Leadership of Love

Mousavi's Message of Condolence for Passing of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri

2012-02-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Mousavi's Message of Condolence for Passing of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri
Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 8:36am

The message of condolence from Mir Hosseni Mousavi for the passing of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri.

Mir Hossein Mousavi in a message to Ahmad Montazeri, son of late Grand Ayatollah Montazeri, offered his deepest condolences for the passing of this great scholar. The text of this message is as follows:

In the name of God

Dear friend Ahmad Montazeri

With respect, I express my condolences to you and your family for the passing of the great combatant scholar, late Grand Ayatollah Montazeri and I pray to almighty God for the heightening of his stature and blessing and mercy on his soul in the other world. This is an immense disaster that the rest of religious scholars must try to compensate for it. The very presence of figures like Grand Ayatollah Montazeri was a proof for the young generation of this country, convincing them to have a deeper insight into their needs by taking advantage of the support of the informed scholars. I wish now that Grand Ayatollah Montazeri has departed from among us, other scholars fulfill this undeniable need and don’t allow temptations stop them from fulfilling the duties they have towards Islam and today’s and tomorrow’s generations.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Full Text of Mousavi’s Video Message to the Islamic Association of the University of Tehran

2012-01-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Full Text of Mousavi’s Video Message to the Islamic Association of the University of Tehran
December 18, 2009

Source: Official Website of the Islamic Committee at University of Tehran, and School of Medicine at University of Tehran
Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Dear students – I am glad that I can talk to you once more and I send my warmest regards. This is not the first time that I am in your presence although I would like to be among you instead of talking to you through a video message. God willing, that will truly happen someday. This gathering is being held while our country is in dire straits. Under these circumstances, the students are faced with great challenges. However, based on the tidings of the Almighty, I am certain and hopeful that “with every difficulty there will be relief” [1]. God willing, the current problems will come to a satisfactory and expedient end by means of the people’s efforts.

I have referred to the importance and the responsibilities of Islamic groups in this very same lecture room, during a session for this very association, as well as at the School of Medicine last year. Their value is twofold. On the one hand, university students are in touch with the modern world. Human experience is in their hands and they are at the forefront of knowledge; they are observing the developments of the world and their minds are evolving On the other hand, university students are connected to vast traditions, as well as to a great civilization. In this way, they can choose from the best sources to lead their academic community and their nation. In fact, the secret to their power is their dual-perspective. First, they approach tradition without neglecting it and regard it as a source of support. Second, they have sight of the modern world. They do not fall into superstitions. They know that the greatness of their country and the greatness of their humanity both depend on their usage of the human experience. Having access to both perspectives implies that students must shoulder certain responsibilities.

Nevertheless, there is another component to all this – the fact that university movements have been concerned about national and social issues from the beginning. As long as I remember, the universities and their Islamic Associations have always been sensitive to people’s affairs, whether they were social issues or economic ones. Hence, university students have always been a total reflection of the will, the demands and the needs of our people. However, I think it is necessary to point out that the current situation we are in should not distract students from attending to others’ daily struggles and financial problems – especially for the poor. I hope that students will never neglect such issues.

Our problems are all interconnected. As such the solutions to those problems can not stem from one political, social or economic approach. Today our political, social and economic issues are tied together and interact with one another; it makes sense for them to do so. Attending to such an important issue provides a perspective for all those who want to help in solving the nation’s problems.

In our country, university students comprise a significant social group and their number is very meaningful. Aside from the fact that students are very important qualitatively – thanks to their visions and ideas – their quantity is of key importance as well. If the academics, the Islamic associations [in universities] and all of the students reach a consensus on a particular subject, or agree on a discourse, such a discourse would have more influence throughout the nation than it has before, due to the students larger numbers. In the past, we had 60 to 70 thousand students in total and only a few universities. Now, that number is much higher – many more universities operate alongside private and semi-private institutions, and all of them are connected. Thus, it is important to see and attend to a standard series of criteria at all times.

These standards are achieved by students’ discussions and interactions. The aftermath of the election and the subsequent formation of the green movement produced a series of benchmarks and frameworks. They are the result of communication between countless people, and this feature is their strength.

In order to resolve the issues of the country more easily and to achieve stronger harmony, it is better to form agreements based on the Constitution. I want to tell you that, due to the presence of the people who ask for their rightful demands, there is a special sensitivity towards the Constitution these days. It is a dry text that has been seldom referred to by the ordinary people because it is normally used by the legislative branch, the judicial branch, and the government. However, today it is referred to by all – not merely intellectuals and academics. It is time to expand this desire and sensitivity.

People’s awareness of the framework that the Constitution provides for them to have the ability to govern their own fates is extremely valuable, helping the green movement to succeed and the country to progress. For this reason, talking about the text is a mission that should be followed by academics, students and others very closely. I believe that the context for such discussion is ready. Of course, the students are aware of this. We are witness to the fact that there are some efforts to place different groups of people on opposing sides. Most probably, such efforts are made in the universities as well. The best way to deal with such attempts is to discuss different opinions in a peaceful way and with sympathy, persuasion, and kindness. We don’t believe that any group is completely right; it’s more probable that every group has some good ideas. In my opinion, we should interact on a national level to discuss all options and listen to different factions. The exchange should specifically happen among those who think and act based on common understanding. For example, we shouldn’t consider those who are not students or academics; who create chaos, and act inappropriately. I believe this is agreed upon within academic circles.

In any case, we have begun a movement that’s not going to end. We are determined to step forward and make progress. On our way, we need the participation of diverse groups of people – among them, the thinkers and the political and social leaders. Students and university scholars are especially important. They are a powerful social group and they come from different families, and that makes them considerably more important on a national scale.

I believe that every powerful message that is expressed and approved by the students, and every discourse that takes place in universities, has an immediate social effect. It’s been like this before and, recently, due to the increased number of students and the fact that they are even more knowledgeable than before, this effect is even stronger. These days, the subjects that have an impact on students – those that are discussed in articles, writings, books, and on the internet – are much greater in number than before. We did not have such an antecedent in our history. Hence, this is a source of great hope for us.

Students are not afraid of thinking. I believe that those who care about the efficiency and development of Iran, should not be afraid of fearlessly-thinking youths. They should try to find solutions to the country’s administrative challenges in an environment of dialogue and co-operation. I do not believe that any country has a chance of victory and prosperity without the circulation of thoughts and ideas in a transparent atmosphere. Freedom of expression is our nation’s greatest demand and students are campaigning for this cause. In the history of our country, students have shown that they are willing to pay the price without hesitation.

This is what we expect and our nation expects the same. Needless to say, it is in the interest of the country to demand the execution of its ideals in a peaceful form and manner.

I wish every one of you the best of luck and prosperity and I’m hopeful that a day will come when expressing thoughts freely has a lower cost; when the country is free, and all words are said. We should employ our society’s tolerance and trust our nation for all voices to be heard. Our people, with their historic background and religious beliefs, will certainly choose best. A prosperous society is not one where only a few are in charge of its affairs; when only a few regard themselves as ‘the nation’ while referring to an enormous margin of people as ‘the others’ and preventing them being involved in the decision-making process.

We should not be afraid of different groups getting together to exchange thoughts in order to find better solutions to the country’s administrative challenges. I believe that universities are the most critical centers to stage these gatherings, because scholars value their country and the revolution. Students are aware of the difficulties in making these discussions happen and the conspiracies against them. Moreover, they are aware of those who have no interest in their form of thought and work to thwart them. I sincerely believe so.

God-willing, you will be victorious and successful.

[1] Qur’an: 94-6

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
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Khordaad 88
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Merry Christmas

2012-01-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
December 24, 2011 at 6:33am

And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected. [19:33] That was Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the truth of this matter, about which they continued to doubt. [19:34] ~ The Holy Quran

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
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A Message From the Coordination Council on the Occasion of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Messenger of Peace & Friendship

2011-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

A Message From the Coordination Council on the Occasion of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Messenger of Peace & Friendship
By Banooye Sabz
December 26, 2011

December 24th, 2011

In the name God the kind and merciful,

We would like to take this time to extend a warm greeting and congratulate all followers of Jesus Christ, the messenger of peace and friendship and in particular all of our Christian compatriots, on the occasion of his birth.

In the eyes of religious monks and men of God, the birth of Jesus Christ is reminiscent of the long journey they have taken, dedicating their lives to fighting evil in the quest to free humanity of injustice, violence, lies and deception, with the goal to spread peace, friendship and kindness across the globe.

During these holy days, we wish upon all citizens of the world and in particular our free spirited and patriotic compatriots, regardless of their religious beliefs, a life filled with compassion, tolerance and peace.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope is of the opinion that the ethnic and religious minorities in our country are not afforded the same fair and equitable rights as all other citizens of our great land. There are many obstacles that stand in the way of ethnic and religious minorities realizing their dreams to live a normal and healthy life. Many of these challenges are rooted in the policies of the illegitimate, authoritarian and inefficient ruling government of Iran. The citizens of Iran, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender and political affiliation, deserve to live in an environment that is free, fair and secure. Our citizens have a right to sovereignty and demanding that their legal rights be upheld and the ruling government should be held accountable for upholding these rights and performing their legal duties. Any deviation by the ruling government of its responsibilities towards the nation is open without a doubt to criticism and punishable under the law.

During these holy days, we call upon all free spirited and informed Iranians and in particular our Christian friends to show compassion towards and pray for the release of all Iranian prisoners whose only crime has been to to dedicate their lives to the goal of achieving stability and improved economic, political and social conditions in Iran. We are hopeful that by eliminating the morally reprehensible effects of tyranny in the near future, Iran will once again transform into a symbol of peaceful coexistence between individuals with varying opinions and beliefs, allowing citizens with different religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds to interact in a peaceful and reasonable manner and to promote our blessed land to the world at large based on our national interests.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope
December 24th, 2011

Source: Kaleme: http://www.kaleme.com/1390/10/03/klm-84408/

Banooye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2011/12/26/a-message-from-the-coordination-council-on-the-occasion-of-the-birth-of-jesus-christ-the-messenger-of-peace-friendship/

“Mir Hossein, We Are Traveling Companions You and Us… Mir Hossein, You are Unlike Anyone We know…”

2011-12-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

“Mir Hossein, We Are Traveling Companions You and Us… Mir Hossein, You are Unlike Anyone We know…”
By Banooye Sabz
November 18, 2011

Translator’s Note: I have been translating the news regardiing the Green movement for over two years now. It was through these translations that I came to know Mir Hossein Mousavi , a man of integrity who referred to himself not as the leader of the people’s Green movement of Iran, but rather as “their humble companion”. Through the statements I translated, I came to know a humble and soft spoken man who in in his own words “had come to defend human dignity, a man who had come to defend the freedom of speech, expression and thought; a man who had come to defend the people’s right to be informed about their nation’s affairs; a humble man who wanted to be a vehicle for restoring Iran’s dignity, power and identity; a humble companion who had come to accompany us towards an Iran that is free, independent, thriving, modern and productive…”

The following is a translation of a letter addressed to Mousavi written by an anonymous Green Iranian. I decided to translate it because it so eloquently describes why Mousavi captured the heart of a nation. My gratitude to the writer for the beautifully written text and for expressing my feelings and the feelings of so many other Iranians who came out to the streets in the millions in June of 2009 in support of a soft spoken man known merely as “Mir”, who spoke of hope, patience and tolerance…. I hope this translation does the original text justice…

Our relationship with you began with a ballot box and yet I am still uncertain when I how this relationship went so far beyond that stolen ballot. Though prior to the elections we saw you on our television screens, soon thereafter our relationship migrated to pen and paper. Images were converted into text, as you began writing solutions for restoring the rights that had been robbed, refusing to surrender to this dangerous mise-en-scène and alas we once again found you, though this time far away from those television screens that much like the ballot boxes were now also in control of a totalitarian ruling government.

