Statements of the Islamic Revolution Leader in Meeting with Tens of Thousands of Pilgrims and Visitors of the Holy Shrine of Razavi

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

Thanks be to God, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our master and prophet, Abu al-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and upon his pure and chosen progeny, especially the Awaited One of God on earth.

I express my gratitude to the Almighty God for granting me the opportunity to be with you, dear brothers and sisters, believers and seekers of God, and sincere lovers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) at the holy shrine of Imam Abal-Hassan al-Ridha (peace be upon him) on the first day of the year. Our first words are an expression of sincerity and devotion to this great Imam. God willing, your loving and eager hearts will be filled with need before this sacred shrine and in the presence of the pure spirit of this esteemed Imam, the source of divine light and grace.

In this meeting with you, the dear people of Mashhad and the esteemed pilgrims who have come from other cities, we will spend a few moments discussing important matters that are significant for our nation and country; both regarding the content and message conveyed to the Iranian nation at the beginning of the year, and also about two noteworthy issues for the Iranian nation: one being the upcoming presidential elections, and the other being the neutralization of the plots and threats of the enemy, which is a matter of great importance for our nation.

Regarding the content of the message, our main point is that the Iranian nation needs to strengthen national solidarity and public participation in all fields that require the presence of the people in order to achieve the necessary growth and progress in all arenas - which it deserves. The country belongs to the Iranian nation; the future also belongs to this nation; today and tomorrow have been and will be shaped by the Iranian nation; therefore, naming this year as "National Solidarity and Public Participation" refers to the great need of the nation in all matters; cooperation, empathy, joining hands, connecting hearts, and moving towards the lofty goals of this nation - which are necessary for its prosperity and progress.

The fact that we name each year with a specific title and slogan and begin the year with this name and slogan is not merely a ceremonial act. Of course, names are not important; what matters is the essence; however, these designations show us, the nation, and the officials what we want and what we should pursue. The year of noble behavior defines the lofty goals of the Iranian nation and the great responsibilities of the officials and statesmen. The year of service or the year of accountability indicates all the lines that the officials of the country and all of us must follow. These slogans are, in fact, the demands of the nation from us, the officials. If the movement for justice is raised, or if the movement for software and scientific production is presented as a public movement, or if the movement for free thought is raised, it is because all officials and all segments of the nation should feel responsible in this direction. The country needs these slogans. Of course, we know that many of these slogans have not been fully realized in previous years; however, many works have also been accomplished. Every year, with the experiences of previous years, both the nation and the government should pave their way towards the lofty goals of this nation and this country, taking firmer and more steadfast steps.

The gaze of this country and this nation is always towards justice and the just behavior of the noble; we must not forget this. This nation always needs a competition in service among the officials; this nation always needs its officials to be accountable for their great responsibilities towards the nation, and the spirit of inquiry must exist among the people and remain alive. These are not transient slogans; they clarify the various dimensions of our responsibilities as officials and also the demands of the nation.

There must be a competition in service and a competition in work and effort, instead of a competition in destruction, suspicion, insult, and despair. Some do not consider attention to the needs and ideals of the nation as a criterion for their efforts and duties towards this nation. This great, brave, faithful, and capable nation can only achieve its lofty goals when, instead of injecting despair and hopelessness, it opens up hope and bright horizons before the eyes of the youth of this country and, instead of creating suspicion and pessimism, fosters a spirit of brotherhood, unity, and empathy among the officials, and from the officials, among the people.

When this nation achieves its goals and removes various obstacles from its path, it will be when faith and jihad among the officials are recognized as a value. This jihad is scientific jihad, justice-seeking jihad, and managerial and economic jihad. When the managers of the country, the officials, and the people behind them consider these slogans, the movement of the country towards its goals and ideals will be swift and successful.

This year, especially, national solidarity has special importance; firstly, due to the very important issue of the upcoming presidential elections; secondly, because once again, the Iranian nation must neutralize the plots of the enemies of Islamic Iran through its solidarity and participation. There are less than three months left until the presidential elections. There are many discussions in this regard that will be presented to the dear nation during this time.

What I want to say today regarding this matter consists of a few points: one is that conscious participation in the presidential elections and intelligent selection by the people is a participation in the destiny of the country. Our country relies on the votes of the people. The reason that the enemies of the nation and the greedy have not been able to inflict harm over the past twenty-six years is the presence, will, and participation of the people in various arenas. Your marches on the twenty-second of Bahman or on Quds Day and your participation in various elections in previous years have insured this country. Participation in the destiny of the country not only plays a role in managing and determining the governance of the country, but also plays the greatest role in neutralizing the enmity of the enemies.

