(2015/04/29 - 19:17)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting with thousands of laborers from across the
country on Wednesday, elucidated the duties of various officials and
organs with regard to domestic production.
Underscoring the need for a genuine fight to be launched against
corruption and smuggling, he said, “The solution to people’s economic
problems and challenges facing the labor community does not lie outside [borders],
but exists in [the country] and [is tied to] boosting and promoting
domestic production.”
Congratulating the birthdays of two Shia imams – Imam Ali (PBUH) and
Imam Javad (PBUH) –, Ayatollah Khamenei said his meeting with laborers was
aimed at praising the value of “labor and laborer,” and to remind
officials and the society of the value of labor. “The prophet [Muhammad (PBHU)]’s
kiss on the hand of a laborer is not merely a compliment, but a lesson.”
Hailing the strength, smartness and modesty of the labor community
against incessant domestic and foreign instigations over the past three
decades, the Leader said: “Having endured all hardships and difficulties,
the labor community has embarked on incessant efforts for the country’s
progress and, fairly speaking, it has passed this exam. [Now] officials
have to reciprocate this sacrifice and modesty by making more efforts to
resolve the problems of laborers.”
The Supreme Leader touched on some challenges facing laborers,
including layoffs, unemployment, back pay and livelihood problems, saying:
“These problems cannot be resolved with [mere] words, but require action
and initiative.”
He said boosting domestic production sets the foundation for resolving
the country’s problems and realizing the notion of the “economy of
resistance.”
The Leader added: “Some say boosting domestic production is not
possible under the conditions of sanctions and pressure. Unjust sanctions
have undoubtedly contributed to the occurrence of problems, but without a
doubt, sanctions and pressure could by no means block public, organized
and planned endeavors for prosperous domestic production.”
To prove the inefficacy of the sanctions in blocking domestic efforts,
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to Iran’s significant progress in military
industries, biotechnology, dam building, nanotechnology, knowledge-based
industries and nuclear technology among others, adding: “In some of these
fields, sanctions have exerted more pressure, but they have failed to
create any obstacle on the way of efforts and progress by domestic
manpower.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Of course, if no sanctions had been imposed,
we would likely have progressed more in some of these fields. But in that
case, it was also possible that we might have relied on oil money and
these achievements would not have been made.”
The Supreme Leader said “attention to and concentration on production”
will resolve economic problems and bring about “a feeling of dignity and
national richness,” adding: “Strengthening the domestic structure of the
power, including in the economic sector, will embolden negotiators at any
negotiating table. Otherwise, the opposite party would not cease to lay
out conditions and make nonsensical and irrelevant remarks.”
After elucidating the necessity of focusing on bringing prosperity to
domestic production, Ayatollah Khamenei expounded on the requirements for
realizing this major national goal.
He said rapport and empathy among all factors contributing to domestic
production will help remove any big hurdle on the way of progress in the
country, adding: “Domestic investors, as an important element contributing
to domestic production, should allocate their facilities and capitals to
this purpose.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “An investor who ignores gaining profits from
brokering and non-manufacturing activities and instead contributes to
domestic production is undoubtedly worshipping [God].”
He said laborers are obligated to help bolster domestic production,
adding: “Fair consumers should also understand the country’s expediency,
turn a blind eye to foreign brands and makes and rush to help [Iranian]
laborers by consuming domestically produced commodities.”
Highlighting the huge size of state organs, the Supreme Leader said the
government is the largest consumer of goods and, addressing the minister
of labor, he said: “In the government, you should insist on the
consumption of absolutely domestic commodities by the state organs and the
government should consider any consumption of foreign commodities, in
small or large quantities, as forbidden in case domestic ones exist.”.
Regarding the necessity of consuming domestic products by state organs,
the Supreme Leader said: “The government should prevent negligence or, God
forbid, abuse [in this regard].”
Ayatollah Khamenei said firm and practical struggle against smuggling
is another effective factor in boosting domestic production.
He said: “Of course, importing some products is handled by the private
sector, but the government can monitor imports in order to prevent any
harm to domestic production.”
He added that more effective efforts by media for the purpose of
promoting consumption of domestic products and stabilization of investment
laws by the parliament were other factors promoting domestic production.