We made on oath on a blank sheet of paper so that the Allah to whom we shall all return, as appeared on your letter of July 6th addressed to the nation, would take us once again towards the dignity that was stolen from us so many years prior to that stolen ballot vote. The blue skies on that June 15th in Tehran were witness to our oath. We were the humble children of Iran, reborn on the day we met you, our numbers infinite and “unlike any oath we had made in the past, this was a new beginning.”

You wrote letters and statements to a nation that was tired and weary of everything. You embarked on a difficult journey in the name of awareness by night, in a place where all was dark and we each had to find our own way. A euphoric journey of “human connections, unity, tolerance, solidarity, wisdom and vitality” that contained “an essence that makes life richer“. It was in this manner that you entered our lives and we became intertwined as one, for “it is not the battle, but life’s journey that is permanent and eternal… ” - and it was exactly this philosophy of life that allowed you to endure and persevere.

You get to know a true friend when you embark upon a journey together. We are traveling companions you and us… You are all that is good, and we the opposite. You remain abducted on one side of the wall, while we survive on the other, depleted and drained; a wall that in your absence reminds us of a freedom robbed, and we listen as your message of “patience” continues to resonate from the other side of this wall. We listen with utter patience, for if this patience comes to an end, it will transform into a fire that will not only destroy your legacy, but will also engulf in flame the “insane officials of a ruling government” that has cast a nation in chains.

… and every time we miss the joy of living, we are reminded of you standing with open arms in Azadi street. It feels as though all the distance that lies between us, a distance that is but a memory now, and the closeness that symbolizes life, is telling us that we can still fly…

… Mir Hossein, we are travel companions you and us… we will fly together some day…

…..Mir Hossein, you are unlike anyone we know…

Source: Kaleme: http://www.kaleme.com/1390/08/25/klm-80474/

Banooye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/mir-hossein-we-are-traveling-companions-you-and-us-mir-hossein-you-are-unlike-anyone-we-know/

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope Reiterates its Unwavering Support for the Freedom Seeking Syrian Nation

2011-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope Reiterates its Unwavering Support for the Freedom Seeking Syrian Nation
By Banooye Sabz
October 6, 2011

October 6th, 2011 – [Kaleme] In a statement addressed to the Supreme Council of the Syrian Revolution, Iran’s Coordination Council of the Green Path of Hope reiterates the unwavering support of the nation of Iran for the freedom seeking nation of Syria and all freedom fighters in the region.

The full content of the statement as provided to Kaleme is as follows:

In the name of God the Merciful,

The Iranian nation has carefully followed the recent events in Syrian and the struggle of the oppressed and brave citizens of Syria against an authoritarian regime with a deep sense of empathy and compassion.

The commendable stance and solidarity of the Syrian Muslim nation, despite having lost approximately three thousand martyrs, while tens of thousands have been wounded, imprisoned, missing and displaced will lead to the demise of a regime that has opted to ignore the voices of its protesting citizens demanding justice; a regime that has continued to pursue its own personal interests at the cost of violating the fundamental human rights of its people. This unprecedented level of oppression by the Syrian government has even forced the foreign policy makers in Iran’s current government to reflect upon their unwavering support of the Baathist Syrian regime.

The widespread rise in the Middle East and North Africa against despotic and oppressive regimes is an unprecedented and unique movement in the history of the region. The developments and consequent results achieved in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya bring with them a promise of a bright future for all freedom seeking citizens of the region; nations that will eventually define their own destiny and achieve self sovereignty through their national strength and unity.

The people of Iran and Syria are without a doubt fully aligned in their support of liberation movements in the region from the rightful movement of the freedom seeking people of Palestine to the uprisings in Yemen and Bahrain.

The people’s Green Movement in Iran that arose from a struggle against the pervasive forms of authoritarianism, corruption and power within the Islamic Republic and the need to restore the legitimate rights of the nation of Iran, continues to emphasize the inviolable principle of peaceful coexistence of all religions, beliefs and ethnicity both within Iran and throughout the region. The foreign policy of every nation must first and foremost serve the best interest of the people of that nation with respect for human dignity and the right of all other nations to self determination and sovereignty.

The recent events in our region only further reveal the authenticity and the unwavering will of the people, a reality that the authoritarian governments of the region have opted to ignore.

We look forward to the people of Syria achieving freedom as soon as possible so that democracy, equality and freedom can reign in Syria and oppression and sadness are forever removed from your honorable land.

The prayers, blessings and best wishes of the leaders and activists of the people’s Green movement of Iran and every Green Iranian citizen are with the freedom seeking nation of Syria.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope
October 6th, 2011

Source: Kaleme: http://www.kaleme.com/1390/07/14/klm-75648/

Banooye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/the-coordination-council-for-the-green-path-of-hope-reiterates-its-unwavering-support-for-the-freedom-seeking-syrian-nation/

The Coordination Council for The Green Path of Hope Expresses its Solidarity & Deep Sympathy Towards the Courageous Syrian Nation

2011-12-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

The Coordination Council for The Green Path of Hope Expresses its Solidarity & Deep Sympathy Towards the Courageous Syrian Nation
By Banooye Sabz
August 6, 2011

August 5th, 2011 – In a statement addressed to the Syrian nation, the Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope expressed their solidarity and deep sympathy towards the courageous, freedom fighting Syrian nation.

The full content of the statement as provided to Kaleme is as follows:

In the name of God the merciful,

A God fully aware of the deeds of all wrongdoers,

To our pro-freedom, democracy seeking Syrian brothers and sisters of faith,

Warm greetings from a nation whose citizens fully understand and support your historic, tireless struggle to achieve freedom; a nation that like yourself has utmost respect for its basic human rights. The Green nation of Iran is greatly saddened by what is occurring in your beloved country as of late. Our thoughts are with you during every moment of this holy month [of Ramadan] and we are certain that as long as you continue to fight for justice, God will be your companion and victory will be on your side and with all freedom seeking people across the globe.

Despite the bloodshed and violent oppression, the demonstrations and protests by the freedom fighting Syrian nation continue, as the citizens of Syria courageously pursue their democratic and civil demands. In an effort to repress the protests, more than 1500 Syrian citizens have lost their lives, upwards of 5000 have been injured and thousands have been arrested and displaced at the hands of the authoritarian government of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

The Syrian rulers, incognizant of the fate of the dictators in Tunisia and Egypt and many other parts of the world, and oblivious to the legitimate demands of their citizens, have chosen the same path as the likes of Muammar Gaddafi. Autocrats such as Assad and Gaddafi on the one hand provide the means and possibility for foreign intervention in the sociopolitical developments in their country and on the other hand leave behind a ravaged and destroyed nation, sacrificing all human and financial capital of their respective countries in their unquenchable thirst for power.

All freedom fighting, democratic opposition movements face a similar predicament when confronting authoritarian regimes. Over the past two years, the freedom seeking Green movement of the nation of Iran has also endured violent repression, threats and continued suppression at the hands of an authoritarian and illegitimate regime. Despite these tragic events, the totalitarian, tyrannical rulers [in Iran] refuse to learn from the mistakes and the fate of their counterparts in the region.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope while expressing its deep sympathy for the pro-freedom and democracy seeking nation of Syria, requests that the violent, authoritarian government of Syria put an end to the slaughter of its citizens and respond to their basic democratic demands.

While praising the steadfastness and perseverance of the Syrian nation in its determination to patiently and diligently pursue its demands, the Council would like to stipulate that the Green people of Iran continue to be partners in the suffering and grief of the citizens of Syria. All freedom seeking movements across the globe learn from each other and share their experiences with solidarity, tolerance and a unified front against the inhumane rulers seeking to silence the protesting voices of their citizens.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope calls upon the benevolent Iranian citizens to continue their efforts to bring attention to the political protests in the region and do everything in their power to demonstrate their solidarity with the freedom seeking, oppressed citizens of Syria, coupling perseverance with hope and patience. The Council also calls upon the ruling powers in Iran to uphold and protect the basic human and civil rights of their citizens and refrain from all inhumane, security related cooperation with the repressive Syrian regime and against the Syrian nation in its quest for freedom and democracy.

The Coordination Council for the Green Path of Hope
August 5th, 2011

Source: Kalame: http://www.kaleme.com/1390/05/14/klm-68066/

Banooye Sabz
http://banouyesabz.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/the-coordination-council-for-the-green-path-of-hope-expresses-its-solidarity-deep-sympathy-towards-the-courageous-syrian-nation/

Mousavi: While One Path is Closed, a Hundred Will Open (Full English Translation)

2011-12-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

Mousavi: While One Path is Closed, a Hundred Will Open (Full English Translation)
Friday, October 23, 2009 at 2:03pm

Mousavi in the head office of his official newspaper (Kalemeye Sabz): While one path is closed, a hundred will open.

The Green Word newspaper (Kalemeye Sabz) obtained a permit in February of 2009, and the first issue came out May 18th, 2009. On June 22nd, judiciary officials raided the office and although they had no permit to permanently close down the newspaper, it has not been published since. There were rumors that the newspaper would resume publication. But last night, Mousavi went to the head office and spoke about why this will not be the case:

I know how hard it is on the staff of a newspaper to see their publication closed down. But retreating is not always bad and does not always mean regret. Sometimes we step back to look at other possible paths.

After analyzing the costs and the benefits, our friends decided together not to resume publication. But of course, the fact that Kalemeyeh Sabz will not be published does not mean we will stop our activities and this means that we require innovative media that will reflect the views of this movement within frameworks that are beneficial to the country.

In the absence of a media that has the country’s best interests at heart, outlets like VOA and the BBC become the primary news outlets. It is natural that such outlets will have the best interests of their own country at heart.

In the process of the elections and the aftermath, innovative methods were used to spread information and while one path was closed, a hundred opened. The important thing is that now, everyone in this movement feels the need for a media and if we can keep this feeling alive in the people, in the future we may be able to find new ways of creating one.

The suspension of Kalemeyeh Sabz can be considered temporary, because, eventually, everyone’s voice needs to be heard. The real danger comes when we shut all possible routes of disseminating information, and bring down the establishment’s capability to accept criticism and thus add to an explosive circumstance.

They can not erect a wall around the country in the world we live in today. If the environment is not opened up, we will be left behind and we will be faced with a slew of new problems. In the past, it may have been possible to run the country without any links to the outside, but now, with the spread of technology and communication, such a thing is impossible.

From the days of the constitutional revolution onwards, there’s been a gap between intellectuals and the people. Intellectuals attended to things which were far from the everyday needs and worries of people. But recent events show that this gap is becoming more narrow.

There is a problem withthe worldview of our intellectuals and politicians and that is that by emphasizing certain values, they leave many other valuable perspectives ignored. This is while in the everyday lives of our people, these values are not separated. [In the lives of our people] These value live together and they want to have them all. Iranian society is like the Greek god, Venus, who can bring together things which seem to be going in different directions. Our people can be saddened by the death of Neda Agha Soltan, the people of Gaza and others throughout the world.

