In a meeting with thousands of laborers from across the country on the eve of International Labor Day, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said this morning that progress is the definite destiny of the Iranian nation.Ayatollah Khamenei said that that labor and laborers are an irreplaceable link in the chain of fulfilling vital needs of the country.
Explaining the importance of labor and laborers, His Eminence stated that from an Islamic perspective laborers enjoy a high position because Islam considers their work as worship and good deeds. He added that the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.) would kiss the hands of laborers.
Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Iranian labor community played a role in helping the Iranian nation topple the Pahlavi regime. He further added that during the early years of the Islamic Revolution leftist elements made many efforts to pitch the Iranian labor community against Islam and the Islamic Republic, but that laborers foiled their plots.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the presence of laborers in the Sacred Defense and in the arenas of hard work and progress were the signs of the deep commitment of the Iranian labor community to Islam, the Revolution and Iran. "Proud and honorable Iranian laborers consider their labor as a battle."
He added that through serious and innovative efforts, Iranian laborers fight the world of arrogance and those who are after harming and wrecking the economy of the country.
His Eminence stated that the general policy of the Islamic Republic is to create solidarity among the elements that affect labor. He reiterated that there are certain people in the country who oppress laborers and ignore their rights, but that the general policy of the Islamic Republic is to help laborers and their employers to cooperate and to support each other.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the actions and plans of the government to improve the situation the Iranian labor community and added that it is necessary to plan and act in a way that the Iranian labor community is not disadvantaged.
Elsewhere in his speech, His Eminence referred to "The Year of Economic Jihad" and added: "The enemies are continuing their efforts in cultural, security, political and other areas. Moreover, they have focused their attack against Islam and the Islamic Republic on economy in order to create a rift between the people and the government. Therefore, it is necessary to fight the enemy with all our power, relying on our sincerity, understanding and insight."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that everybody in governmental and private sectors as well as the people are responsible in "The Year of Economic Jihad". He advised the Iranian labor community to do their responsibilities in a firm way. "It is necessary to do one's duty in a firm, accurate and appropriate way."
His Eminence said that improving the quality of Iranian products is one responsibility of the Iranian labor community. He reiterated that it is necessary to produce high-quality products so that Iranian and foreign customers come to believe that Iranian products are enduring and beautiful. "Of course governmental organizations should provide the prerequisites for realizing this goal, especially training."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that combining Iranian art and capabilities will prepare the ground for improving the quality of domestic products and added: "Certain domestic products can rival similar foreign products, and certain other domestic products are far better than similar foreign products. It is necessary to achieve this quality in all domestic products."
Ayatollah Khamenei stated that certain people think using foreign products is a sign of superiority. "Being dependent on foreign products and ignoring the efforts of Iranian laborers is a kind of disease and a bad habit which direct our national wealth into the pockets of foreign laborers."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that consuming domestic products is one of the necessities of "The Year of Economic Jihad" and added: "It is also necessary to raise the quality of these products to an acceptable level."
Explaining the responsibilities of government officials in the new Iranian year, Ayatollah Khamenei said that creating job opportunities is very important, further adding: "Attending to economic infrastructures of the country and paying attention to industry and agriculture are among the vital issues, and they are manifestations of jihad in the way of God."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the anti-human organizations of the arrogant powers have been making constant efforts in order to harm the Islamic Republic. "By isolating Iran, they wanted to prevent our Islamic system - which is the representation of Islamic and human glory and honor - from becoming an inspirational role model for other nations, but in the impressive uprisings of the people of the region, the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic have won more respect and attention than ever before. And the American government is the most hated government among the regional nations."
His Eminence stressed: "Thanks to the fact that nations are moving on the path of Islam, the future of the region will be far better than its current situation."
Ayatollah Khamenei said that God has promised increasing success for the Iranian nation and further failures for the enemies of Iran. He added that the Iranian people and government officials will continue their efforts on the path of God and that Allah the Exalted will bestow His blessings on them.