Ahead of the martyrdom anniversary of Shahid Bahonar and Shahid Raja'ee-- marking the National Week of the Administration-- President Rouhani and his cabinet members met with Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, this morning August 29, 2018.
At this meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei tapped on the economic problems caused by internal as well as external factors and stated: The enemy has targeted the economy of Iran because there already exist some economic problems and shortcomings. In the area of the economy, we should act vigorously and extensively, to fill all the gaps; these are all possible; there is no dead end in managing the country's economy.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that officials in charge of the economy sector must work hard, keeping up with the goals of Economy of Resistance. “The quality and extent of work by the officials of the Economy Sector must be as such that they would work tirelessly day and night. And the pivot of all the efforts being made in this sector must be in line with the policies of the Economy of Resistance—which entails empowering domestic production,” said the Supreme Leader.
The Leader of the Revolution described Resistance Economy as safeguarding the country against enemies and held: Policies of the Economy of Resistance represent both building a stronghold against the enemy and empowering the nation for progressing and moving forward. Thus, the Economy of Resistance that revolves around domestic production has both defensive and offensive features.
Ayatollah Khamenei called for endorsing solidarity among officials of the country and asserted: Today solidarity and unity of Iranian officials are needed more than ever. The heads of the different branches of power, as well as the officials working in various sectors, must cooperate and support each other. In particular, everyone should help the administration, because it is the entity at the center.
He added: It is normal to have some disagreements among the officials, but it should not become the focus of the media; as it could make the people worried.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the Iranian parliament session held the day before wherein President Rouhani appeared before the representatives of the nation to answer to questions on his policies as an example of power and stability, adding that: Yesterday's meeting in the parliament (Majlis) was an example of manifestation of sovereignty and stability of the Islamic Republic of Iran. May God bless the president and the executive branch for this manifestation of sovereignty.
The Leader of the Revolution dubbed the parliament session as a manifestation of religious democracy and said: When the members of the parliament question the President—who has been elected into office with 23 million votes—and he calmly answers; this represents religious democracy. There exists a gap between the expectations of the MPs and the reality—and this gap needs to be filled. The important thing is that this event represented a magnificent manifestation of the Islamic Republic's power and the officials’ confidence [in the system].
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to what the enemies of Iran were expecting to come out of the parliament session by stating that: The enemy sought other results from the meeting, but yesterday’s great meeting is going to reinforce the parliament and empower the president; it is also going to pave the way for increased cooperation and convergence of viewpoints.
The Supreme Leader once again stressed the significance of reinforcing domestic production and tackling the economic problems the nation is facing, and asserted: The topic of domestic production and removing the problems and obstacles it faces is an important point that should be addressed in the meeting of the heads of the three branches.
Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned that economic corruption should be systematically confronted by “Combating corruption and blocking corruption channels” which, “requires full alertness and awareness of the government managers.”
The Supreme Leader attributed the recent crisis at foreign exchange markets in Iran to various factors, citing: In the recent issues of foreign currency and gold coin markets, even though some explanations were given [on what the factors are], ignorance and management reluctance also played a role.
Ayatollah Khamenei advised that: Today, there are advanced methods for supervising foreign currency distribution. When foreign currency is to be allocated or enter the market, this should be done meticulously. Care must be taken so in the current difficult situation of the country, several billion dollars are will not end up at the hands of those who smuggle it or pretentiously demand it for importing certain products, but indeed use the money for other things; or that subsided foreign currency will not be allocated for holiday travels to overseas.
The Supreme Leader praised the government as being capable to manage the economic crisis and added: The government is capable of managing the economy; and to do so, it is necessary to work seriously, enter the realm effectively, and extensively and continuously supervise in order to block channels of corruption, so there would be no need for the Judiciary's confrontation.
Ayatollah Khamenei advised the administration to turn to neighboring countries for establishing diplomatic ties. He said: On the topic of foreign policy, friendly ties should be established with the neighboring nations and the existing relations must expand.
Regarding European states, Ayatollah Khamenei asserted: It is fine to establish ties, continue negotiations with Europe; however, meanwhile you should stop having hopes in them on the issues like JCPOA or economic matters. You should strictly watch over the process of dealing with the matters, approaching their promises with wariness.
Ayatollah Khamenei warned Iran could withdraw from the JCPOA, should it violate national interests of the country. He said: JCPOA is not a goal but a means; naturally if we conclude that it is impossible to protect national interests with JCPOA, we will put it aside. Europeans should understand from Iranian government officials' words and actions that their measures will receive appropriate reactions by Iran.
Ayatollah Khamenei affirmed there would be no chance of negotiations with the United States, criticizing Trump for his explicit animosity towards Iran—as one reason Iran won’t consider negotiating with the United States. His Eminence said: Any negotiation with the U.S. is negated. Negotiations with former U.S. officials, who at least saved some face, bore such results! With the current brazen U.S. officials—who have unsheathed their swords against Iranians—what negotiations can we have? Thus no negotiations with any U.S. official at any level will be held.
Ayatollah Khamenei went on to say: Negotiations with Iran is what all U.S. governments need. They need to maneuver and pretend that, "we have even made the Islamic Republic of Iran sit at the negotiations table.” So, like I previously elaborated and argued, no negotiations will be held with U.S. officials.
Finally, Ayatollah Khamenei urged the officials to attend to the livelihood problems of the nation and asserted: The problems in the way of production are solvable and economists have suggested solutions. If the recommendations are applied, livelihood problems of the people will be reduced.— Today an important part of the population faces difficulties.
Comprehensive efforts are needed to prevent factories being closed or factories working with less than the normal capacity. It is the duty of the government to manage the economy. Management does not mean intervening; the aim of the general policies of Act 44 is to prevent intrusion. Opening space for economic activists, hard-working and creative youth, and removing obstacles, and improving business conditions; as well as blocking channels to corruption, and combating corruption are the important principles of economic management.
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