In the green movement, we see this coming together of different values and all of those who have committed to this movement try to bring the best of their beliefs to the table and this is a path we must continue in the future.

Extreme slogans are because of anger. It is to our benefit to suggest slogans which are within the capacity of our country and to stay away from slogans which are rash and inconsistent with the conditions we face in the country.

We must not allow the events of the past few months to create pessimism about the revolution. It is obvious that those media outlets which are the voices of this or that power, are forced to defend the interests of their own country, even if they are broadcast in Persian. And through their outlets they will try to sow the seeds of hate towards the entire past thirty years, and they will even try to go after the efforts of our people in the great, historic holy war [Iran-Iraq war] and unfortunately, the policies of our own media is in line with the foreign media outlets and the situation that has been created for Kalemeyeh sabz today is a proof of this.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=164061237605

Mousavi and Karoubi Condemn the Terrorist Attacks

2011-11-17T02:23:00.000-08:00

Mousavi and Karoubi Condemn the Terrorist Attacks
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 8:50am

Mousavi’s letter in condemnation of the terrorist attacks

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

The news of the assassination of a number of Revolutionary Guard commanders and others in a terrorist attack has greatly saddened our people. The violence that has been the result of bigotry and racism in our eastern borders leaves us with a very important consideration: if seeds of this nature are planted anywhere, at anytime, they will, within the span of a few short years create deep rooted conflicts and destroy the living prospects of all human beings [who are in the midst of the conflict.]

The responsibility of all Iraniains, no matter what group or tribe they belong to, is not to allow crises which belong outside our borders to permeate their way in. The security, unity and terrirotrial integrity of our nation is a great responsibity and we are all responsible for providing these crucial necessities for future generations.

I fully condemn the terrorist acts and pray for the victims and their families.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

Karoubi's letter in condemnation of the terrorist attacks

[from the Quran] We are from God and to him we shall return

Once more, a number of my friends from the Revolutionary Guards, who had, in the years of the Iran-Iraq war repeatedly come close to martyrdom while defending the spiritual and geographic borders of our country, have been a target of a terrorist attacks and have died alongside the tribal leaders of Sistan and Baluchestan.

I express my condolences to: the families of all martyrs, the dear people of Sistan and Baluchestan, and the people of our nation. I ask the lord almighty to not let their blood be shed in vain and to bestow security and safety to our nation and the borders of Sistan and Baluchestan in particular, and to bring the hearts of our nation closer together.

Mehdi Karoubi

Pedestrian
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Mousavi's First Internet Interview: With Full English Translation

2011-10-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's First Internet Interview: With Full English Translation
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:58pm

Mir Hossein Mousavi in his first video interview after the election: As long as the existence of the crisis in the country is denied, the majority of people are called outlaws and the right of people to decide their own destiny is not honored, there will not be any concrete solution for the current crisis.

Mir Hossein Mousavi in his first video interview after the election has provided important explanations regarding the issue of “National Unity” that has been discussed by different groups, parties and political figures. He mentioned that he also learned about this issue through media and that he was not contacted directly and if there is any news about this he will let people know.

In part of his remarks, Mousavi by pointing out that some individuals have proposed the “National Unity” plan with good intentions, said: “As long as the existence of the crisis in the country is denied, the majority of people are called outlaws and deceived and are not being considered and the right of people to decide their own destiny is not honoured, there will not be any concrete solution for the current crisis.”

Mir Hossein Mousavi also explained more about “living the Green Path of Hope” which he mentioned in his statement # 13 and by pointing out people’s spontaneous artistic, cultural, political and religious activities so far and also the importance of the role of media, said: “In fact today the battle has turned into life; life that cannot be stopped; and for that reason this movement is invincible. In a public dialogue atmosphere, this “life” will evolve and progress. Therefore the issue of media is of extraordinary importance, and given the fact that we don’t have access to the conventional media, I recommend that more attention be paid to the virtual media.”

Full English translation of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s remarks in his first video and internet interview is as follows:

Explaining the “National Unity” plan

This phrase has been used in media in different ways and it is good to separate them from each other. In the meeting that I had with the members of the minority fraction (reformist) of the parliament, I discussed the issue of “National Unity”. In that discussion my intention to use this phrase was more in a sense of a public will that has been strengthened during the election campaign based on our heritage and old civilization and common national interests and the message of a better future and prosperity and progress of our country, so the issue of “National Unity” was important in that regards; and we all witnessed the enthusiasm that had been created in the country regarding this issue.

I believe that even after the post-election events, this asset (National Unity) should still be preserved and we should try to strengthen it. National Unity is extremely important to all of us and we all must focus on it. In this case the interpretation of Unity, is the unity among all people of all classes; unity between intellectuals, students, different ethnic and cultural groups.

During the election campaign the human chain that connected North of Tehran to South of Tehran was one of the best aspects of National Unity among all classes of people who had participated in that event, and this has created a wave all over the country and according to such a picture the idea of “Green Path of Hope” was shaped.

However besides this case “National Unity” has been used with different meanings and after the recent events that happened in the country which we all are very well aware of them, a number of individuals with different intentions and some with good intentions have been trying to find a way to lower the tension between the political figures by dialogue and discussions. There is a proposal by Ayatollah Hashemi-Rafsanjani; also there were discussions that Ayatollah Mahdavi-Kani also has ideas about this issue and generally different individuals have been commenting regarding this issue. What is important is that I have not commented on this issue yet.

However considering the rumors that are spreading regarding the discussions in this matter, I have a memory from Imam [Khomeini] that I quote; and there is a point in this memory that I will act according to that point. During McFarlane story (Iran-Contra affair), which caused a crisis and people did not know if McFarlane had come to Iran or what had happened, whether he had come to Iran secretly and had returned [to US]. This issue was first reported by a Syrian newspaper and in the debate among the heads of the three branched of the government it had been mentioned that this case would have been drawn into the country and given the sensitivity about the issue of relations to US and talking with US, it would have been apparent that it could have caused a crisis in the country, so the heads of the three branches of the government and I went to Imam [Khomeini] and asked for his advice. When the case was explained to Imam Khomeini on how and why, and with what group this person had come and left, and what was the outcome of his trip and it was also mentioned that this case had been reported by a Lebanese or Syrian newspaper and would have been drown inside the country as well; Imam said: “go and let the people know about this issue, people should be informed” and also discussed this issue a bit. When we were leaving, Imam Khomeini added a sentence that I have always remembered in my mind as a golden and important sentence. He said: “never do such that you won’t be able to explain it to people.” and I have remembered this in my mind. Therefore if there is going to be any talk, discussion, debate or issue, naturally as a companion of this great movement, I will share it with the people and it won’t be such that I cannot defend it. It would be wise that regarding this matter or similar cases, given the incompetence of the domestic media and the fact that they are working against the Green Path of Hope, and that we don’t have a conventional media and all of our media have been restricted, people be vigilant on which media is spreading these news by considering their direction and their party affiliation and their possible intensions. This can help us to move in a thoughtful atmosphere that is according to our own values.

Explaining whether you have been contacted or visited regarding this issue

No, there have been no such discussions. However I am aware of Ayatollah Hashemi-Rafsanjani’s proposal that he had mentioned during the Friday Prayer as well as the suggestions that some of the members of the Expediency Council shared with him; and also through media, I am aware of the remarks that are claimed to be made by Ayatollah Mahdavi-Kani and others. Also I sometimes have witnessed that others with good intentions have raised such issues, but there has been no direct contact with me regarding this and there has been no correspondence and no official talks. In general nothing has been done regarding this issue.

In the 13th statement you have mentioned that we must embed our socio-political achievements into our lives and into our struggle. You had a sentence: “we must live the green path of hope.” Although this is very elegant phrase, it may come across as ambiguous in some case, can you elaborate on that?

Our nation has started a massive movement and we are involved in it too. Hopefully [if God is willing] I will continue toward this very direction that people are marching on. If we look carefully, early on when these incidents happened in the country, there were discussion on how to move, and what should our response be so that we can benefit from big achievements of the elections and the Islamic revolution and continue it. There were discussions on creation of parties, or fronts, or other groups all within the frameworks of political campaigns inside the country or as they are defined internationally. We thought that none of these can fulfill our goals and purposes. We saw that none of these constructs were coherent with the experiences that we had prior to the election, and of course the [same] experiences that we had together.

In this election, we saw that families, political, religious, artistic, cultural groups, and in general anyone anywhere according to their own methodology and capability helped out and entered the movement. In fact this was a continuation of our discussions earlier that every citizen would ‘stand as a campaign headquarters’. An action like that led to a national network. Actually, it was this very phenomenon that was the source of strength for this movement. The movement did not get its power from a political party. This does not mean that parties were not influential, or will not have an affect. No. Parties would always maintain their own standing, and their position is of key importance and will remain a necessity. They must continue with their own activities. However, we thought to continue on this path, and to achieve our goals and ideals under the banner of “advance Iran”, and to fulfill people’s demands, and achieving the full realization people’s rights, we must continue on under something much more inclusive and encompassing [from a single party] specially under the knowledge from the experiences [of unity] prior to the elections. And we did continue in such a manner and we announced it too.

In such a perspective it is unimportant how much every person can contribute, or how they contribute. The important thing is that there will be a national will that would remain. From only one person in one family, to large parties and political groups and fronts with experience, everyone would be able to send help to this massive movement in the framework of their own daily activities. I have always believed that a even a blind person, an old woman, old man, or someone who cannot possibly attend any of political activities, if from the corner of their own homes they send a prayer, we can consider it as an activity inside this network, let alone all the organized activism of large political groups.

Today we stand witness to a unique and exeptional blooming of creativity among our artistic groups. None of these belong to a movement of a party. Instead they belong to a large social network. We have numerous clips, and anthems were created not to mention countless paintings, drawings and cartoons. The extent of the flow of this creativity is not comparable to any period of our history. These are the bulk and the essence of the movement. These are what create the content of dialogues of this huge wave and this massive movement. They guide it and push it forward. This does not happen in a framework of party or any one political front. At times, two or three artists come together, or in larger or smaller groups, on corners of our country and even outside of our country, they have come together to send their help. There are joined by religious groups, religious gatherings, charity organizations and other political groups.

In fact here, the struggle has become a way of life, a life that continues and is unstoppable. It is not the case that you can constrain it at a point. As a result this movement is a movement that cannot be harmed. In an environment of collective dialogue and discussion these movements would be ever more encouraged and push themselves forward. In this regards, the media are of key importance. The labor that people pull in our media is honorable and much appreciated. Here, I emphasize yet again that considering that we do not have any media at all, we must pay more attention to such means and tools [of communication], and benefit more from them. This is a miracle that we have seen during and after the elections, and considering our current situation we must take advantage of such tools. Naturally, we are connecting the individual and the social environments through the media and all the while we are creating a enormous movement with large span, and a long range.

The fact is that this movement does not belong to any one small group, party or political current, neither does it follow a specific detail oriented struggle nor is it a fully oppositional movement. This movement is one that is a current that is blended into dreams, ideals, and style of lives of our own people. That is why it is very sustainable.

We want get inspiration from readings of Quron that say: “Make your own homes a Kaaba” (Kaaba: All Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are.) It must be that people in referring to this expansive social network, in their own large and small groups, each contribute their own share to the movement, so that the movement can maintain shape and continue.

How can we find a solution to the crisis?

Until we accept that we have a problem and are in a crisis, until the larger group of majority of people is labeled as disturbance, until people are not counted in the equations [of power] and until the rights of people to determine their own destinies is not accepted, we can not find a universal solution to our problem.