The Leader said: “Cultural officials should also act in a way that
negation of laziness and praise of industriousness would become a value
from the standpoint of general culture in the society.”
Another important point in the Supreme Leader’s speech was about
fighting corruption.
He criticized use of empty words without deeds against corruption,
saying: “By shouting ‘Stop Thief! Stop Thief!’ the thief would not be
stopped. He has to be prevented.”
“The country’s officials are not media to speak constantly about
corruption. They have to take action and block corruption in the real
sense of the word.”
In conclusion, the Supreme Leader said: “The key to the economic
problems is not in Lausanne and Geneva and New York, it’s inside the
country and everyone should fulfill their different responsibilities for
boosting domestic production as the only remedy to economic problems.”
“God willing, with more work and efforts, the problem of production
will be resolved as the Iranian nation and officials have resolved bigger
problems over the past three decades,” he said.
Prior to Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech, Minister of Labor, Cooperative
and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei offered congratulations on the birthday of
Imam Ali (PBUH), Imam Javad (PBUH) and Labor Week, saying: “The officials
of labor community feel committed to sparing no effort to improve the life
for the impoverished and safeguard the achievements of the Islamic
establishment.”
He said benefiting from the great opportunity of skilled manpower,
supporting small and knowledge-based enterprises, and moving towards
endogenous economy are among the main chapters in the approach pursued by
Ministry of Labor, Cooperative and Social Welfare.
Rabiei added that insuring all Iranians, raising the insurance benefits
for villagers and raising the salary of laborers to a level above the
inflation rate are among the services rendered under the 11th
administration.
“Strengthening the pillars of social justice and doing away with
maladies that harm different social groups constitute the main mission
assigned to this ministry,” he said.
Police commanders meet
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei
(2015/04/27 - 08:18)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting on Sunday with commanders, directors and heads of
politico-ideological departments of Police, described police forces as a
“manifestation of sovereignty and security” of the Islamic Republic.
Among the most important responsibilities assigned to police is to
ensure individual, social, moral, spiritual and psychological security in
the society, said the Leader, adding, “Police authority holds the key to
the establishment of security, but this [exercise of] authority should be
coupled with justice, compassion and mercy.”
At the start of his speech, the supreme leader said the months of Rajab
and Shaaban on the lunar calendar provide invaluable opportunities for
more proximity to divine values and self-purification, making one prepared
for the blessed fasting month of Ramadan. Ayatollah Khamenei urged all
people to make the most of the blessings of these months.
Ayatollah Khamenei said establishment of security as the main mission
assigned to the police indicates the significance of this institution,
adding: “The establishment of security is not a propagandistic and verbal
issue; rather, people should feel the existence of security.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said efforts by the police to establish security in
any domain should know no bounds, be it security along roads, in cities,
along borders and in various other areas, and added providing
psychological security for the society is a very important matter.
“Dealing with psychological insecurity in the society such as families’
anxiety over the presence of their children in streets and parks lest they
might get addicted to drugs, or anxiety over youths’ possible deviation to
corruption and vice is much more important than tackling physical
insecurity and such insecurity should be seriously dealt with,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said wealth-drunk youths’ plying the streets in
luxury cars is another manifestation of psychological insecurity in the
society, adding: “Police should plan to deal with different aspects of
insecurity and confront them.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said firm action by police is a necessity for the
establishment of security in the society, adding: “Police are the
manifestation of sovereignty and security of the Islamic Republic.
Therefore, they should be firm, but this firmness does not mean doing
injustice and taking unrestrained action.”
The supreme leader said Iran is not seeking the Hollywood-style police
power of the Western and US societies. “Such power will not only fail to
establish security, but it will cause insecurity as well.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the US police’s treatment of African Americans
is a manifestation of tyrannical power, adding: “In the US, whose
president is a black at the moment, the black people are being oppressed,
ignored and humiliated by the police. Such behavior has caused unrest as
well.”
“The kind of power favored by an Islamic establishment is [the power]
accompanied by justice, compassion and mercy, just like Almighty God who,
while being compassionate and merciful, metes out painful punishment, too.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the rule of law is necessary and significant
from two aspects – dealing with people and within the police organization.