The next point is that elections are both the right of the nation and a national duty. The Islamic Republic has abolished the appointed systems of power and has made the people's choice significant in managing the country. It is the right of every individual in the nation to be able to choose and have a role in determining the management of the country. On the other hand, it is also a duty; because this participation can keep the spirit of vitality and sense of responsibility alive in society and showcase the presence of the people in the arena to the enemies of this nation. Elections are not just a duty; they are not just a right; they are both your right and a public duty.

The next point is that this year's presidential election is more significant than other elections; and that is because the Fourth Development Plan and progress of the country will begin in the year 1384. This is the first program in the course of implementing the twenty-year vision document. Today, our country, with the help and power of God, has reached the capability to design the twenty-year future of Iran and to outline a bright perspective for this period in line with the lofty goals and natural rights of this nation. This twenty-year period means four five-year programs. The first program will begin this year. At the start of the program, an efficient, capable, and energetic management must be in place to solidify and strengthen the foundations of this program and to deeply and firmly lay its groundwork. The importance of this election lies in the fact that the Iranian nation wants to choose a manager who can remove the obstacles to the implementation of the program from the path of the Iranian nation; like a bulldozer that removes obstacles to clear a road.

A strong, capable person, full of energy and enthusiasm for work and a sense of responsibility will be able to initiate the twenty-year movement towards the vision - which will begin this year - with strength and power. The manager that the Iranian nation will choose in the elections will be the initiator; in fact, the one who will lead the country into a new era and a fresh movement towards what the Iranian nation needs. Over the past years, from after the war until today, many works have been accomplished in this country; anyone who denies this is being unfair. The construction of the country's infrastructure, numerous developmental projects, scientific and technological advancements; therefore, work has been done in all areas.

What is important today is that all the lofty structures that have been created and built during this time must show their impact in the reality of people's lives; the vast water that has accumulated behind this dam must reach the fields of people's lives, and the results of these efforts must be seen at the tables of the people and in their lives; this is a great task; it requires removing obstacles from the path. Determining a powerful and capable management in this way is among the tasks of the Iranian nation this year.

The next point in this regard is that the President holds a very high position; there are numerous powers and authorities legally vested in the President; the budget of the country is at the disposal of the President; the managers of the country at various levels are under the authority of the President; therefore, determining the President means determining a manager who can distribute the immense wealth of the people, which is manifested in the budget and resources and management of the country, in a way that meets the needs of the people with this immense wealth. Our nation and country have acquired a substantial wealth of resources due to the efforts of past governments. Future management must be able to increase this wealth and expand it in the lives of the people and fight against corruption in the true sense of the word. If we, the Iranian nation, succeed in closing the gaps of corruption in this vast collection, then it will become clear how sweet and pleasant the achievements of the revolution are for this people and how they can meet the needs of the people. The upcoming elections are very important for the reasons I mentioned.

The people must choose wisely and consciously and select among the various candidates someone they feel is close to these criteria; this is a great task and it is your task, the people. The people must be present in this important arena with open eyes, and God willing, the Almighty God will assist and guide the hearts of the people to choose a capable, brave, sincere, people-oriented, energetic, and enthusiastic individual who believes in the goals and values of the revolution, believes in the people, believes in the power of the people, and is committed to the rights of the people; this is the most important part of the public participation of the people this year. Public participation is important in everything, and this is among the most crucial.

From now on, think about the twenty-seventh of Khordad - the day of the elections - and start your search and inquiry now. Of course, the candidates have not yet been officially introduced to the nation, but they will be introduced in due time. Everyone in the farthest corners of the country has the right to participate in this great election. The right of someone living in the farthest corners of this country is the same as that of someone living in the center of the country; thus, everyone has the right. From the gathering of these individuals, the overwhelming vote and the firm will and determination of this nation will emerge and take shape; and this is what can be effective in creating a favorable environment for the prosperity of the country and for repelling the enemies.

And now regarding the issue of neutralizing the threats of the enemies. This is also one of the effects and blessings of public participation and national solidarity; I would like to mention a few points in this regard.