For this reason our national unity, as I referred to it in second meaning that I introduced earlier, which contains the activities, the groups and crowds of people. In this regards that these gatherings are with good intentions I think it is necessary that in every movement people be respected, that majority is not alienated. People are together, even those of them who have different views, it is us who analyze them and impose the differences. Unfortunately we separate the people from on another. The maxim here is that people should be respected. Their perspectives and ideas should be accepted. We must return to these fundamental rules. We must rely on the fundamental that we must return to the constitution and we must insist on fundamental that: "governance of people over their own destinies." Only then we can easily find a solution to this problem.

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The Open Letter from Khatami, Mousavi and Karoubi to the Maraje (Grand Ayatollahs)

2011-09-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

The Open Letter from Khatami, Mousavi and Karoubi to the Maraje (Grand Ayatollahs)
Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 5:09pm

The only way out of this situation is the release of all detainees. We are only thinking about the improvement in the affairs of the country and the people.

Translated by Sara Azad

Ghalam News: Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karoubi and some of the renowned reformist figures, by pointing out the arrests after the election, in an open letter to the Maraje asked them, as being the reference and support of the great nation of Iran, to remind the government about the damaging outcomes of their unlawful acts.

According to the report by GhalamNews, the full text of this letter is as follow:

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful

To the honourable grand Maraje (may God keep them for us):

Greetings. As you are aware, at the same time as the announcement of the results of the tenth presidential election, an extensive wave of arrests of many campaign activists from the non-governmental candidates as well as citizens who took part in the peaceful demonstrations started, which in its continuation, because of the expansion of the people’s objections to the various and extensive violations that happened before, during and after the election, has increased and is still ongoing. The individual or group arrests of the people in different social classes such as University professors, political activists and journalists, without the legal warrant and by violent confrontations and use of interrogation methods that are reminiscence of the dark days of Shah’s ruling, which most of the individuals signing this letter were for several times victims of them during those days, under no circumstances is and will be appropriate for a government and a country that claims to have established justice and fairness, and will taint Islamic Republic’s face in hearts and spirits of every Iranian and in world spotlight.

Even more disastrous is the fact that the security systems are insisting on proving their fictional and completely wrong theories for introducing the activists as foreign agents or intriguers of velvet revolution, and for this reason have committed to unlawful, unethical and illegitimate attempts to get confessions. The governmental propaganda tools and especially IRIB (the state-run televisions and radios) are taking part in this project and by presenting staged confessions try to prove such imaginary accusations against the movement of the people which has formed only to protect the “republic” in the government. These days the worried families, left unaware of the fate of their loved ones whom their only crime is having had an active role in the campaigns of the non-governmental candidates, are facing closed doors in their repeated inquiries to the officials. The conspirator organizations have elevated the situation to a degree that are portraying membership in the campaigns as an unforgivable crime; and this is despite the fact the departed founder of the Revolution (Imam Khomeini) and the high-ranked officials of the government have encouraged and approved such activities. Really based on what legal, religious or logical principle can one explain the practice of repeated torture against those who live under the protection of Islam? And with silence in front of all this violence and cruelty, how can one brag about the kindness of the government that has set the religion of Mohammad as its guidance? These days receiving disturbing news about the physical and mental health of several of the detainees has added to the uncertainties. The principle of being innocent [until proven guilty] and avoiding prejudgment are easily overlooked (“Judging the trusted by relying on the assumption is against justice”) and violating the rights stated in the constitution and ordinary laws has become routine and of course will have no outcome other than elevating public mistrust and distancing them from the government. These uncertainties and anxieties have shadowed over the lives of a large number of Iranian citizens; and because of the practice of illegal means and the narcissism of the security forces on one hand and the patriotism and loyalty to the Islamic Republic as well as reluctance toward petitioning to the international authorities on the other hand, have created a very difficult situation for the families of the prisoners.

The only way out of this situation is clear and strong action for stopping the militarization of the environment after the election, cutting off the hands of irresponsible agents, releasing all detainees and returning the process of investigation of the accusations to its legal course. We plea to you, the Maraje, as being the reference and support of the great nation of Iran, to remind the government about the damaging outcomes of their unlawful acts and warn them about the expansion of oppression in the Islamic Republic. All this was mentioned in accordance with the words of the Imam of justice that “people will not improve unless the government does, and the government won’t improve unless by the persistence of people” and we call almighty God as our witness that we are not thinking about anything other than the improvement in the affairs of the country and the people.

With wishing you peace and the kindness of God and his blessings

Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, Mehdi Karoubi, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Morteza Alviri, Seyyed Kazem Akrami, Rahim Abolhasani, Mahnaz Azarnia, Ahmadipour, Jamshid Ansari, Seyyed Hashem Aghajari, Mohsen Armin, Ghorban Behzadian-Nejad, Saeed Bigdeli, Mohammad Bagherian, Mohsen Beheshti-Seresht, Behnam Bohloumi, Ali Bagheri, Hasan Bigham, Alireza Beheshti-Shirazi, Mohammad-Reza Tajik, Mohammad Taghikhani, Mohsen Tarkashvand, Mohammad-Ali Tofighi, Mehdi Tahaghoghi, Abed Jafari, Seyyed Mohammad-Reza Hosseini-Beheshti, Seyyed Ali-Reza Hosseini-Beheshti, Najafgholi Habibi, Ali-Mohammad Hazeri, Seyyed Mahmoud Hosseini, Farhad Darvish-Setalani, Abdolreza Rokneldin-Eftekhari, Mohsen Rahami, Mohammad Rahimian, Masoud Roughani-Zanjani, Ali Zamani, Saeed Semnanian, Ali Saee, Mohammad Salamati, Gholamreza Shah-Hosseini, Mohammad Shahrestanaki, Mahmoud Sadeghi, Hosein Sadeghi, Abdollah Tootian, Gholamreza Zarifian, Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi, Ali Arabmazar-Yazdi, Ali-Akbar Enayati, Hassan Azimi, Seyyed Nour-Mohammad Aghili, Abas Abdi, Mohammad-Reza Ali-Hosseini, Faramarz Falahi, Mohammad Farhadi, Hossein Forotan, Abolfazl Ghadiani, Mohammad-Kazem Kouhi, Abolfazl Kazazi, Farshad Moumeni, Abas Manouchehri, Mohammad Moghadam, Ali Mohades, Hossein Mortazavi, Hamid Mirzadeh, Korous Nik-Niayee, Abdollah Naseri, Mohammad-Ali Najafi, Seyyed Hashem Hedayati, Abas Yazdanfar.

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Mousavi to the Guardian Council to Create a "National Jury" Team (+ Eng)

2011-08-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Mousavi to the Guardian Council to Create a "National Jury" Team (+ Eng)
Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:16am

Translated by "Irane Azad"

Imam Khomeini to the guardian council: "I'm afraid of you beeing surrounded by a GROUP, while people on the street protest demanding their rights"

Honorable Guardian Council,

Peace be upon you, with respect the memorandum of the executive vice president of your council in charge of elections, number 88/31/33512 communicated on 1388/4/5, as announced in the two previous memorandums, the extent of the fraud and irregularities committed during the tenth presidential elections, and the examples of the violations of the law by the interior ministry and the government, which have partially been documented in the memorandum issued by the Chief Inspector General of the Country and deemed prosecutable under the law, limiting the investigation into the complaints of electoral fraud to 10% of ballot boxes will not serve to inspire the confidence of the people, or to satisfy the public with regards to the findings.

As previously reported to your council, the volume of the fraudulent illegal activities in four categories of:

a) Campaigning, electoral activities, and attempts up to a day before the elections,
b) The process of receiving and counting the ballots,
c) Aggregation of, and announcing the results,
d) Events since the elections and the announcement of the results,

is so high that leaves no option other than the annulment of the elections and holding new elections. To illustrate, I point you to the highlights of these fraudulent illegal activities that are clear cases of “affecting the final outcome of elections” stated under the 33rd article of the presidential elections law, which leaves no choice but to annul the elections (the details of each is below):

1- Brazen and clear violation of article 68 of electoral laws, widespread utilization of governmental resources and public funds, and open involvement of some members of the government, senior managers, governors, and executive staff in favor of the incumbent

2- Lack of impartiality of Seda & Sima, carrying unproven allegations some of which have been deemed prosecutable by the attorney general of the country, and widespread and partial promotions by governmental media (IRNA, governmental newspapers, and news sites) in favor if the incumbent

3- Widespread violations of article 33 of the election laws that are contrary to the letter of the stated law as mentioned below:

• Buying votes by distributing dividends of Edalat stocks, and cash disbursements to the families covered by support organizations, to villagers, tribes, and the like.
• Threatening and frightening people through government agents, and disbursement of cash to Islamic councils and influential individuals…
• Failure to verify the vacuity of ballot boxes prior to being sealed, as well as the loss of ballots and transportation of the ballots and the ballot boxes outside of the voting stations, in light of the reports the received reports and the absence of observers
• Denying a voting opportunity to a substantial portion of eligible voters by limiting the voting hours, and multiple violations on the day of the elections with respect to the handling of the ballots and creating ballot shortages in voting stations.
• Fraud in elections as well as the violations in the counting and reporting of the votes, because despite printing an extra 12 million ballots, and printing another 2.5 million (or even more according to some sources) of new ballots without serial numbers with the approval of one of the members of the Guardian Council the day before the elections, we witnessed a shortage of ballots in voting stations, which without doubt by matching the ballot stubs against the database, the extent of it can be proven.
• Suggestions to vote for a specific candidate by the staff and observers at voting stations, and essentially the formation of a substantial portion of the Guardian Council observers and voting stations from supporters of the incumbent candidate
• Creating an atmosphere of fear for voters and their supporters in the week before the elections, and attacking the campaign offices and their supporters in legal gatherings across the country
• Creating multiple limitations for observers of candidates to attend the executive board’s meetings, attend the ballot counting and aggregation centers, and at a substantial number of voting stations
• Rendering the SMS network inoperable during the election day when it was a known mechanism for voting station observers from my campaign to report any violations for legal pursuit, and disconnecting the mobile and landline phones of the committee tasked with protecting the votes during the aggregation of the announcement of the results

4- The design of an unverifiable illegal process for the aggregation of the counted votes, and for announcing the results of the vote in an pre-engineered fashion (while before the final results were announced, they were reported on sites close to the government, IRGC, and Kayhan newspaper)

5- Widespread and illegal interference of sections of the armed forces before and during the elections which is directly against the wishes of the late Imam.

6- The existence of more than 170 voting stations with ballot casting ratios of between 95 to 140 percent.

7- Attacking campaign offices in Tehran and provinces, sealing of my campaign headquarters, and the arrest of my campaign chief and staff that limited our ability to comprehensively documentation the electoral violation cases.

Since all the above cases point to well organized and preplanned violations in elections, and since according to the Guardian Council’s announcement some of the violations fall outside its jurisdiction, and since parts of the legal complaints are about the breaking of the law and dereliction of impartiality and the behavior of some members of your council as well as the Minister of Interior, the agents of the Interior ministry, an impartial review of this case fundamentally cannot be conducted by the Guardian Council, neither can it, as before, be left to a committee that is selected by your council, not to mention that since some members of your council do not have an impartial view and have voiced their opinions regarding the verdict before looking into the matter, doing so will not help to clarify the situation or to pacify the public perception.