“Due to the extent of the relationship between police and people, the
honesty of personnel is very important because a pious and strict staff
member can save the Islamic Republic’s face in front of people’s eyes.”
The supreme leader stressed the need for strengthening beliefs and
morality as well as reliance on science and scientific initiatives within
the police force, urging officials in other sectors to cooperate with
police.
Ayatollah Khamenei also extended gratitude to police for their efforts
during the Persian New Year holidays.
Prior to Ayatollah Khamenei’s speech, state police chief Brigadier
General Hossein Ashtari submitted a report about the activities and
programs of police.
“Key actions taken by police include identifying more [instances of]
crimes, continuing combat against drug traffickers, upgrading [their]
readiness to control borders, decreasing by 7 percent the number of
casualties caused by car accidents, expanding relations with the elite,
making progress in science and technology and safeguarding revolutionary
and Islamic values,” the Leader said.
The Leader said it would be impossible to take great steps without a
religious and revolutionary organization and without the promotion of the
Basiji way of thinking and industrious management and without rapport and
empathy with people and all institutions, and added: “We will utilize our
full potential honestly and sincerely in order to get closer to the
position deserving the Islamic Republic’s police.”
(2015/04/20)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting on Sunday with Afghan President Muhammad Ashraf
Ghani, referred to the myriad cultural and historic ties and commonalities
between the two countries.
Ayatollah Khamenei said scholars and literary figures in Afghanistan
make a very significant contribution to the promotion of Islamic teachings
and the Persian language, saying: “In addition to its rich human and
cultural resources, Afghanistan also enjoys abundant natural resources.
These potentialities and commonalities should all serve to upgrade
cooperation between the two countries.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the need for determination to boost
cooperation and rapport between Iran and Afghanistan. He said: “Of course,
the Americans and some countries in the region are unaware of the
potentialities of Afghanistan and do not favor rapport and cooperation
between the two countries either, but Iran regards the security and
progress of its neighbor, Afghanistan, as its own security and progress.”
He recalled Iran’s progress in different scientific, technological,
cultural and diplomatic fields as grounds for cooperation between the two
countries, saying: “Issues between the two countries, including
‘immigrants, water, transportation and security’ are all resolvable and
everyone should deal with and settle these issues seriously and within the
framework of a timeframe.”
Regarding the necessity of the resolution of the key issue of
immigrants, Ayatollah Khamenei said hundreds of thousands of Afghan
immigrants are studying in Iran at different levels. “The Afghan people
are very talented and smart and this talent should be used correctly in
acquiring knowledge because the educated Afghans are needed for the
reconstruction of your country.”
The Supreme Leader said Tehran is home to Afghan brethren and while
pointing to deep-seated and stable relations and friendship between Iran
and its neighboring country, he expressed hope that the Afghan nation and
government would witness more success day by day.
In the meeting also attended by President Hassan Rouhani, Ashraf Ghani
expressed content with his visit to Tehran.
He touched on deep-rooted and age-old historic and cultural ties
between Iran and Afghanistan, saying: “Our objective is [to see]
Afghanistan become a communications hub in the region and regain its
former status as the linking intersection in the region.”
Noting that Iran and Afghanistan are facing similar threats and common
opportunities, the Afghan president said: “Our political will is based on
expanding bilateral ties and we have to make efforts to boost common and
positive points between the two countries.”
He said that the Afghan government is seeking to turn domestic
conflicts and unrest into opportunities for cooperation and referred to
some challenges like the issue of terrorism, narcotics, immigrants and
common border waters.
“The issues between the two countries should be resolved based on the
political will of both governments and based on a timeframe set during
this visit,” he said.
Ashraf Ghani said Iran is suffering the most losses in the issue of
drug trafficking, adding: “None of our neighbors has been as serious as
Iran with regard to the threat of narcotics and no country has fought it
like Iran, and we are ready to combat this scourge with the help of Iran.
The Afghan president pointed to the expansion of bilateral ties between
the two countries in transportation and investment as well as cultural and
economic cooperation, and addressing the Supreme Leader, said: “Under your
wise leadership, Iran has stabilized its historic identity and we hope
that under the aegis of this wise leadership, we will witness closer
cooperation between the two countries.”
