Appointment of Mr. Seyyed Mohammad Asghari as Representative of the Guardian and Head of Kayhan Institute

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Mr. Seyyed Mohammad Asghari (may his success continue)

In light of the resignation of Hojjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Mr. Khatami, and while appreciating his years of service as one of the distinguished cultural figures of the country, I hereby appoint you, who are among the committed personalities with clear cultural and scientific qualifications and familiarity with the issues of the Kayhan Institute, as my representative and head of that institute.

The role of public media, especially the press, in today's world is undeniable; however, in addition, the press in the Islamic revolutionary system, due to their critical revolutionary responsibilities, have gained a special status and dignity. The pages of responsible press have always been the arena of intelligent confrontation of committed and empathetic pens with the anti-cultural onslaughts of global arrogance and the distorted and identity-less elements.

I now draw your attention to the following points:

1) The Kayhan Institute is a complete cultural entity that must be utilized to its full potential. Planning for the comprehensive development and growth of that institute in various dimensions, considering its diverse audience, must be seriously considered.

It is essential, with the sincere cooperation and participation of committed and thoughtful Muslim forces from within and outside this entity - which fortunately are not few - to develop an appropriate framework for the short-term and long-term policies and programs of this great cultural institute, free from personal inclinations.

The secrets of success in this path include reliance on faithful and efficient forces, maintaining unity and cohesion, broad-mindedness in managing cultural affairs, and most importantly, trust in the inexhaustible divine power.

2) The most important duty of the press in the Islamic system is their cultural role in introducing and defending the values and ideals accepted by this revolutionary nation and raising their level of awareness and knowledge.

Currently, and especially after the complete defeat of Marxism, Western arrogance is primarily using cultural axes and methods to expand its political and atheistic dominance over revolutionary nations. Appropriate confrontation with the cultural invasion of the West in various dimensions must be at the forefront of public media programs. Indifference and negligence in the face of this cultural invasion, which sometimes occurs with the pen of rejected and self-defeated internal elements, will have irreparable damages.

3) The main asset of any media is public trust, which is achieved through attention to the values and beliefs of the majority of society - namely, the devout and loyal segments to the revolution - and maintaining the dignity and honor of the system and honesty in expression.

4) It is essential for cultural organizations and institutions to cooperate with the Kayhan Institute in order to expand and introduce the rich Islamic culture and elevate the level of public thought in the revolutionary society, so that the institute can succeed in its mission by training capable and efficient Muslim human resources.

I ask God Almighty for your success and that of the other esteemed employees of that institute.

Peace be upon you

Seyyed Ali Khamenei