The threat of the enemy is a natural and coercive thing. Any nation that wants to live independently and not be under the control of international powers will face their frowns, threats, and harsh and sharp language. Our nation has become accustomed to these threats. For twenty-six years, the world oppressors and conquerors, led by the United States, have spoken to and confronted the Iranian nation with threats. The ears of the Iranian nation have become accustomed to hearing these threats. The Iranian nation has continued its path with indifference to the threats of the enemy. Today, the Islamic Republic and the government arising from the revolution have capabilities that are worlds apart from the day they began this path. Today, the Iranian nation is stronger, and its capabilities in scientific, economic, military, and other fields are significantly higher. These threats still exist.

My first recommendation to the officials of the country is that they should not let the enemy's threats distract them from their duties; they must continue their work. A nation and a government must always be prepared; they should never neglect external dangers; however, the threatening noise of the enemies should not prevent the officials of the country from continuing their path and fulfilling their duties. The nation and the government must carry out their efforts in the same duties they have.

Today, the threats and uproars that American statesmen repeatedly make are more related to the issue of nuclear energy and the false accusation of producing nuclear weapons. Both the President of the United States and the statesmen of this country have repeatedly spoken about the danger of nuclear weapons being produced by Iran. They themselves know very well that the issue of producing nuclear weapons is a myth and has no reality. Their issue is not this; their issue is that they are worried about the emergence of a powerful and advanced Iran. They oppose the progress of the Iranian nation; otherwise, they know that we are not seeking nuclear weapons. They do not want a country that is independent and lives under the banner of Islam in this sensitive region, which has the most oil in the world and is one of the most critical areas of the world - namely the Middle East - to be advanced and possess modern scientific and technological knowledge. The truth is that the West prefers the nations of this region - including the Iranian nation - to always be dependent on them; thus, they say you can have a nuclear power plant, that is fine; but come and buy the fuel for this power plant from us!

A few years ago, in one of my speeches at the beginning of the year in Mashhad, I said that if the oil produced by our country and the Middle East were in the hands of Europeans and Westerners, and we were to buy oil from them, they would sell each barrel of oil at a higher price than what they buy from this region today, and they would not be willing to give us oil. They are worried about anything that makes the nations of this region independent and self-sufficient and keeps them on their own feet. They oppose our technology, they oppose our youth becoming scientists, they oppose us having nuclear energy, and if they could, they would oppose us having our oil as well; just as they once took advantage of the incompetence and treachery of the rulers of these countries and plundered the oil. For many years, Iranian oil was in the hands of the British; they would give a little to the incompetent dependent government of that day and take the oil for themselves; then the Americans and others came in and took control. This is what they want. They are upset that a country like Iran can have a nuclear power plant and produce the fuel for this power plant itself and not have to extend its hand to European countries and others; this is the issue.

Nuclear energy is a valuable technology and the product of advanced knowledge and is necessary for the lives of the people. Many of the power plants in advanced countries are nuclear power plants. Electricity production is one of the tasks of nuclear science and technology and is an advantage for a country; they want the Iranian nation to not have this advantage; the dispute is over this; but they falsely say we are afraid that Iran will make a nuclear bomb. They know that making a nuclear bomb is not in our plans; the Iranian nation should know this; our youth should pay attention.

What is said today in the Western propaganda - especially by the Americans - regarding nuclear energy is aimed at depriving the Iranian nation of scientific and technological advancement. This is our right; why should we be deprived? Yes, this is the undeniable right of the Iranian nation; it is both science and technology, it is also environmental health, it has medical applications, it provides hope and a perspective for the progress of the youth of the country, and it is obvious that our nation will not give this up.

The lying and hypocritical politicians of America, in order to hide their wicked goals, accuse Iran of wanting to make a nuclear warhead; to put it on ballistic missiles and launch it! Where would we launch it?! We do not behave this way with our enemies. The use of nuclear bombs to destroy nations is the work of the Americans. They are the only government that has committed this great crime to this day. It is the Westerners who manufactured chemical weapons and used them, and during the eight-year war of Iraq against Iran, they provided them to Saddam and the Ba'athists, and remained silent in the face of the atrocities that resulted from this. Islam has not permitted us to do such things. We use knowledge for progress; this is the excuse of the Americans.