Armed forces preparedness
in the face of threats
(2015/04/20)
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution, in a meeting on Sunday with a group of Army commanders,
personnel and martyrs’ families, firmly recommended the Iranian Armed
Forces maintain and bolster their insight, embrace religious and
revolutionary orientations, improve defense and armament capabilities and
boost their spirit.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never been and will never be a threat
to the [Middle East] region and neighboring countries, but it will react
with full strength against any aggression,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
During the meeting which was timed to coincide with national “Army and
Ground Forces’ Valiance Day,” the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces
extended congratulations on this day and said the designation of April 18
as the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army Day was one of the greatest
initiatives by the late Imam Khomeini during the first days of the 1979
victory of the Islamic Revolution in order to counter efforts by some
groups to dismantle the Army.
“Thanks to the acumen of the great Imam (Peace Be Upon Him), the Army
survived and preserved its strength and power, and as a revolutionary body
made contributions in different arenas, including during the eight years
of the Sacred Defense (the 1980-1988 Iraqi imposed war on Iran) and
brought honor and epic upon the country.”
The supreme leader said April 18 on the Iranian calendar implies the
Army’s loyalty to the Revolution and to serving people’s objectives,
adding: “One of the characteristics of the Islamic Republic [of Iran’s]
Army is its compliance with religious obligations and instructions.”
He pointed to the non-compliance of many armies in the world with
international regulations and human criteria during victory or defeat and
said: “A clear example of this issue is the behavior of world powers,
particularly the US, which commit any kind of crime in defiance of
international law and human criteria.”
He referred to the ongoing events in Yemen, the Gaza War last summer
and the war on Lebanon as examples of non-compliance with international
regulations, saying: “The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran
always abide by Islamic obligations and regulations, and never do they
rebel after victory, nor do they use proscribed tools and methods at times
of danger.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s insistence [on the point] that it will
never seek nuclear weapons lies within this very framework and is based on
religious convictions,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
Ayatollah Khamenei touched on some propaganda and accusations that Iran
is interfering in the affairs of regional countries and said: “These
charges are untrue because Iran has not meddled in the affairs of [other]
countries and it will never do so.”
“We abhor and resent those who attack civilians and women and children
and we believe that they are unaware of Islam and [devoid of] human
conscience, but we do not interfere in the affairs of countries. ¬¬¬
The supreme leader said the Iranian Armed Forces’ compliance with
Islamic teachings and divine rules are the main reason behind their
popularity among people, adding: “Another characteristic of the Armed
Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran is their day-to-day upgrading of
defense readiness, [combat] equipment and armament, which is in line with
the Quranic verse ‘And prepare against them whatever you are able of power.’
”
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the military and defense achievements
of the Iranian Armed Forces are among the best national scientific and
technological breakthroughs. “These advancements and capabilities have
been achieved under unprecedented pressure and sanctions and shortage of
resources. That is extraordinary work and should continue full steam ahead.”
He referred to the discontent of ill-wishers of the Iranian nation with
the defense achievements of the Armed Forces and efforts undertaken to
block this process, saying: “That is why they concentrate their propaganda
campaign on this subject, particularly on the progress in the missile and
drone sector, but logic, backed by the Quranic verse, obligates us to
continue on this path with strength.”
The supreme leader referred to the Americans’ impudent threats, saying:
“After a [short] period of silence by the opposite side, one of their
officials recently spoke once more of options on the table. One the one
hand, they bluff this way and on the other, they say the Islamic Republic
of Iran should stop its defense progress, which is an idiotic remark.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will never accept this idiotic remark and
the Iranian nation has proven that, if invaded, it will defend itself
strongly and will stand up to the unreasonable invader like a clenched
fist,” he said.
“All organs, including the Ministry of Defense, the Army and the
Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, should boost their military and defense
preparedness as well as their combat readiness and spirit day by day and
that is an official instruction,” said the supreme leader.
Noting that the Iranian Armed Forces, including the Army, enjoy high
morale, Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Despite upgrading its defense and
military capabilities, the Islamic Republic of Iran will never pose a
threat to regional and neighboring countries.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the Americans, Europeans and some of their
followers have fabricated the story that Iran seeks to acquire nuclear
weapons, and that they portray the Islamic Republic as a threat. “Today,
the biggest threats to the world and to the region are the US and the
Zionist regime, which intervene in any spot they deem necessary and
trigger killings, without any consideration and without conforming to
religious and conscientious obligations and criteria,” he added.
