The Leader of the Islamic Revolution delivered his first public address after the contested June 12 presidential election which gave Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a landslide victory. Speaking at University of Tehran, the venue for Tehran Friday prayers, Ayatollah Khamenei praised the Iranian people for their record turnout at the presidential election, which he described as a showcase for the nation's sense of responsibility.
His Eminence said that the 85 percent voter turnout was indicative of the unanimous commitment of the Iranian nation to the Islamic Republic. He added that the enthusiastic presence of Iranian youth in the presidential vote manifests the continuation of the political commitment and sense of responsibility shared by the first generation of the Revolution.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that the presence of the people from different walks of life in the presidential election was a "political earthquake" for the enemies of the Iran and the Revolution. "The Islamic Republic showed off the true meaning of religious democracy to the ill-wishers."
He said that the large turnout in the presidential poll was the Iranian nation's response to the spiteful propaganda of the western media. Referring to the propaganda broadcast by the "camp of arrogance" about the possibility of an election fraud in Iran, the Leader said: "In my New Year address, I warned the dear friends inside the country that they should not repeat what the enemies say about election fraud. That is because foreigners are trying to undermine the public trust that the Islamic Republic has gained in 30 years through its successful performance."
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the free campaigning of the presidential candidates and the televised debates between them and reiterated: "The energetic competition among the 4 presidential candidates was a competition among different movements which belong to the Islamic Republic. But through spreading blatant lies, the media that belong to the malicious Zionists try to portray this competition as a confrontation between the supporters and the opponents of the Islamic Republic."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution touched upon the previous posts of the presidential candidates and reasoned that their competition is within the confines of the Islamic Republic. "All these gentlemen are among the elements of this government and belong to the Islamic Republic."
His Eminence described the televised debates between the candidates as positive, further adding that the debates were one of the reasons behind the unprecedented turnout. "These debates and other campaigning programs helped the people hone their judgment, and they felt that the Islamic Republic does not consider some people as insiders and others as outsiders. They realized that the Islamic Republic does not see the people as outsiders and that it really believes in the nation's right to informed decision-making," he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei also touched upon the negative aspects of the televised debates and said that the mud-slinging and bitter arguments created anxiety among the supporters of the candidates.
He criticized both sides of the debates and added that both sides used fake figures to question the performance of one another. The Leader criticized the incumbent president's decision to publicly discuss "financial corruption" of the relatives of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Iran, and Ali Akbar Nateq-Nouri, former Speaker of the Majlis.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that he has known Ayatollah Rafsanjani for more than 50 years. He touched upon Mr. Rafsanjani's services to the Islamic Republic and reiterated that he (Rafsanjani) has been one of the most influential revolutionary figures.
"Before the Revolution, Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani spent what he had for the sake of revolutionary activities. Throughout the past 30 years and during most critical stages, he has been serving the Revolution and the Islamic Republic. All this time, he has never accumulated any wealth for himself."
His Eminence referred to the differences of opinion between President Ahmadinejad and Hashemi Rafsanjani regarding foreign affairs, administration of social justice and cultural matters and added: "Of course the President's views are closer to mine."
Ayatollah Khamenei also described Nateq-Nouri as a revolutionary figure who has rendered many services to the Revolution. "Mr. Nateq-Nouri's commitment to the Revolution and the Islamic Republic is beyond question."
Ayatollah Khamenei further reiterated the stance of the Islamic Republic on corruption and said that the Islamic Republic is one of the healthiest social and political systems in terms of corruption. He said that the Islamic Republic should not be accused of corruption solely on the basis of reports from Zionist centers, further stating that unfounded accusations of corruption should not be leveled at officials and individuals.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Iranian nation created a historic and global epic during the election. He also stated that the enemies are trying to turn this victory into a national failure and create doubts about the elections in order to tarnish the record turnout of the Iranian nation in the presidential election.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that those who voted for the presidential candidates belong to the Islamic Republic and will be rewarded by God. He added that 40 million people voted for the Islamic Revolution through their presence in the elections.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the people trust the Islamic Republic. He assured the supporters of the candidates that the Islamic Republic would not betray the votes of the people.
