student' bulletin. why a student bulletin? how many students were
involved with the printing of that material in that bulletin? truly speaking, the students
at large, should not be associated with the printing of that material... "college
students, like the rest of the strata of the society are religious people. "another
point that is worth mentioning in relation with the issue is that some people have been
trying to ascribe the printing of the material in the bulletin to certain government
officials. every government official, the speaker of the majlis, the head of the judiciary
and the rest of the government officials are all above such accusations.
"now something happened, and in response to it the ulema and the people reacted as
they wanted to. "i would also like to warn the various political factions against
exploiting such topics for their own interests. i am thankful to many political officials
who, in response to my call for factional solidarity some weeks ago, wrote to me
personally and told me that they were ready and willing to contribute to a true national
solidarity. now again i call on all leaders of political factions to consider the
sincerity and the innocence of the people. i tell them not to do anything that might lead
the common people into thinking that the leaders of political factions in the country are
quibbling and fighting amongst each other...
"if we were to be concerned about the good of he society, we would never allow such
petty issues to pit one group against another... "it is possible that certain groups
that have been defeated by the islamic revolution may think otherwise, but i exhort the
leaders of all groups to consolidate their ranks and always stand out against the
ideologically outsider groups, so that the members of the latter group will be identified.
that is my advice to you.
"we await future developments nationally. very soon, we will have
the elections for the majlis, there is a lot that we have to do and we must create
opportunities for those who want to offer service to this country. "now, i heard few
people saying that they would do this or that by way of punishing the people responsible
for the printing of that material. this is condemnable. the response to that should be
offered by the responsible government administrators. now, the most important part of the
task has already been accomplished: that was the angry response shown by the masses. now
who should be punished is not really the business of the masses but actually the business
of the responsible government officials. "the decision rests with the government
authorities. i appreciate the sentiments of the people towards that development but i
equally exhort the masses to refrain from doing any irresponsible action by way of taking
revenge. "i expect a lot more than that from the cultural administrators of the
country. if that was done as the result of mere ignorance, that is one thing... which
shows some blemish in our cultural environment. i expect the responsible cultural
administrators of the country to review their policies and find out what blemishes there
are in their policies... "i also call on all my brothers and sisters in faith to be
pious and behave in conformity with the principle of piety in all their undertakings at
all times. :irna 01/10/99 14:38
tehran, oct. 1, irna -- the leader of the islamic revolution ayatollah
seyed ali khamenei friday deeply regretted the "bitter incident" of insulting
the `imam of the age' by an unimportant publication and praised the people, the officials
and the ulema for their appropriate reaction. however, ayatollah khamenei also regretted
that the matter had been taken into the political field which, he said, had once again pit
political factions against one another. the leader rejected the false charges leveled
against president mohammad khatami by certain groups, and said the president was a sincere
follower of the prophet's household and worked for elevation of islam and the survival of
the imam's path wholeheartedly. "this is illogical and unacceptable to raise such
issue," the leader stressed, referring to the unfounded accusations levelled against
the president. he also cautioned hardline groups against taking any wilful action against
those who have committed this "impudent act" or perhaps "negligence".
he said it was the task of the judiciary to investigate the matter and decide what ruling
must be issued for the perpetrators. "control your feelings and refrain from taking
any injudicious act," the leader advised these groups. details of the leader's
remarks will follow shortly. :irna 01/10/99 13:22