He said the regrettable events in Yemen along with the US and West’s
backing for the invader is an example of behavior which sparks insecurity
in the world, adding: “The Islamic Republic of Iran, unlike unrestrained
powers, views security as the biggest divine blessing and it resists in
order to ensure the security of its own and of others.”
Ayatollah Khamenei wrapped up his remarks by saying, “Safeguarding the
country’s security, borders and the lives of people is among the most
important tasks assigned to military and police officials.”
Prior to Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks, Major General Ataollah Salehi,
chief of the Army, said April 18 marks the valiance of the Army’s Ground
Forces, adding that the “revolutionary Army of the Islamic Republic of
Iran” is in “full readiness” to safeguard country’s borders and strategic
national interests.
“Regardless of agreements or a lack of agreements in international
equations, the Army knows no option but honor, and is ready to once again
create lasting sagas under any circumstances,” General Salehi said.
Iran's leader calls for
lifting all sanctions
(2015/04/10)
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei
in a meeting on Thursday with a group of women, poets and eulogists
writing poems in praise of the Household of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),
extended his congratulations on the birthday of Hazrat Fatima (the beloved
daughter of the Prophet Mohammad) and made very significant remarks about
nuclear talks and the developments in Yemen.
Ayatollah Khamenei started his remarks by saying: “Some are asking why
the Leader has not taken any stance with regard to the recent nuclear
negotiations.”
“The reason for the Leader’s refusal to take a stance is that there is
no ground for taking a position because the country’s officials and
nuclear officials say nothing has yet been done and no binding topic has
so far been brought up between the two sides,” he said
“Such a situation does not need taking a position,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “If I am asked ‘Do you agree or disagree with
the recent nuclear talks?’ I would say I neither agree nor disagree
because nothing has happened yet.”
He added: “All problems arise from the point the details would be
discussed because the opposite side is obstinate, unreliable, dishonest
and into backstabbing, and may put constraints on the country, nation and
negotiators throughout discussions about details.”
“What has hitherto happened guarantees neither an agreement itself, nor
negotiations leading to an agreement, nor the content of an agreement. It
does not even guarantee that these talks would end in an agreement.
Therefore, extending congratulations [on this issue] is pointless.”
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say: “I’ve never been optimistic about
negotiations with the US and that is not because of an illusion, but
because of experience in that regard.”
“If in the future, the details of issues, events and notes regarding
ongoing nuclear talks are released, everyone will see where this
experience of ours stems from,” he said.
He said: “Although I was not optimistic about negotiations with the US,
I supported the talks in this case wholeheartedly and I continue to
support [them].”
“I [will] support one hundred percent an agreement that would guarantee
the dignity of the Iranian nation and if someone says the Leader is
opposed to the conclusion of an agreement, he is making untrue remarks,”
he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that he completely approves of an agreement
that would guarantee the interests of the nation and the country, saying:
“Of course, I have said that ‘not reaching an agreement is better than a
bad agreement’ because not accepting an agreement that would trample upon
the interests of the Iranian nation and deny the nation its dignity would
be preferred to [accepting] an agreement that would humiliate the Iranian
nation.”
The supreme leader then made one point clear, saying: “Sometimes it is
said that the details of these negotiations are under the supervision of
the Leader, but that remark is not accurate.”
“I am not indifferent to these negotiations, but I have not interfered
in the details of the talks so far and I will not do so from now onwards
either,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “I have notified mainly the president and in a
few cases the foreign minister of [our] main policies, frameworks and
redlines, but the details are in their hands.”
“I trust the nuclear negotiators and I have not been doubtful of them
so far and God willing, that would be so in the future, too. But I am
seriously concerned over the nuclear talks,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said his preoccupation with the talks stems from the
fact that the opposite side is into deception, telling lies, breaking
promises and moving in the wrong direction. “An example of such behavior
by the opposite side could be seen in the recent talks and some two hours
after the end of the negotiations, the White House released a statement in
several pages, which was untrue in most cases.”
He added: “It is not possible to draw up such a statement in two hours.