Of course, I should also tell you; the Iranian nation should know; those who grumble here and there and say why are you clinging to nuclear energy, are unwittingly speaking in favor of the enemies of the nation; they should also know that today the issue of nuclear energy is the pretext for the threats of America. The superpower sees its dignity in threatening. The domineering and bullying power operates through threats, and nations of the world and many governments unfortunately yield to their threats and allow them to dominate their affairs even more. Their work is threatening, and today their pretext for threatening is nuclear energy. If this is not there, they will raise another pretext. They are the most notorious sponsors of terrorism, yet they accuse Islamic Iran and Muslims of terrorism! The soldiers and security forces of America commit the worst crimes in the occupied territories of Iraq and in Abu Ghraib prison - of which one example is the crime of Abu Ghraib prison; otherwise, there are many similar cases - they insult human beings, trample on human rights; whether here, in Afghanistan, in their own prisons, or in Guantanamo; and then accuse others of human rights violations! As far as I know, I do not recognize any government that has violated human rights as much as the United States. I conclude, based on the statistics and events that have occurred in recent years - things that have been before our eyes - that there may not be a government in the world that has violated human rights as much as the United States. In addition to their crimes around the world, they also commit crimes and violate human rights within the United States. Today, just like in previous years, African Americans in the United States are still under pressure and suffering from oppression and discrimination. In 1971 or 1972, during the presidency of Bush's father, due to the clear oppression against black people, a massive uprising occurred in some states of the United States, and since the police could not cope, they brought in the army. During the presidency of the next president, more than eighty members of the Davidians - a Christian sect opposing the policies of the U.S. government - who had gathered in a house and did not come out when the police warned them, were burned alive before the eyes of men, women, and children; yet they did not flinch! Their respect for human rights is like this! During the current U.S. president's term, in northern Afghanistan - at the time when they were occupying Afghanistan - in addition to the bombs they dropped on the people and the atrocities they caused in the cities, they executed a large number of prisoners in a prison and committed a massacre; this news spread around the world, but the news empires do not allow these news to remain and settle in people's minds; they immediately suppress the news. Then they say in such and such a country or in Islamic Iran, a prisoner has been insulted; for example, suppose they did not give him proper slippers! The violation of human rights in America and by Americans around the world is more than in all other countries; yet they accuse the Iranian people and government and Islamic system of violating human rights! The banner of human rights has been taken up by those who are the greatest violators of human rights themselves!

The threats of these people are not limited to the issue of nuclear energy. My recommendation to the officials and the nation is that they should not pay attention to the threats of the enemies; they should continue their path and do their work. Of course, the relevant officials must be vigilant; they should not be negligent.

We are not like the warmongering American statesmen - they are warmongers and seek war - but when it comes to the dignity of this nation and the interests of this country, we are willing to sacrifice. We do not consider sacrifice to be exclusive to the segments of the nation. After the events of September 11, when the two towers in New York were attacked, for two or three days, there was no news from the President of the United States, his Vice President, or the top statesmen; they were lost! We are not like this. If, God forbid, a bitter experience and test comes for this nation, we ourselves will don the armor in advance and be ready to sacrifice.

The most important weapon of the Iranian nation to neutralize threats is national solidarity and empathy. The Iranian nation does not need nuclear bombs and nuclear weapons to neutralize the threats of the enemy. The empathy and solidarity of you people and your clinging to the divine rope and religious faith is the most important weapon of the Iranian nation; this is the weapon that has proven its effectiveness over the twenty-six years since the victory of the revolution until today and will continue to do so.

Maintain your solidarity and unity. The enemy has targeted the unity of the people. The enemy naively relies on its infiltrators and mercenaries among the people; this is a vain and delusional thought. Today, the Americans openly express their goals; this is one of the calamities of God for the arrogant. They say we will financially support those in Iran who help American goals. They do not know our nation; therefore, they openly speak of wanting to create opposition and - as they call it - an opposition within Iran with money. Everyone must know; anyone who wants to work for American interests and take on the appearance of an opposition figure with American money and support will be the most despised person in the eyes of the Iranian nation. All the Iranian people, especially the elites, youth, students, and those who have an influence beyond their immediate surroundings, should know that today the remedy for all the problems of this country is national solidarity and public participation.

Bring your hearts closer together; seek help from the Almighty God and utilize the abundant vitality and talents that God has bestowed upon this nation; God Almighty will also assist. Certainly, the future of the Iranian nation will be much better than its past, and God willing, the pure prayers of the Awaited One of God will encompass the Iranian nation. We ask the Almighty God for mercy and forgiveness for the pure souls of our dear martyrs and for the pure spirit of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified), and we entrust all of you dear ones to God.

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