Statements of His Eminence in Meeting with Mr. Hashemi Rafsanjani and Cabinet at the End of Eight-Year Presidency

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

This is a new test for the Islamic Republic, that, thanks be to God, a government at the end of a long period—comprising two presidential terms—can present a clear and unambiguous record of its performance; and with a sense of conscientious satisfaction from what it has accomplished, and satisfaction from the sense of service to the people, it hands over the scene of service to another group.

We hope that, God willing, the Almighty God will bestow abundant rewards upon Mr. Hashemi and his esteemed colleagues. I also consider it my moral duty to express my feelings towards you, Mr. Hashemi, and your colleagues.

This eight-year period was a very busy and hardworking and truly a period of reconstruction for the country. Reconstruction was a dream for us.

I do not forget the days after the war in that meeting convened by the order of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), where a few of us sat to outline the main lines of the country's reconstruction; we brought what we considered great aspirations into those writings, discussed them, and imagined that, God willing, they would be accomplished over several years. What has happened in these eight years of your presidency exceeds what we aspired to that day, and the country has truly been rebuilt.

A country that, even before the devastations of war, truly had no significant and acceptable infrastructural legacy from the previous regime that would demonstrate the independence of this nation. Much of what existed and had been achieved over many years was taken from us by the war. After the war, building and setting the country in motion, mobilizing the people, and igniting the sense of work, effort, innovation, and reconstruction required high ambition and persistent work, which this government undertook and successfully accomplished.

I extend my appreciation to you for this eight-year effort. I also extend my appreciation to all the brothers who are and were in your government—some were there and left during this period. You worked hard in all areas, did a lot of work, and truly advanced the country.

I do not want to say that all our aspirations have been fulfilled. Regarding issues related to social justice and issues related to various sectors, there are many tasks that must be gradually accomplished, and God willing, future governments will carry them out; but what was the responsibility of this government and could be accomplished in the field of reconstruction over eight years, thanks be to God, has been accomplished in the best way. May God, God willing, reward all of you and be pleased with you and bless the efforts you made and the results of your work, so that it can provide a good foundation for future work.

I find it necessary—especially—to mention my view on some of the reasons for this government's success. These are beneficial for the people and undoubtedly beneficial for the officials who will be present in the future.

A significant part of this success is attributed to the personal characteristics of Mr. Hashemi; indeed, there are certain qualities in him that have had a complete impact on these successes; such as his work spirit—hardworking—spirit of innovation and entering new and uncharted fields, high ambition in construction, and not fearing large projects and taking bold actions in major tasks, the open management style he possessed, which allowed his colleagues to employ their own initiative and effort and benefit from it.

Deep faith in one's own abilities also played a significant role. Additionally, intelligence in recognizing issues and constraints and finding solutions is part of the characteristics that undoubtedly were effective.

Some of it also relates to the cabinet, which is also quite noteworthy. Part of it pertains to the capabilities of the gentlemen who were present in the government—whether ministers, deputies, or heads of various organizations affiliated with the presidency—which vary in degrees.

Moreover, an important point in the secret of successes was that this cabinet was a working cabinet, not a political cabinet. The meaning of a working cabinet is not that the individuals in this cabinet are not political or do not engage in politics; rather, it means that the common point and working convergence around the table called the Council of Ministers is the commitment to carrying out the country's work. This played a significant role and was very good. We thank God.

Mr. Hashemi, as a revolutionary, efficient, religious, and devout cleric, is presented to our people, and these are the characteristics he possesses.

Throughout the eight years, I was aware of your work, both through direct reports and through means available to me for obtaining information. In addition to the fact that Mr. Hashemi met with me regularly—at least once a week. In these meetings and sessions, there were reports of work, discussion of issues, discussion of problems, consultation and advice on various matters. These sessions were blessed sessions.

I, too, whether in cases where I fully accepted and believed in the work the government was doing, or in cases where I did not accept part of the government's program—it has happened that in the overall government program, I did not believe in a part of the work. In these cases where I did not believe, sometimes it was such that I deemed it necessary to express a definitive opinion and request a change. Sometimes not; I did not deem it necessary to that extent, but I had a proposed opinion, I would present it, and it would be considered, acted upon or not—in all these circumstances, I considered myself obliged to support this government—which was truly a serving, faithful government with a sense of service and compassion towards the people. This is our duty. The people, too, rightfully and fairly supported your government and appreciated you.

Now, the life of this government has ended with this good feeling. Everything in the world has a beginning and an end. The end of periods and the expiration of terms is not surprising, and there is no place for denial.

What is important is what the product of these periods is. The duration of our life also ends; it must inevitably end. What is important is that at the end of life, if we can make an assessment of our own work—"So We have removed your covering, and your sight, this Day, is sharp" (Quran 50:22)—a person's vision becomes sharp and can see the finer details that have passed in their life, will we be satisfied and happy with what we have done, or not?

In responsibilities, it is the same. A person must, during their responsibility, when looking at their past, see whether they have done work that satisfies God and their own conscience or not?

Fortunately, you gentlemen worked well; you made good efforts. Of course, this is not the end of your responsibility and work. Now this work is finished, but undoubtedly every person in the Islamic Republic has a duty to perform their duties until the last moments when they have any ability, and to serve the country in any field they can.

You all must be ready to consider yourselves prepared to serve in various places—whether in the future government, on the sidelines of the government, or in fundamental tasks related to the country's affairs. This is our duty.

These jobs, positions, and titles have no intrinsic value. As the Commander of the Faithful said, "unless I establish a right"; unless a person can establish a right with the opportunity given to them; can accomplish a task. The ambition should be this, and satisfaction and happiness should also be from this.

I have constantly prayed for you over these many years; I prayed for Mr. Hashemi by name at least once a day—and more than this—and I usually prayed for you as well. I will continue to pray. I hope, God willing, that God will grant you success, so you can perform the tasks that lie ahead of you in the best way, and those who will come can continue these tasks.

As I mentioned, managing a country and bringing the country's issues and great aspirations to fruition is not a task that can be accomplished in the short term. Part of the work—which is this construction work—has been accomplished in the best way. We have other stages ahead; other great tasks that must be accomplished. We hope that all those who will be in this field and have responsibilities can undertake these duties in the best way.

My evaluation of this period of your service and work is positive, and I hope, God willing, that the people's satisfaction with you will lead to the satisfaction of the Lord, and if there have been any shortcomings in the work, may the Almighty God, with His grace and mercy, forgive and overlook them.

As has been observed, sometimes individuals criticize some officials—regarding some things—criticisms should not mean denying the services and work done. Criticism is preserved in its place; the services of those who have served and made sincere efforts should be considered. Criticism is never meant to overlook services and great works.

We hope, God willing, that the Almighty God will always include His grace upon you, and may the pure spirit of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) be pleased and satisfied with you, and God willing, may the sacred heart of the Imam of the Age be pleased with you and include you in his prayers.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.