Therefore, [one could conclude that] they were drafting a distorted and
erroneous statement contrary to the content of the negotiations while they
were in talks with us.”
The supreme leader emphasized that the opposite side has a record of
dishonesty and trickery. “Another instance is that after each round of
talks, they make remarks in public and then they say in private that these
remarks were only for saving their faces inside [their countries] and
countering opponents while we have nothing to do with these issues.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Based on the famous proverb ‘Every madman
thinks all other men mad’, they say that any possible opposition by the
Leader to the negotiations is not realistic and is just for domestic
face-saving. But the point is that they are not aware of Iran’s internal
realities.”
“The Leader’s remarks [addressed] to people are based on mutual trust
and as people trust me, I fully trust the people and I am convinced that
God is with these people,” said Ayatollah Khamenei.
“People braving the cold [to attend rallies] on the 22nd of Bahman (Feb
11 marking the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution), and [their
presence] in Quds Day [anti-Israeli] rallies in the hot weather of the [fasting
month of] Ramadan, are all signs of God’s hand and based on this we fully
trust people and our remarks to them are within the framework of this
feeling as well as their honesty and prudence,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “I am concerned with the behavior of the
opposite side as the negotiations will continue.”
Referring to some viewpoints for and against the nuclear talks, he said:
“There should be no exaggeration and haste, but we have to wait and see
what would happen.”
Ayatollah Khamenei called on officials to keep people and particularly
the elite abreast of the details of the negotiations and apprise them of
the realities because there is nothing confidential.
He said that keeping people and the elite informed of the details of
the nuclear talks is a manifestation of empathy between officials and
people. “Empathy is not a directive, but and it should be developed and
promoted. The current circumstances are a good chance for the development
of empathy with people.”
Ayatollah Khamenei offered a proposal to officials, saying: “The
officials who are honest and devoted to national interests should invite
prominent critics of the negotiations and speak with them. If there is any
point in their views that could help push the negotiations they should
benefit from it. If not, they should convince them.”
“This is a manifestation of empathy and harmony in hearts and deeds,”
he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Officials may say there is not enough time to
hear critics because [only] three months are left until a deadline for
reaching an agreement. In response to them, one should say that this
3-month deadline is not something that cannot be changed, and there will
be no problem if this deadline is extended, as the opposite side extended
[the talks] for seven months in one stance.”
The supreme leader once again noted that the negotiations with the
Americans are merely on the nuclear issue and nothing else. “Of course,
the negotiations on the nuclear issue are an experience. If the opposite
side gives up its misconduct, we can continue this experience in other
issues, but if the opposite side continues its misconduct, our previous
impression regarding a lack of trust in the US will be strengthened.”
Ayatollah Khamenei complained about the position adopted by some people
who consider the international community as the opposite side in the
nuclear talks, saying: “The Iranian nation’s opposite side that reneges on
its promises is the US and three European countries and not the
international community. The international community comprises the 150
countries whose presidents and senior representatives participated in the
Non-Aligned Movement’s summit in Tehran several years ago and it is
baseless to say that we should win the trust of the international
community as the opposite party.”
The Leader then referred to his instructions to officials in his
private meetings on the nuclear issue. “I insist that the officials
consider the present nuclear achievements as very important and do not
underestimate and undervalue them.”
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the nuclear industry is a must for the
country, saying: “Some pseudo-intellectuals ask ‘Why do we need the
nuclear industry?’. That’s deception.”
He referred to the country’s need for advanced nuclear industry in the
fields of energy, production of radiopharmaceuticals, desalination and
agriculture, saying: “The most significant specification of the country’s
nuclear industry is that achieving this very important industry is the
result of the development of intrinsic talents of Iranian youth. Therefore,
progress in the nuclear industry should continue.”
The supreme leader referred to allegations by several criminal
countries like the US, which has already used A-bombs, or France, which
has conducted dangerous nuclear tests, and said: “They accuse us of
attempting to develop atomic bombs, while Iran’s Islamic establishment,
based on the Sharia Law and logic, has never been seeking to build nuclear
weapons and will never be, and considers them as a hassle.”
Ayatollah Khamenei urged the officials not to trust the opposite side
and said: “Recently, one of the authorities clearly said that we don’t
trust the opposite side. Such stances are good.”