Therefore, while calling again for the annulment of the elections as the most appropriate way to exit the current impasse and restore the public trust, and only as a way to leave the door open for finding a method to review [the complaints] through a national jury council, and to ensure that people’s complaints is reviewed in a national body whose verdict is trusted by all voters and instills confidence in the people, I suggest that we refer to a religious, legal, and independent body that is agreeable to the candidates, and is supported by those of the their holiness the grand ayatollahs and sources of emulation that have attempted to resolve the situation.

Mir Hossein Mousavi
6 Tir 1388

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Mousavi’s 7th Statement: The Illegal Attack on Kalameh Sabz Newspaper, and Media Limitation

2011-07-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Mousavi’s 7th Statement: The Illegal Attack on Kalameh Sabz Newspaper, and Media Limitation
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 5:13pm

With Special Thanks to: iranshahamat@yahoo.com

We need people attention rather than politician's attention. NOW MORE THAN EVER: YOU ARE THE MEDIA...Help to bring the Voice of Iran, to Iran and to the world...its all in your hands now! You are the source and life of Hope!!!!

4 Tir 1388 Time 14:24

Mir Hossein Mousavi’s 7th statement regarding the illegal attack on Kalameh Sabz newspaper, and the limitations imposed on non-governmental media and their communication with the people. The complete announcement is below:

In the Name of God

Dear compatriots,

Following the excuses and repeated threats that had effectively stopped the printing of Kalameh Sabz newspaper after the presidential elections, they did not stop there, and on Monday night 1/4/88 the newspaper’s office was raided by security forces and its decent employees were arrested and sent to detention.

While the officials of the country and governmental media repeatedly emphasize the importance of the law and following the law, and those who object to the large scale cheating in elections are accused of breaking the law, this type of treatment of a newspaper that has received official permits, [and this kind of treatment of its] management, editors, reporters, and technical staff is beyond comprehension, unless one succumbs to the idea that for some, the rule of the law is acceptable so long as it is used to limit the opposition’s complaints, and for nothing else.

The breaking of the law takes place while serious limitations have been imposed on the rest of the media that used to connect me to the society, in addition to the non-governmental media and press, and the only open channel to get the news to the people is the news fabrication stream of national and governmental media, which unfortunately leads the society to seek news from foreign media.

These illegal confrontations, are based on an incorrect analysis of the prevalent conditions of the society by the government, and will open the door to foreign influence in the country’s affairs, and make any move with the goal of improving the society within the framework of the Islamic Republic’s system difficult.

While voicing my strong opposition to these illegal trends, I emphasize the constitutional right of the people of Iran to voice their objections with what has taken place in recent elections and since then, and I consider this right as their inalienable right based on this document of national understanding, and insist on its implementation.

Your brother and civil servant

Mir Hossein Mousavi
4 Tir 1388

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Mousavi's and Karroubi's Joint Statement for June 12, 2010

2011-06-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's and Karroubi's Joint Statement for June 12, 2010
Monday, June 13, 2011 at 2:19am

Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi issued a joint statement on the eve of one year anniversary of the rigged presidential election (June 12th)

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful

The informed and vigilant people of Iran

The informed and conscientious presence and participation of you at polling stations of the tenth presidential election last year and taking advantage of the right to vote extensively by each one of you was a great move and an everlasting epic that would have returned the country’s future path from the dreadful downhill, in which it was captive and today has become more obvious, to a bright future and the climax of prosperity that the great nation of Iran deserves, but unfortunately tainted hands falsified your pure votes and the results were announced in such a way that shocked everyone and initiated the unified protests of you informed people in order to get back your lost right, however great sadness that your peaceful presence and rallies, instead of being heard and paid attention to, was suppressed and you forever glorious nation paid dearly over the past year to get back your stolen right. Your great and unforgettable rally on Khordaad 25 (June 15) of last year is the evidence of the truth that even passage of time cannot reduce its value. The justified expectations of you dear people prompted us that to request to have a rally for the anniversary of the unforgettable day of Khordaad 22 (June 12, the anniversary of tenth presidential election) in the national epic of election in order to safeguard that stolen epic and to follow-up on the justified demands of a prosperous nation that despite all suppressions did not wash hands from peaceful ways and hopefully seeks a bright future for its county and the country of its children. So we also based on the Article 27 of Islamic Republic’s constitution that clearly states the unconditional right of the people to hold [peaceful] protests and demonstrations and in order to prevent tension, not giving any excuses to the repressors and providing safety and security of the people, handed in the letter of request for permit to hold demonstration on the anniversary of epic 22 Khordaad (12 June) from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square to the office of the Governor of Tehran and the Interior Ministry in a timely manner but unfortunately with endless made up excuses this request has been stayed unanswered.

Therefore a number of reformist parties and groups in order to eliminate the made up excuses handed in a similar request to the Interior Ministry which the trend of that process and the final answer of the Interior Ministry to this request has been stated in the latest letter of the representatives of reformist parties, and they have announced that they have no hope to obtain any permit from this administration.

Now that there is only 48 hours left to the time planned for the demonstration, by considering the report of the representatives of reformist parties [who were following up on the request for permit] and also for the safety of the people we are announcing that the planned demonstration will not be held. It is obvious that with the dark history of the past year in repressing the protestors who their only crime was to demand their vote in a peaceful manner and also the reports received indicating that once again hardliners and repressors are being organized to attack the defenceless and innocent people, we ask the people and the protesters to demand and follow up on their rightful demands and requests through less costly and more effective methods.

It is self-deceptive and naive to believe that in your artillery with all the threats, insults and lies you were able to repress and subjugate people’s protest movement. Despite the deafening claims of the so-called national TV and Radio stations and the pro-government press giving the impression that the protesting forces of the Iranian people’s movement has diminished, the very same individuals involved in these claims as well as the policy makers more than anyone realize this fact that the movement is alive and the true honour of it belongs to those who despite all the threats and dangers, the insecurities and also knowing the potential life threatening and financial consequences still have not given up on their rightful protest and even their simple announcement of demonstration makes the repressors shiver from fear and follows the wide scale and comprehensive security and police mobilization.

This is the tradition of an illegitimate government that does not give permit to hold demonstrations to anyone but to their own supporters but given all these the path that you the great nation of Iran have chosen cannot be blocked; and you will brighten your role in this path with creativity and we also in all aspects until the emergence of the bright morning of tomorrow will be with you and will accompany you.

Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi
June 10, 2010

Translated by the translation team

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Unpublished Remarks by Mir Hossein Mousavi to Women's Rights Activists: "We Must Persevere Until We Bring About Change"

2011-05-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Unpublished Remarks by Mir Hossein Mousavi to Women's Rights Activists: "We Must Persevere Until We Bring About Change"
Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Monday May 23rd, 2011 - 100 days have passed since the illegal house arrests of Mir Hossein Mousavi, Zahra Rahnavard, Mehdi Karroubi and Fatemeh Karroubi. During this time, the leaders of the Green movement and their spouses have been illegally denied all contact with the nation of Iran, while facing a myriad of unfounded accusations and allegations. The Green activists and enthusiasts have nevertheless remained steadfast in their support, eagerly awaiting any news from Mir Hossein Mousavi and other key figures within the Green movement.

Kaleme is proud to release the unpublished statements made by Mir Hossein Mousavi when he and his wife Zahra Rahnavard met last year with a group of women's rights activists representing a variety of viewpoints in commemoration of the birth of Hazrat Zahra. The statements made by Zahra Rahnavard were published last year. Today after approximately one year and in honor of National Women's Day and Mothers Day, the statements made by Mir Hossein Mousavi during a meeting that took place with women's activists last year are being published for the first time.

While extending his congratulations to women on the occasion of International Women's Day and Mothers Day, Mir Hossein Mousavi reiterated that in his opinion there are no differences between women and men seeking to achieve freedom and democracy and as such we should all work together when taking steps towards this important goal.

Mousavi stated: "I believe that women have played and will continue to play a pivotal role within the Green Movement. The Women's Movement is part of the Green movement and the destiny of the Green Movement and all movements seeking freedom and justice is interlinked with that of the women's movement. The challenges facing women and the issues associated with women's rights within Iran cannot be resolved unless they become a public issue. There must be no segregation between women and men. Gender segregation is the root cause of the discrimination and the challenges we face today. We cannot have an open and fair society unless we resolve the challenges facing women today."

Gender discrimination imposed in the name of Islam...

Mousavi continued: "The developments of the past year resulted in the rebirth of women and the youth, establishing a new identity for themselves. Their preoccupations and their worlds have also changed. This rebirth brought with it a certain amount of anguish and pain, particularly because our current government structures and legal framework is incompatible with this redefined identity. This is a matter we must address. Women face many serious obstacles in our society - obstacles that have been created in the name of Islam and family values and are based on gender biases and the challenges associated with our legal frameworks.

Mousavi stated: "We have yet to provide a clear road map for a society in which women are able to obtain their rights. When we speak of women's rights, freedom for women, or eliminating gender discrimination, we must do so by providing a framework for women that draws their attention to effects of the elimination of such discrimination in relation to our customs, heritage, fundamental values and political and social challenges. We must paint a picture of a society that includes all segments of our population, encouraging a social movement that motivates more women to become active and involved."

The challenges facing women effects both women and men

While emphasizing that the challenges facing women in Iran is not gender specific and effects both women and men Mousavi added: "Thankfully, men and women are intertwined and it is only when we view them as one that we can resolve the challenges they face. It goes without saying that there is a vast amount of experience in the world regarding this matter. The fate of the Green Movement and the Women's Movement in Iran will remain intertwined. I doubt that the Green Movement can achieve its ideals without women accompanying the movement every step of the way. The reverse is also true; in other words if we are unable to create changes in the current political climate, the challenges women face [in Iran] will not be resolved."

A "Hejab Vice Squad" designed to influence & divert public opinion

Mir Hossein Mousavi explained that in his opinion the recent positioning by the ruling government and their attempts to enforce the Islamic dress code [hejab] are mainly designed to influence and divert public opinion. When asked about the Green Movement's strategy regarding the recent positions by the Friday Prayer Imams regarding Hijab and its supposed relationship with earthquakes* and the recent resurgence of the Hejab Vice Squad, Mousavi responded: "Events are occurring in our society and decisions are being made, that appear not only not to resolve our problems, but are instead designed to create differences amongst us. It goes without saying that our country is prone to experiencing earthquakes. Take Tehran for example that is situated on an fault. Earthquakes can be very dangerous and the government must undoubtedly devise measures to address the risks associated with earthquakes, rather than turn them into dreams and create an association with Hejab. This is exactly how they try to keep people's minds busy creating discord amongst people."

The current climate is not compatible with our Constitution and respect for human dignity

Mousavi added: "The recent insurgence of the Hejab Vice Squad is not focused on enforcing the Hejab, but rather designed to influence and divert public opinion. The Green Movement seeks justice, freedom and the execution of our laws - objectives that if achieved will result in many other challenges being resolved. If we are pained by the measures [taken by the ruling government] it is because the current climate is neither compatible with our Constitution nor does it respect human dignity. Although their measures have failed they nevertheless seek to keep our minds occupied. Though we should continue to be critical of such initiatives, we must refrain from making an issue out of them and keep our focus on the real issues at hand. In other words, we must be careful not to fall into their trap.

