The Grand Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei addressed a large gathering of people comprising tens of thousands of residents and visiting pilgrims in the holy city of Mashhad on Monday, March 21, the Iranian New Year's Day.
In his speech, the Leader referred to the most important issues of the current year, including the rights and duties of the Iranian nation and the responsibilities of government officials with respect to the upcoming presidential elections and the necessary measures that should be taken to foil the enemies' plots and neutralize their threats.
He also stressed that the promotion of national solidarity and public participation and the utilization of the people's great vitality and numerous capabilities will help to build a better and brighter future for the Iranian nation.
As regards the reason for calling the current year ‘The Year of National Solidarity and Public Participation', Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the denomination has been prompted by the country's strategic need for the people's presence on various scenes. He stated that the denominations of the current and past years have not been intended as mere formalities, but that they indicate the general tendency and direction of the Iranian nation and government.
Referring to the denominations of the former years such as ‘The Year of Alawi Conduct (the Conduct of Imam Ali (greetings be upon him))', ‘The Year of Serving the Public' and ‘The Year of Accountability', the Leader noted that such mottos as well as other necessities such as the movement for seeking and administering justice, the software movement for opening new horizons in science, the movement for promoting broad-mindedness, the officials' greater attention to Islamic and revolutionary values and the continuation of scientific, economic and managerial campaigns are in fact what the Iranian nation demands and what the Islamic Republic needs.
He pointed out that by drawing on the experience obtained over the recent years, the people and government officials should take greater strides toward the accomplishment of these goals and ideals.
Criticizing those who are engaged in a campaign of mud-slinging and character assassination instead of competing with each other in serving the public in the best possible manner, Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the accomplishment of the noble objectives and ideals of the great, valorous and dedicated Iranian nation should be expedited by delineating bright and promising prospects for the Iranian people and promoting unity and brotherhood in society.
The Leader further referred to the significance of the upcoming presidential elections and the need to thwart the enemies in their plots and counteract their threats. He also considered national solidarity and public participation of special importance in the current year.
"The presence of the Iranian people on various scenes over the past 26 years has thwarted those casting a covetous eye on this country. In the same manner, the massive turnout of the Iranian people in the June -17 presidential elections will manifest their genuine participation in running their country. It will also play an effective role in neutralizing the threats posed by the enemies," he stated.
Ayatollah Khamenei described voting in the upcoming presidential elections as both a civil right and a national duty. "All the Iranian people across the country have an equal right to participate in electing the chief executive of the country. Besides, this participation is a national duty as well, since it keeps the spirit of commitment and responsibility alive in society and shows the enemies the decisive role of our nation," he noted.
Elsewhere in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic touched on the country's Fourth Development Plan, which will be initiated in the near future. Referring to the fact that the Fourth Development Plan constitutes the first phase of the 20-Year Perspective Document, he emphasized that the country is in need of a competent and dynamic chief executive who will be able to provide strong pillars and firm cornerstones for this document through effective measures.
Ayatollah Khamenei called on the Iranian people to find out which presidential candidate is the most competent and most suitable for the office. "If the people vote for a candidate who is efficient, courageous, dedicated, loyal to the rights of the nation and devoted to the Islamic values and revolutionary ideals, their vote will not only accelerate the country's progress and development but deter the enemies as well."
Further in his statements, the Leader hinted at the recent threatening remarks uttered by U.S. officials and stated that the Iranian people and officials have over the past 26 years become used to the threats posed by the enemies. "The Iranian people and officials, while remaining watchful and vigilant, will continue with their measures contributing to the country's progress regardless of the uproar and commotion being raised by the enemies," he noted.
Referring to the lies uttered by U.S. officials, who are falsely claiming that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons, Ayatollah Khomeini stated, "U.S. officials know very well that the Islamic Republic does not pursue nuclear weapons, and such claims are by no means true. But what actually worries them is a powerful, developed, independent and Islamic Iran enjoying modern technologies."
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that by raising uproar and commotion, U.S. officials are trying to block Iran's progress and development and keep this country dependent on others. "However, the Islamic Republic considers the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes its legitimate right and will by no means forego its right," he stressed.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic further referred to U.S. deployment of nuclear bombs and killing of hundreds of thousands of innocent people in World War II. "It is the United States itself that is capable of committing such horrendous crimes. We are not pursuing nuclear weapons, since we are not allowed by our religion Islam to treat even our enemies in such a manner."
Ayatollah Khamenei also hinted at the crimes committed by U.S. servicemen at AbuGhuraib and Guantanamo prisons as well as the flagrant violation of human rights in the United States. "Those claiming to advocate human rights and accusing the great Iranian nation of violating human rights are committing the most blatant human rights violations themselves."
As regards U.S. threats against the Islamic Republic, the Leader noted that the Iranian people and officials are not affected by such threats. He further stated, "The Iranian officials, unlike belligerent U.S. officials, do not favor war and bloodshed. However, if some day the honor and dignity of our nation and the interests of our country are at stake, the Iranian officials, like other Iranians and unlike U.S. officials, will be ready to make all kinds of sacrifices. If an unpleasant event happens to our nation, I myself will put on a military uniform and get ready to make any kind of sacrifice."
Referring to the U.S. officials' remarks to the effect that they are going to invest money in breeding an opposition group in Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "U.S. officials should not vainly pin their hopes on their agents and mercenaries in Iran, since those who are paid by the United States to further the interests of the aliens in this country and who at the same time pose as opposition figures will be the most hated ones in the eyes of the Iranian people."
In conclusion, the Leader of the Islamic Republic described national unity and solidarity and public participation as the Iranian people's most effective weapons in the face of the enemies' threats and intrigues.