Noting that the Iranian negotiators should not be fooled by the smiles
of the opposite side and trust them, the Leader said: “A clear example of
this is the stances and remarks by the US president following the recent
statement.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said he has also asked the Iranian negotiators to
demand the removal of sanctions all at once. “This issue is very important
and the sanctions should be annulled the same day an agreement [would come
into force].”
“If the lifting of sanctions is supposed to be linked to a new
procedure, the talks will be meaningless in principle because the
objective of the negotiations is to get the sanctions lifted,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said he also discussed the issue of inspections with
the negotiators. “Absolutely, [they] should not be allowed to infiltrate
the country’s security and defense sector under the pretext of monitoring,
and the country’s military officials are by no means allowed to let
foreigners into this sector under the pretext of monitoring and inspection,
or to halt the country’s development in the defense sector.”
“It is necessary that the country’s defense capabilities and the
nation’s strong fist in the military field remain strong and become
stronger day by day. Moreover, during the talks, our support for our
resistant brethren at different points should not falter.”
Regarding inspections of Iran’s nuclear program, the Leader said: “No
unconventional method of inspection that would turn Iran into a specific
case in terms of monitoring would be acceptable and the inspections should
be within the boundaries of the very same conventional inspections carried
out across the world, and nothing more.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also highlighted the necessity of continued
technical development in Iran’s nuclear program.
“Scientific and technical development in different aspects should
continue. Of course, the negotiating team may deem it necessary to accept
some restrictions and we have no opposition in that regard, but technical
development should definitely continue and go ahead in full force,” he
said.
“It is up to the negotiators to meet these demands and they should
explore and follow up on correct negotiation methods by benefiting from
the views of well-informed and trustworthy individuals and the views of
critics,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the ongoing
events in Yemen and said: “By launching aggression on Yemen, the Saudis
made a mistake and set a bad precedent in the region.”
The Leader drew a parallel between the Saudi regime’s invasion of Yemen
and the Zionists’ crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and
highlighted two points regarding this issue.
He described the Saudi aggression against Yemen as a crime and genocide
which could be prosecuted in international courts, saying: “The killing of
children, destruction of houses and annihilation of the infrastructure and
national wealth of a country constitute a big crime.”
“The Saudis will definitely suffer losses” in the aggression and “they
will by no means emerge the winner,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei predicted that the Saudis would lose in this war,
saying: “The reason for this prediction is clear because the Zionists’
military capability was much higher than the Saudis’ and Gaza was a small
zone; however, they (Zionists) failed. But Yemen is a vast country
populated by tens of millions.”
“The Saudis will certainly suffer blows in this process and they will
bite the dust,” he said.
The supreme leader referred to the background of Saudis in foreign
political issues, saying: “We have numerous differences with the Saudis on
different political issues, but we always said that they show dignity and
humbleness in foreign policy. However, a group of inexperienced youths
have taken the helm of affairs in that country and are getting barbarism
overcome dignity and pretention, and that will definitely be to their
detriment.”
“This act in the region is not acceptable and I warn that they should
give up this criminal act in Yemen,” said the supreme leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei touched upon the US support for the Saudi government,
saying: “This is the nature of the US to take sides with the oppressor in
such cases instead of supporting the oppressed, but also in this case,
they will suffer blows and will be defeated.”
Regarding allegations of Iran’s interference in Yemen, he said: “Their
criminal warplanes have made Yemen’s sky insecure and, to justify their
interference in Yemen, they invent idiotic pretexts, which are all
rejected by God, nations and international logic, but they do not consider
such acts as interference and instead they accuse Iran [of interference].”
The Leader described Yemen as an ancient nation capable of determining
its own government, reiterating that the Saudi government should “stop
these catastrophic crimes as soon as possible.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said the primary plot designed by the ill-wishers of
the Yemeni nation seeks to create a power vacuum and create an appalling
situation there similar to the one in Libya. “Fortunately, they failed to
realize that objective because pious youth devoted to Imam Ali – including
Shias, Sunnis, Zaidis and Hanafis, stood against them and they will
continue to resist and they will emerge victorious.”
At the beginning of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei honored the memory
of Ali Ahi, the deceased eulogist who was committed and industrious. The
leader also and made a few points while addressing the eulogizers.
