The Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Tuesday, May 31, received a group of officials in charge of holding the ceremonies marking the 16th demise anniversary of the founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Imam Khomeini.
In an address to the audience, the Leader described the late Imam Khomeini as a really unique personality in the Iranian history. He emphasized that the only way to accomplish the noble ideals of the Iranian nation is to continue the path of the late founder of the Islamic Republic.
Ayatollah Khamenei also referred to the unparalleled status of the late Imam Khomeini among the great Ulema, scholars of rational sciences, philosophers, Islamic jurisprudents, reformists and those in the vanguard of reformation, politicians and statesmen of the Iranian history.
"The unmatched piety and devoutness of our magnanimous Imam, at a time when he enjoyed worldwide fame and great public support, is something really amazing. These qualities as well as the firmness of purpose and great resolve, valor and other exemplary characteristics of Imam Khomeini has made him comparable to a vast and deep ocean, in which there are still many undiscovered jewels and treasures," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Republic pointed out that the ceaseless attempts made by the arrogant and expansionist powers to tarnish the image of the late Imam Khomeini are aimed at destroying the path and course of action that was initiated by the founder of the Islamic Republic.
"In order to confront such hostilities, the Iranian nation and all the devotees of our magnanimous Imam should go beyond the mere praise and admiration for Imam Khomeini and, by acting upon and adhering to the late Imam's thoughts and principles, they should try to resist the arrogant powers and protect their identity, independence and freedom," he observed.
Ayatollah Khamenei also hinted at the need to follow the strategic ways and methods of confronting the arrogant powers that were introduced by Imam Khomeini.
"The late Imam did not allow the enemies to have the initiative but by disregarding the rules of the game that the arrogant powers tried to establish, he always hit the target and took the enemies by surprise. Today also, by using this method, we should try to delineate and achieve our revolutionary objectives with firmness, courage and bravery," Ayatollah Khamenei told the audience.
The Leader considered the foiling of the historical attempts made by the enemies to separate religion from politics as one of the remarkable achievements of Imam Khomeini. "Unfortunately, there are certain individuals in the country today who are repeating the enemies' words in their remarks or writings," he noted.
Further in his statements, Ayatollah Khamenei described the auspicious presence of faithful and devout individuals on various scenes of progress and development as one of the positive results of the late Imam's efforts to develop and fulfill the potential and talents of the Iranian nation.
"What should be done to keep the memory of Imam Khomeini alive and keep his banner of guidance hoisted is to comply with the late Imam's principles and strategy in our everyday affairs. Also, by applying the methods and modern tactics serving this strategy, we should try to ensure a bright, promising and hopeful future for our country and nation," Ayatollah Khamenei told the gathering.
Touching on the upcoming presidential elections in the country, the Leader of the Islamic Republic called the forthcoming elections very significant and the manifestation of the free will and freedom of choice of every single Iranian citizen. He also referred to the great difference existing between public participation in elections based on awareness and insight under the Islamic system and participation in elections without any deep knowledge and awareness in other countries that are dominated by party politics.
"The Iranian people should use their right to elect the president of the Islamic Republic in an optimum manner by voting for the most competent and efficient candidate from among the presidential candidates following adequate investigations and consultations," the Leader remarked.
Ayatollah Khamenei further stated, "Some are likely to say that I am in favor of a certain presidential candidate or opposed to another candidate. Such remarks are not true. I have one vote, which I will cast in the ballot-box on the Election Day, and nobody else knows to whom it will go."
Before the Leader's speech, Mohammad-Ali Ansari, the director of the headquarters for holding the ceremonies marking the 16th anniversary of the late Imam Khomeini's departure, presented a report about the headquarters' plans to hold the ceremonies in the most appropriate manner.
He also said that the nation's allegiance to the late Imam has continued in the best form, since it has manifested itself in the Iranian people's strong cordial ties with Ayatollah Khamenei and in their deep loyalty to the Leader of the Islamic Republic.