Aligning the activities of the women's movement with that of the Green Movement

Mir Hossein Mousavi also addressed a number of questions regarding the One Million Signature Campaign to Change Discriminatory Laws. While referring to the human chain formed last year from Tajrish to Rahahan Square as a sign of national unity Mousavi continued: "In my opinion that day symbolized the essence of the Green Movement. In the past year we offered the slogan of national reconciliation, not only appropriate for national unity but also necessary for resolving the challenges we face. There are some who do not benefit from national reconciliation. If we look in the segments of our society such as the families of prisoners we will find groups and movements that did not exist prior to the Green Movement. Some women were active in the Million Signature Campaign to change discriminatory laws and perhaps even faced accusations for operating independently. As a result of the colorful and open nature of the Green movement the Million Signature Campaign is now linked with the far reaching Green Movement and is no longer looked upon suspiciously. We must be grateful and view reconciliation, friendship and alignment of the various movements as one of our main goals."

The Green Movement opposes any move that would undermine our national unity

Mir Hossein Mousavi added: "We must define clear initiatives and define a framework on a national level designed to bring together the various ethnic groups within our society. The Green movement apposes any movement that would undermine our national unity."

When asked about the position of the various segments of society such as laborers, teachers, farmers, etc. within the Green Movement, Mousavi stated: "Our discussion of justice should not only be limited to judicial and legal justice. Our nation, particularly our laborers and farmers face many challenges and work under inhumane conditions. We must further expand our circle of influence to include these segment of our society. We must at minimum have more compassion for and sympathize with our workers that has not been paid for six months and realize that the challenges they face will only be resolved through dialogue."

Mir Hossein Mousavi reminded everyone of the importance of creating an environment within the Green Movement that is conducive to hearing the voices of all movements, reiterating the importance of making sure that the issues of the women's movement are also further raised within the Green Movement.

We must persevere until we bring out change

In response to a question by a women's activist who inquired how long we have to wait in order to achieve our goals, Mousavi stated: "We cannot assign a time frame when it comes to such matters. What is clear is that we must persevere until we have brought about change. If we continue to resist, express our demands and take steps towards achieving them, we will eventually reach our goals. It is impossible to predict when this will happen. It will depend on the level of our persistence and effort.

Signs that the Green Movement is alive and well

With regards to the issue of hope Mousavi stated: "We must create hope on a national level. If we look back at the past year, some believed that the street protests were similar to those that took place in previous years in Shiraz, Zanjan, Eslam Shahr and Mashhad; movements that were stopped in a matter of one or two days. Some believed that the street protests associated with the Green Movement could also be easily curtailed, but it was not the case. Even if the street protests have discontinued, it does not mean that the movement is no longer alive. The presence of women like yourself at such gatherings and the passionate commemorations for the martyrs of the Green movement such as the one held for Kianoosh Asa at the University of Science & Technology [Elm o Sanaat], demonstrate that the Green Movement is vibrant and continues to grow."

Mousavi reiterated: "In the past year, we have not suffered from blind radicalism, rather people have become aware of the fact that this is a non-violent movement - and this is a major area of strength for the Green Movement."

Mousavi concluded: "The Green Movement has thankfully always belonged to all our citizens. After years of policies and actions leading to a rift between various segments and ethnic groups within our society and years of policies in which some believed that it was to their benefit to create differences, creating a few insiders while sidelining many others, the Green Movement crossed all boundaries, creating alliances and friendships across the various segments in our society - and for this we must be grateful...."

Translator's Note: The reference here is to a statement made last year by Friday Prayer Imam of Tehran, Kazem Sedighi, who said "women who don’t have a suitable appearance" (meaning women who do not fully observe the obligatory Islamic dress code, "hejab") attract young men and lead to the spreading of adultery in the Iranian society which -- according to the cleric -- increases the risk of earthquakes."

Source: Kaleme: http://www.kaleme.com/1390/03/02/klm-58836/

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150186085892606

Banooye Sabz
http://banooyesabzirani.blogspot.com/2011/05/unpublished-remarks-by-mir-hossein.html

Condolence Message of Ayatollah Hashemi to Mousavi family

2011-05-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

Condolence Message of Ayatollah Hashemi to Mousavi family
Tuesday 5 April 2011
08:41:14

- Departure of deceased Haj Seyyed Mir-Ismail Mousavi, made me upset.
- I would like to convey my deepest condolence to you, honorable family and to his respectful children especially to engineer Mir-Hussein Mousavi.
- The family who had done decent services for Islam and Revolution and our Islamic country and they attributed to have several martyrs in the path of Islam, the revolution and the country in their records.

Following departure of Haj Seyyed Mir-Ismail Mousavi, Ayatollah Hashemi has offered his condolence to Mousavi family and to his respectful children especially to engineer Mir-Hussein Mousavi.

According to the report of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani web site; the complete text of condolence message of Chairman of the Expediency Council is as following:

We all from God and we will return to him

Dear Mousavi family

Departure of deceased Haj Seyyed Mir-Ismail Mousavi , made me upset.

I would like to convey my deepest condolence to you, honorable family and to his respectful children especially to engineer Mir-Hussein Mousavi.

Family who had done decent services for Islam, Revolution and our Islamic country and they attributed to have several martyrs in path of Islam, the revolution and the country in their records.

I ask God bless this late beatified and to give his family patience.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
Chairman of the expediency council of the system
March 31, 2011

Official Website of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani
http://www.hashemirafsanjani.ir/?type=dynamic&lang=2&id=3770

Mousavi's Video Message for Workers' Day and Teachers' Day

2011-05-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's Video Message for Workers' Day and Teachers' Day
April 2010
Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 6:43am

Mir Hossein Mousavi in a video message for the International Workers’ Day (May 1) and National Teachers’ Day (May 2) emphasised that the hard work of workers and teachers is one of the most important components of national pride and said: “The only way to fulfil the rightful demands of teachers, workers and all classes of people is the return to the constitution and the people’s rights which is the most forgotten part of it.”

The FULL English translation of the transcript of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s video message for the International Workers’ Day and Iranian Teachers’ Day is as follows:

Greetings to all workers and teachers of the country

I congratulate the Workers’ Day and the Teachers’ Day to all you dears. We are on the eve of these two very important days. The hard works and activities of workers and teachers are among the most important factors of our national authority. They are the producers of wealth and the producers of science, virtue and morality in our country and without their hard work achieving fundamental values is not possible in a system and after the formation of governments and nations the role of these two classes has become very important in the countries and therefore paying attention to their fate, tendencies, problems and issues is very important and that is why all countries try to pay special attention to these two classes.

The International Workers’ Day that is being celebrated all around the world and in our country is a sign of the attention to the work forces and their importance. From the early days of the revolution it was a tradition to pay attention to this day and also the Teachers’ Day that its importance is as much as the Worker’s Day. Here in this short message I would like to share with you the issues that are common between these two classes and all the people.

The truth is that we are getting close to these two important days in a situation that the country is in crisis and is having vast economical, political and social problems and each one of these problems has reflected in the fate and everyday lives of these two classes and has many effects.

The domestic market of the country has been handed out to the foreigners

We are witnessing the economical situation of the country. Inflation, the decrease in the rate of investments, corruption, the spread of lies and incompetence, the unpaid wages of the workers and their growing unemployment, the everyday shutdown of the factories or their operations in low capacities while our national markets have been filled with foreign goods and in reality we have handed out our entire domestic markets with respect to goods, services and investment to foreigners and we all aware how much this issue affects the fate of our nation, our independence, our freedom and in the fate of our workers.

The issues and the problems of workers and teachers is tied to the majority of the issues and problems of the country

On the other hand we have the restriction on the freedoms. We have the silencing of the people, shutting down the newspapers and filling the prisons as well as the limitations imposed on unions and political organisation and all these affect the fate of the workers and teachers. This is why it is very important that the workers and teachers realise (although I know they already do) that the problems and hardships they experience and feel in their everyday lives is related to the major issues and problems of the country and this is a direct relationship.

The demands of workers and teachers are the fundamental and main demands of the nation

The demand of a worker or a teacher if is said at the moment and is the natural demand of these two classes, we should pay attention that are the very fundamental and basic demands for the whole country. What does a worker or a teacher want? They want the country to develop. The development of the country is for their benefit. The lack of development of the country is harmful for the entire nation and the most would be harmful for the working class either in the industry of in service sectors; either in villages or anywhere else and also would be harmful for the teachers.

They (workers and teachers) want freedom, because freedom would make it possible for them to form unions and political groups and be active politically and find ways to solve their own problems and the problems of the nation. They are seeking justice, either in economy and everyday life or in assigning social dignity, this would make it possible for them to serve better and produce more wealth, they can defend country’s economy better and with their activities in industry and market defend the independence of the country, and in with their honoured dignity they will achieve a position that they can support the innovative and progressive ideas in country.

The dignity of teachers has been degraded in the eyes of the politicians but it has not been degraded in the eye of the nation

The revolution has stated with this idea. We should remember that most of the members of the parliament in the first term [after the revolution] were teachers. Martyrs Rajaii, Bahonar, Motahari were teachers. We know Shariyati as a teacher and he is a teacher.Being teacher was such that would make nation trust that person. I should add that if this dignity has been degraded in the eye of politicians but it has not in eye of the nation. When we say that we return to the reference groups we see that workers and teachers are still on the high levels of reference groups and are still trusted by the nation; but some events happened in the country that this statue is not honoured as it was on the early days of the revolution. This honoured statue made it possible for the teachers to create a bright and deep atmosphere among the nation and train a proud generation; and they themselves and many workers defended the country on the front lines [during the Iran-Iran war]. But on the contrary we see today that some of the teachers and workers are in prison and it is really bitter to talks about this issue on the eve of these two days.

It is for the benefit of workers and teachers that we have a balanced foreign policy

It is natural that if we pay attention with respect to freedom, justice, prosperity and development of the country or other aspects for instance these two classes are strongly against corruption. They know that it is harmful for them and their interests and is harmful for the national interest and national security of the country when the topic of huge oil revenues is brought up while the promises of bringing hundreds of millions of dollars that were supposed to be brought to their kitchen tables never happened and while instead they learn about the news of corruptions, incompetence and mismanagement in the economy of the country. Naturally, consciously and presently, it is for the benefit of teachers and workers that we have a balanced foreign policy. We should not create so much drama. We should not go on without a specific agenda. We should not endanger our national interests with creating so many ups and downs.

The reckless actions will have their effect on people’s quality of life

The security of the country is not going to be preserved with guns and military forces

These unwise actions immediately show its impact on people’s kitchen tables. The greatness of a country is in the hope and encouragement of that nation about their future; the view and hope that they have for their future. The security of a country cannot be preserved with only guns and armed forces. During the holy defence ear (Iran-Iraq war) we did not have [organised] army or Revolutionary Guards. They were created gradually. In fact the army was dissolved at the beginning of the revolution and was organised again; the Basij and Revolutionary Guards were also formed later. The reason of our resistance during that 8-year war that we did not give in even one centimetre of our land to the enemy for sure was not our many weapons! Our enemy had more weapons and support and had all the help from the world but our nation including these classes of workers and teachers could resist. This was due to the people’s hope about the future of the system. But when this trust is damaged, when cases of corruption are brought up and are not followed up and even would be raised in the parliament and yet nothing happens and suddenly the cases are closed and then from here and there news would be heard, it is natural that we would lose the hope and belief in the system.