The leader urged the eulogizers not to take for granted the massive
presence of youths in ceremonies commemorating the Household of the
Prophet and highlighted the necessity of promoting religious teachings and
the Islamic lifestyle and of encouraging the audience to discharge the big
responsibilities they shoulder.
The leader also said youth should be urged to refrain from deviation
and superstition in their beliefs.
The leader receives
Turkish president in Tehran, calling for an end to the aggression against
Yemen
(2015/04/08)
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei
in a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday said
the great event of “General Islamic Awakening” is the main reason behind
the anxiety of enemies of Islam.
Referring to plots hatched by enemies to counter this big event,
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “Today, the United States and Zionists are happy
with internal differences in some Muslim countries and the solution to
these problems lies in cooperation among Muslim countries and adopting
appropriate and constructive practical measures.”
Highlighting that the enhancement of ties between Iran and Turkey will
serve the common interests of both nations, the supreme Leader said: “The
strength of each Muslim country in the Islamic world is, in fact, [regarded
as] the strength of the [entire] Muslim ummah (community) and the general
policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is that Muslim countries should
strengthen one another and refrain from weakening each another. The
promotion of Iran-Turkey relations will contribute to the realization of
this objective.”
Ayatollah Khamenei said: “We have constantly insisted [on the fact]
that Muslim countries would not benefit from trusting the West and the US,
and today everyone is clearly witnessing the outcome of the West’s actions
in the region, which are to the detriment of Islam and the region.”
He touched upon upheavals in certain regional countries as well as the
brutalities committed by terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria, saying: “If
someone does not see the enemy’s hidden hand in these events, he is in
self-deception.”
To that effect, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted the happiness of the US
and the Zionists with the current situation in the region and said: “The
Zionists and many Western governments, mainly the US, are happy with these
developments and they have no intention of putting an end to the ISIL
issue.”
The supreme leader recalled some examples of ISIL’s acts of extreme
savagery, and the terror group’s primary objective of dominating Baghdad,
asking who has been underwriting and arming these groups.
“Foreigners certainly do not want this issue to be resolved. Therefore,
it is up to Muslim countries to make a decision to solve these problems.
But unfortunately no appropriate and constructive collective decision has
been made,” Ayatollah Khamenei added.
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to the ongoing chaos in Yemen as
another example of new problems in the Muslim world and proposed a
solution for the crisis in the Arab country.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s position vis-à-vis all countries,
including Yemen, is opposition to foreign interference. Therefore, in our
view, the solution to the crisis in Yemen is for the attacks and foreign
interference against the people of this country to stop, and it is Yemenis
that should decide for the future of their country,” he said.
The supreme leader said the great event of “General Islamic Awakening”
together with nations’ thirst for Islam is the key reason behind the
sensitivity of enemies. Ayatollah Khamenei noted: “In opposition to this
awakening, the enemies of Islam have long launched their counterattack,
and the regrettable fact is that some Islamic governments are also
committing treason and put their money and logistics at the disposal of
the enemy.”
Ayatollah Khamenei then highlighted the situation in Iraq and touched
upon Iran’s assistance to the Iraqi people to head off the dominance of
terrorists. “Iran has no military presence in Iraq, but historic,
deep-seated and very close relations exist between the Iranian and Iraqi
nations,” he said.
The supreme leader wished growing dignity and glory for the Muslim
world and reiterated Iran’s readiness to exchange views and hold
consultations to help resolve regional issues.
For his part, the Turkish president touched on his talks in Tehran and
said during his trip, the two sides discussed bilateral issues, including
reciprocal political and economic ties, as well as regional questions.
He referred to Tehran-Ankara relations in the energy sector and said
the Iran-Turkey Economic Cooperation Council has been established, noting
that officials in charge have been instructed to follow up on plans to
push up mutual trade to billion.
Erdogan stressed the need for resolving the issues and problems which
exist within the Muslim world without the interference of the West, saying
there are many problems in the region which should be resolved through
regional cooperation and without the West’s intervention.
The Turkish president also condemned the crimes committed by the ISIL
terrorist group and noted he does not consider ISIL terrorists as Muslims
and that he has adopted a stance against them.
