The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei met today with a group of prominent religious and political figures from around the world. Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to negotiation and collaboration as two important factors for promoting agreement among countries and reiterated: "The bitter realities of the modern world such as war, hunger, and violation of human rights are rooted in the expansionist and domineering motives of the superpowers. Therefore, all efforts to solve the current problems of the world should be aimed at promoting justice and opposing oppression."
Ayatollah Khamenei described negotiation and discussion of views as a necessary and important act and reiterated: "Holding meetings and conducting negotiations will undoubtedly play an important role in promoting agreement among governments and nations. However, such measures will not be adequate to alleviate the current sufferings of humans. Therefore, other solutions should also be taken into consideration at the same time."
Ayatollah Khamenei further described injustice and oppression as the two historical reasons behind the problems of the human community and referring to the violent killings of the people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine said: "Such painful catastrophes are rooted in expansionism and injustice rather than misunderstanding or lack of understanding."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also described the Western hegemony and the degrading treatment given to Muslims and other nations across the world as the other reasons behind the current problems of the world. He said that proper measures have to be taken in order to solve these problems. "The current Western generation cannot be held responsible for what the previous generation did. However, the current Western officials also follow the same policies. They violate the rights of other nations and are after dominating the world," he noted.
His Eminence also advised those who defend the interests of the human community and are determined to solve the current problems of the world to oppose oppression and injustice in all parts of the world and make serious efforts to distinguish between oppressors and the oppressed.
Also referring to the crimes being currently committed against the Palestinian people, Ayatollah Khamenei said: "Praying to God and offering different solutions to solve the world's problems are important measures. However, all efforts will be useless without seeking justice and opposing tyranny. Therefore, those who have a hand in the world's affairs should stand up to such blatant instances of oppression and tyranny in Iraq and Afghanistan."
His Eminence also referred to opposing tyranny as the best solution for promoting peace in the world and said: "There will not be long-lasting peace in the absence of justice. Therefore, seeking justice and standing up to oppression should also be kept in mind at the same time."