The issues of workers and teachers are not separate

Dear workers and teachers know that your issues are the issues of our entire nation and are not separate. If you have problems in forming independent unions and every action you take is answered with limitations and arrests and you are facing problems in your activities; when you go to the classroom with fear and concern because you don’t know if you can tell the right word and defend justice in front of your students, defend justice with your heads holding high and with pride; and testify to the brightness of the white and darkness of the black and don’t give up; and when you face fear and insecurity in these issue, it is natural that these concerns are national concerns and are the concerns of all of us!

The path that the Green Movement is taking with this regards is base on this fact that the solution to our problems depends on a series of activities. It is not that we solve this problem once with promises and once with charity, once with increasing or decreasing salaries, or for example when it gets close to elections we become active and jump from one branch to another. These will not resolve the problems of our teachers, workers, employers and entrepreneurs!

We have no other way than returning to the constitution

I believe that the only way is to return to the constitution. There is no other way for us other than returning to fulfill all of the constitution. This is the least costly way. This is the way to solve our problems in a national level; to solve the problems of our Islamic market so that they are not filled with low quality foreign-made goods. We can defend our national industries so that we can protect the rights of our workers to prevent them from losing their jobs and unpaid wages every day. So that we don’t get buried in the foreign markets and that our staffs don’t go wasted. By returning to the constitution we can prevent corruption and by reinstating people’s rights we can solve the problems. Except free, not pre-selected, competitive elections, freedom of press and freeing political prisoners and groups, there is no other way in front of us; and moving towards the constitution is in the benefit of the whole nation, in the benefit of all who are devoted to their people and seek prosperity of their nation.

We promised people to execute the constitution. The rights of people are the most forgotten parts of the constitution

This is our national covenant and the accord between the people and the government and any lessening of this covenant is a betrayal of people’s trust. People and the government signed that the government would execute the constitution without change. If we consider parts of it inefficient we should reform it. The constitution is not carved in stone but [even for that] we should act according to the constitution and we should honour the rights of people which are the most forgotten parts of the constitution so that problems get resolved one after the other and that way, God willing, the statures of teachers and workers in a way that is suitable of our country and society will be reinstated.

May you succeed and may both these days be happy for the entire nation.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=121370207879766

Mousavi's Norouz Message

2011-04-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's Norouz Message
Source: Kaleme
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010

Kalemeh reports the complete transcripts of this message as follows:

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful,

The unified caravan of martyrs

I wish all of our people a Happy New Year, as we approach the green spring and this national holiday. I will especially make note of the families of those who lost their lives while defending our independence during the [Iran-Iraq] war, the veterans, the injured, and those who suffered in any way. I should also mention the martyrs and those injured in 1388, [1][the year that is coming to an end], since I see their fate as connected to that of the war-time martyrs; they are all a apart of the caravan of martyrs that our country has produced over the course of history. If we have a proud country and a free nation today, it is due to their suffering and sacrifices.

Congratulating Iranians both inside Iran and abroad; [all] Iranians with a common identity

I should also pass on good wishes to Iranians from various groups, tribes, ethnicities, cultures and [political] parties; all of our people. This year, I would particularly like to mention our countrymen living abroad. Today, our people are united, and this is one of the blessings of the Green Movement. It has become so extensive, that there are people on the other side of the globe who identify themselves with the rich Iranian and Islamic cultures, strive for the glory and development of Iran and the Revolution, and try to concern themselves with the fate of their country. This is particularly true among our youth, be it inside Iran or abroad, who have sacrificed the most and who have experienced the most damage [in the events of the past year].

We should help and comfort the families who have experienced loss

As far as I have heard, the third and fourth generations of Iranians living abroad are as active as the youth inside Iran, and I would like to use this opportunity to wish a Happy New Year to them as well. The families of the martyred and the injured have had a crucial role in our movement; our people should stay alongside these families and comfort them, particularly in these first few days of festivities.

The year that has passed

The passing year has been a special one for us all. Our people witnessed a great deal of energy and excitement in the days leading up to the election, the beauty being in the love and unity that you saw between people of different backgrounds and political inclinations. The election could have turned into a great festival for our people and initiated a new movement in the history of our nation. It was this movement that lead to very high voter turnout, with which you demonstrated your resolve to see [progress], change, independence, [and the authority of] freedom and justice. But, your active presence in the election was met with a reaction that prompted you to go to the streets with the common question: “Where is my vote?” The roots of this reaction go back to June 12, [election day]. It was not even 5PM when one of my main campaign headquarters was attacked. By 8PM, my central headquarters was also attacked and, before being published the next morning, the main Kalemeh Sabz [2] headline was changed several times on orders from intelligence officials.

A response by the government unworthy of the dignity of our nation

The lack of a proper and Islamic official response to the elections created a negative image in the minds of our people and, as a result, was the root cause of many subsequent events. The response given [by the government] was not befitting of the grandeur, liberty and pride associated with our nation. The crimes at Kahrizak prison, the atrocities at the student dormitories, the killings of 30 Khordaad – even 25 Khordaad – and the events that followed, such as on the day of Ashura, took our people by surprise.

If the challenges were political in nature, then they should have been resolved via political channels with convincing explanations. However, this was not the case, and, unfortunately, the responses by authorities were also not satisfying. One of the most significant days was the 25th of Khordaad, when our people took to the streets en masse, transforming this day into a decisive moment in the history of our nation as well as a testament to the high spirit of our nation days after the elections.

What did our people desire?

While chanting national and Islamic slogans, our people came to the streets without creating any tension; [merely] to declare their point of view and cast their vote. We expected [the government's] response tailored to meet the gentle spirit of our people. However, we witnessed something entirely different in the events that followed, which only further complicated matters.

On the 22nd of Khordaad the people of Iran participated in the elections in order to determine their destiny and define the direction of their future. However, the events that followed became an eye-opening experience for our people and our country. Our nation discovered major discrepancies and glitches that lead to the formation of a broad spectrum of new demands. These demands began with a request for a referendum on open and fair elections, and later extended to other areas. The Green Movement was formed with the people’s agreement that all matters should be managed within the framework of the Constitution, and this became a widely-accepted slogan.

Ignoring parts of the Constitution is tantamount to rendering it meaningless

The truth is that this slogan is of significant importance to the destiny of our nation. The Constitution is a national covenant, without which there exists no unity; only chaos and darkness. It consists of a set of contiguous articles and, as such, ignoring or weakening one section only leads to rendering it meaningless and void in its entirety.

One must look at the Constitution as a whole. When it was first written, those involved composed an important introduction designed to protect the integrity and continuity of the law. Each of its articles emphasizes a set of values, aspirations and demands that are integral to the Constitution and cannot be separated. Now that our people have witnessed judiciary, political, and electoral problems (among others), they realize more than ever that the path to a bright future lies in returning to the foundation defined by our Constitution, without any interference from various political factions.

Withdrawing our demands of unconditional implementation of the Constitution is an act of treason both in the eyes of our nation and Islam; this is a demand that we will not abandon

If an article in the Constitution is erroneous, the way to fix it is clear. We must amend the Constitution in accordance with public opinion and [keep] the recent state of affairs [in mind]. [As of now], we do not have a free media or the freedoms outlined in the Constitution. We lack free elections, where candidates are not cherry-picked, and fair competition. We do not have rights that protect the people’s privacy; rights that prevent some from searching through personal letters with self-serving ‘justification.’ How can we assume to have a working system and solve our problems while the [current national path seems to lean away from] the Constitution?

We are facing many issues and difficulties in this New Year. Some of them relate to the shape that our demands are going to take. And these are rightful demands. They are a way to achieve national greatness and are a salvation for all parties on the path of developing our nation. We will persevere with these demands, and, accordingly, the coming year will be [known as] the year of persistence. We do not have the right to turn away from them. Any distraction would be an act of treason [in the eyes of] the nation, Islam and the blood of our martyrs. Our Constitution was forged in a sea of martyred blood. It is not something that we can lose easily and we must all return to [its principles].

Among other things, I wish that the executive branch was competent, at the very least

Besides this problem, there are others as well; problems that existed before, but which are going to intensify this year, although I am hoping against it. Economic prospects for the future are not good. I am not pleased with this situation. I wish that despite all our issues, we would have seen a proposal to solve [at least the non-political] troubles. But that was not so. Forecasts of economic growth for the coming year are poor. First, in addition to drops in investment, this would mean greater instances of unemployment and extensive and increasing poverty. Our middle-class is shrinking more and more as we face these problems. Second, our current [international] standing is not a pleasant one due to ambiguous policies, as well as an adventurous and inept approach [to foreign policy]. Looming upon us is a threatening situation. We have the worst possible international relations and foreign policy, and it seems that with greater sanctions we should expect [more economic pressure].

The Green Movement must expand its reach

Faced with such a situation, the Green Movement must expand its reach to all segments of society. The Green Movement must revive the timeless social and Islamic principle of inclusion. We must lend a hand to neighbors and neighborhoods both near and far, through job creation and other forms of interaction.

Let us live more modestly; let us help our fellow men and women; let us reduce the weight of people’s problems

Let us make our lives more modest and, by foregoing unnecessary formalities, make more room to think about how to reduce the load of problems that people appear to have. Let us help and attend to the families of the martyrs and those who have been injured—the just prophet looks favorably upon spending time with these families. Moreover, doing this will rekindle the nation’s hope.

The path that we cannot avoid

I believe that the path to achieving greatness follows this route and, without a doubt, the nation understands that there is no other alternative. Thus, it has its hopes in this path. God-willing, we will reach our specific goals, since our demands are not extravagant by any means. We demand a fair and healthy election—an election where being on the ticket does not imply having been vetted and selected by a few in power. That kind of electiondoes not reflect the appropriate respect towards a nation as dignified as Iran. The Iranian nation is great, progressive, and cultured. It should not be treated like a nation of ignorant, uncivilized people, for whom matters need to be decided because they cannot be trusted to run their own affairs or choose their own government properly. I ask that the government respect freedom of speech and freedom of the press so that the nation’s thoughts and ideas are able to flow freely and publicly. I am certain that the manifestation of these thoughts will be Islamic. Only then will we see a productive and progressive Iran brimming with justice and freedom. We must not be afraid to allow this to happen. In fact, we must truly fear the consequences of not allowing this to happen. We must truly be afraid of turning our backs on the demands of the people.

I will finish with a prayer from Imam Khomeini—a prayer that is relevant to our situation today:

O Lord, be watchful of our martyrs and let them rest close to your kindness and compassion. Heal our injured and our dead, and lead those who have been captured by the enemy back to the bleeding hearts of their families. O Lord, in your kindness, grant us patience and success.

[1] 2009-2010

[2] Mousavi’s official newspaper during the election campaign

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=109291362420984

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1408

Mousavi's Statement Regarding the 25th of Bahman Demonstrations

2011-02-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

Mousavi's Statement Regarding the 25th of Bahman Demonstrations
Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Tuesday February 15th 2011 - In a statement addressed to the nation, Mir Hossein Mousavi congratulated the people of Iran for the glorious demonstrations that took place on the 14th of February 2011 [25 Bahman 1389] and expressed his condolences regarding the martyrdom of the children of the Green movement, reiterating that the Green movement takes pride in relying on the immense strength and independence of the great people of Iran.