He further stated that the country's legal mechanisms do not allow for any cheating and said that it is impossible to change 11 million votes in favor of a particular candidate.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that he has urged the Guardian Council to investigate the complaints by those who have doubts about the election result. He also called for a partial recount of ballot boxes if necessary.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that all complaints should be pursued through legal avenues and reiterated that he will not surrender to "illegal innovations". He stressed that certain groups are always defeated at every election and stated: "If legal frameworks are undermined, doubts will be cast over future elections as well."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that there are no gaps in the laws regarding electoral complaints and said that the law has specified the proper channels for dealing with such complaints. He added that all matters should be pursued through legal channels.
Ayatollah Khamenei also addressed the candidates and members of political parties and said: "This is a critical point in the history of our country, and by considering the current economic climate and the situation in the world, the Middle East, and the neighboring countries we realize that we are in a critical period. Therefore, everyone should stay vigilant and act carefully."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the people fulfilled their duty in the best manner during the presidential poll and said that political figures and those who are in contact with public opinion should act cautiously "because extremism will affect other parts of society as well and will cause the situation to get out of control".
Ayatollah Khamenei said that extremist acts on the part of political figures will result in extremism among other people and said that those who break the law, intentionally or unintentionally, shoulder the responsibility for all bloodshed, violence, and chaos.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that all matters should be settled at ballot boxes and not on the streets, and stated that settling all disputes at ballot boxes is the reason behind holding elections.
He reiterated that everyone should remember Imam Khomeini's advice which said that everyone should consider the law as the ultimate reference.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: "If those who are defeated in the elections ask their supporters to take to the streets, and those who have won also respond by taking to the streets, then why are elections held at all?"
He said that street rallies provide the best opportunity for the enemies to carry out terrorist attacks and said: "Who is responsible for the terrorist activities which might take place in these protests? Who is responsible for the death of the civilians and Basijis during the previous days? Who is responsible for the emotional reactions which are provoked by such terrorist acts?"
Ayatollah Khamenei said that he was deeply saddened by the recent raid on a group of students at Tehran University dormitory and said: "It is really saddening to see that they attacked these faithful youth at a dormitory in the name of the Leader."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the protests which took place after the election are a challenge to the basis of elections and democracy and called on everyone to put an end to these incorrect methods. He said that those who are involved in such protests will have to take responsibility for the consequences.
He reiterated that street protests cannot act a source of pressure to make the officials surrender to the demands of certain people. He added that giving in to illegal demands under pressure will result in dictatorship. He said that those who think that they can achieve their goals through protests are making a mistake "and the leaders of the protests are responsible for the consequences of these actions".
He further warned that he will talk more explicitly to the people in case some people choose to tread a path other than that of the law.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution further referred to the stance of the US and certain European countries and added: "Before the election, western media and officials tried to create doubts about the election and tried to prevent the people from taking part in the election. But the presence of around 40 million people in the election shocked western media and officials and made them accept that a new page has been turned regarding the issues related to the Islamic Republic."
Referring to the post-election protests, Ayatollah Khamenei said: "In these conditions, western countries tried to take advantage and changed their tone. And their intentions were gradually revealed."
He cited the recent remarks by American officials who had said that they were waiting for such days when people take out to the streets. "These remarks are made at a time when they send us letters expressing a desire to start relations with the Islamic Republic. Which of their remarks should we believe?" he said.
He said: "At the same time, the mercenaries of foreign countries started to engage in acts of vandalism, robbed public properties, and targeted the security of the people. Such acts are not done by the supporters of the candidates." He blamed western and Zionist intelligence services and their mercenaries for these acts.
Ayatollah Khamenei added: "This state of affairs enticed the enemies to think that they could use the money of Zionist capitalists and carry out a velvet revolution in Iran. They think this is [the Republic] of Georgia. These idiots do not know the Iranian nation."
His Eminence said that the American officials' concern about the violation of human rights in Iran was the worst insult. "They have committed those crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. And they are providing political and financial support for the oppressive Zionist regime. How can these people claim to advocate human rights?" he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei touched on the massacre of more than 80 Branch Davidians by Clinton's administration and added: "You burnt more than 80 men, women, and children to death. Do you really understand the meaning of human rights?"
He stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran is the standard-bearer of human rights and that it does not need any advice from westerners. "European and American politicians and government officials should feel ashamed and stop doing these things," he said.