In a short message issued one day after the demonstrations of the 25th of Bahman, the Prime Minister during the 8 year holy war [against Iraq] stated that these glorious demonstrations were attacked on two fronts, on the one hand by the power mongers whose goal is to continue to hold on to money and power and on the other by foreigners and international opportunists who look for their own interests. According to Kalame, the complete content of Mir Hossein Mousavi's message is as follows:

To the honorable nation of Iran,

I salute you. The glorious demonstrations of the 25th of Bahman [February 14th, 2011], a great achievement for our nation and the Green Movement, took place despite the skepticism by many with the participation of male and female warriors representing all segments of our society. Your glorious movement was attacked on two fronts, on the one hand by on the one hand by the power mongers whose goal is to continue to hold on to money and power and on the other by foreigners and international opportunists who look for their own interests; both seeking to attribute this [Green] movement to Zionism, the United States and their allies.

The pride of the Green movement is in its reliance on the immense strength and independence of the great people of Iran. The Green movement has always maintained its independence from foreign influence. Its values and main goal has always been to revive the ideals and aspirations of Imam Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution and to support the various demands of the noble nation of Iran in its quest for freedom. The Green movement has always sought to achieve its goals through peaceful means, emphasizing the fundamental principles of human dignity, recognizing our nations right to sovereignty and determining their own destiny and demanding the unconditional adherence to the Constitution. As your humble companion, I congratulate you on the occasion of your amazing perseverance and wish to express my deepest condolences on the martyrdom of the beloved children of our proud nation.

Mir Hossein Mousavi
Tehran February 15th, 2011 [26 Bahman 1389]

With special thanks to Banooye Sabz for English translation

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=497383302605

Banooye Sabz
http://banooyesabzirani.blogspot.com/2011/02/mir-hossein-mousavi-issues-statement.html

Mousavi: Special Groups See Their Interests are in Division

2011-01-27T21:04:00.000-08:00

Mousavi: Special Groups See Their Interests are in Division
Date: Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Source: Kalemeh

In the most recent meeting of Mr. Mousavi with sons and daughters war veterans, Mr. Mousavi elaborated on the influences of the Green Movement, and emphasized on the endurance and unity as two elements that could achieve the desired changes in the country. According to Kaleme, Mousavi acknowledged the affinity and unity amongst different groups of people and said: “We are following the same principles that were applied when the [green] human chain was created from one corner of Tehran to another. All of us, from different opinions, cultures and ethnicities, would eventually come to talk easier with each other.”

What connects our institutions are: Freedom, Justice and Protection of people’s rights
The Green Movement has brought about the context for national conciliation

Political institutions that were taken apart through wrong policies are gradually getting closer and closer. They negotiate and share ideas at dinner tables. It is [demand for] freedom, justice and protection of people’s rights that is connecting them. The lines that separated us from ‘them’ are fading away and different sides are talking more to each other. Thanks to people’s very green Movement, today national unity and affinity has become more prominent among the very different cultures, ethnicities religions and social layers.

Some see their interests in division
They spread hatred in the name of war against propaganda and cultural invasion
They have changed national media to a divisive and one-sided tool

Some see their interests in spreading division through profiling lies. They use ‘soft war’ [against propaganda and cultural invasion] as an excuse to spread hatred and division. There are unsound groups of websites that ridicule our holy principles with a million dollar budget for cyber warfare. Just as they changed the national TV to a one sided and divisive tool, they are looking to pollute the virtual space with their viruses [of deceit and lie] so that they can close this beautiful window and ruin the trust of our Islamic nation to it. Nevertheless, I am sure this trickery too would have the reverse effects.

Even the old political sciences knew that with oppression a nation would get close to its ends

Unfortunately our establishment is struck with corruption, oppression and it’s incapable to adopt to changes. The establishment cannot make the necessary changes required to face the volatile global and national conditions. This is very obvious, because the most effective element for desired changes inside a nation are people’s participation in all the affairs of the country, their ability to bring about their own destinies, and protection of their civil rights. Even old political manifestos agree that oppression will bring a nation close to its ends.

Today our prisons are filled with our nation’s freedom fighter children.

I remember in the old days reading about prisons of Mansour Davanighi, or Haroon Al-Rashid in our religious studies books, but today our prisons are full with our nation’s freedom fighter children. They even imprison those who are plaintiff against the wild and false accusations made against them while those who [falsely] made the accusations are at large far away from the reach of judiciary.

The secret to return enthusiasm to the society.

The most important secret to achieve ‘putting people first’ is accepting their votes. It is their votes that can save the country from the crisis and bring back the enthusiasm and peace to our society.

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1751

Mousavi's Speech in meeting with Iran-Iraq war Veterans

2011-01-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Mousavi's Speech in meeting with Iran-Iraq war Veterans
Source: Kalemeh
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010

According to reports by Kaleme, Mir Hossein Mousavi, president during the eight sacred years of war, met with a group of veterans of the Iran-Iraq war yesterday. In this meeting in which Zahra Rahnavard was also present, the veterans in addition to describing the difficulties and challenges they faced upon their release from Saddam Hossein’s prisons, shared their opinion on the political, economic and social challenges, particularly those that have arisen since the presidential elections last year.

During their discussion with Mousavi the veterans pointed to the economic and social challenges and hardships they and their families had faced upon their release from prison. They stated that the recent imprisonment of veterans by the current government because of expressing their political views during the election campaign is even more regrettable than enduring years of incarceration in Saddam notorious prisons.

After remarks by these noble veterans, Mir Hossein Mousavi while congratulating them on the anniversary of the day marking the return of the prisoners of war said: “During the eight year holy war against Iraq, our nation and government never forgot our soldiers and POWs. The news regarding the POWs was focused upon on a daily and hourly basis.”

Honoring the late Hojat-al-eslam Aboutorabi

While honoring the late, proud veteran Hojat-al-eslam Aboutorabi, who played a significant role in lifting the spirits of the veterans of war, Mousavi said: “Respect and attention to human dignity, the love of Islam and the Imam, and defending our nation were vital to the resistance and unity of the POWs while they were incarcerated in Saddam’s notorious prisons.”

The auctioning of Iran’s identity & assets

Mir Hossein Mousavi added: “These days, in addition to the challenges and problems facing the nation, there is a lot of noise regarding the relationship between Islam and Iran. It is of course clear that the arguments raised are politically motivated. Some individuals while wasting hundreds of billion dollars of our country’s oil revenues over the past few years have also taken it upon themselves to auction our nation’s identity in order to achieve short term gains. We [the nation] are fully aware however, that for our soldiers who valiantly fought to defend our homeland during the era of the holy defense, Iran and Islam were not mutually exclusive.

During the imposed war, the love of our country, never stood in the way of our religious beliefs

Mousavi added: “In this long and unfair war, in which we did not concede even a centimeter of the national borders of our beloved homeland, the war front became the highest ground for divine experiences. During this war, the love of our country never stood in the way of our religious beliefs, in fact what we experienced was the blending of Islam and Iran, forming a unique national identity. In reality, our national identity at the beginning of the revolution was defined by the protests that led to the victory of the revolution in which Zoroastrians, Christians and Jews, stood together with Muslims, both Shia and Sunni. They also stood together in war, alongside the other warriors, chanting God is great. These warriors of a variety of religious backgrounds were present then and are still present.

Those make noisy claims that the Iranian culture is fading away, are the same group who demolished the institution for Cultural Legacies.

[In the early years] no one was after fulfilling their own needs from our national assets. It was because of this very behavior that an ambiguous and paradoxical view like Iranian Nation and the Islam religion [as two different values] was never even defined. Unfortunately, in recent discussions you see a back and forth to redefine some of these concepts where it ‘seems’ that our national legacy or Islam is ‘important.’ It is very ‘interesting.’ Those who today make claims on the Iranian culture are the same who in the split second ruined the institution for [preservation of] Cultural Legacies. We see today that same series of events that happened to the institution for Budget and Financial Planning [that has contributed to our economic problems] is happening to the institution that should be protecting our culture and our history. In this sort of dispute there is just talk of Islam and Iran [as if they are empty words.] No one tell you it is which part of the Iranian culture that we should be introducing to the world, or which Islam is it that we should be defending.

Which Iran? Which Islam? These are the important question.

To protect their grasp on power structure that is [according to Quran] as fragile as the spider’s net, these authoritarians are willing to question [the entire] 30 years after the revolution

Those who create this dispute, decline to view Islam and Iran as viewed in the current century dialogues. They do not talk about what kind of Iran it is that we should be introducing to the world, or what kind of Islam it is that we should be defending. Is an Iran they are looking to introduce, a nation with record high drug use and addiction, with 14.5% unemployment, 29% unemployment amongst the youth? Is it a nation with prisons filled up with political activists, a nation where media is shutdown and whoever speaks out is silenced? Is it a nation where basic civil rights are ignored? Is it a nation that has fallen behind all of its neighbors because of destructive policies that the government has undertaken? In this dispute of empty words, no one asks whatever happened to the document that planned the 20-year outlook. When they talk of Islam in this dispute, they don’t talk about the destruction their lies and hypocrisy has brought about to the image of Islam. Whose Islam we are defending here; the Islam of that high ranking Grand Ayatollah and source of immolation whose office and house is attacked and destroyed when he dares speak the words of truth [about oppression.] or is it the Islam of that Preacher of the Friday Prayers who without the slightest of shame accuses his political opponents of receiving funding of one billion dollars from foreign agencies and accuses them of waiting for another 50 million dollars? Are we defending an Islam that gives an excuse to our chiefs of security to accuse anyone with lies and insults and broadcast them throughout the whole land? Are we defending and Islam that some question 30 years of this revolution’s history to maintain a power structure that according to Islam is more fragile than a spider’s net? What does it mean when seven prominent political figures with transparent experiences in government who wrote a letter to the judiciary suing those who spread these lies are taken back to the Evin prison? Would it have been possible in the Islam that Imam Ali Introduced to imprison the plaintiff instead of the accused?

We neither agree with the image of Iran that they are putting forward, nor recognize the Islam they use to fulfill their own personal interests.

Our people follow an Islam exemplified by the first Imam of Shia, Ali.

Our people follow an Islam exemplified by the first Imam of Shia, Ali; the same man who sits in court like any other citizen, with a non-Muslim plaintiff who has accused him of a crime; the same man who does not tolerate the briefest discrimination. ”Repeating that our society and our government is Islamic” proves nothing. It is essential to answer this question: In a government that claims to be Islamic, why doesn’t the head of the Guardian Counsel sit in court with a well-known ex-chief executive officer to resolve his complaint, and instead throws that person into prison?

Instead of accentuating a pseudo-Islam-Iran-war, be honest with people.

Mousavi said: Today, the country is facing various issues and crises nationally and internationally. One of the solutions to escape from these crises is to eliminate [the culture of] deceit from the society and to stop these false waves [of short-lived news.]. Be honest with the people, instead of such vain mainstreaming and storytelling. Instead of hypnotizing a pseudo-war between Iran and Islam, tell people whether or not the government recognizes the people’s right in the constitution, and if so, then why are these rights not only being ignored but also being reversed in the society. Answer why issues like evading laws, violation of fundamental rights, and basic principles of justice being becoming more and more acceptable? It doesn’t solve our problems to claim that Iran is the freest country in the world, while our prisons are filled with political prisoners. Neither does it solve our problems to deny problems in the economy, while people live through the economic impacts of such problems every day. Trust people’s judgment. It is only then that the crises can be avoided.

[If you] trust the judgment of people, you can avoid the crises

Mir Hossien Mousavi addressed the autocrats and said: Stop the monopolization, suppression and destruction; trust the people; create social peace and security; and the problems will be resolved gradually, with the support and efforts of our proud nation; and we can put the problems behind us.

The problem will only be solved when we beckon and environment to hold free non-discriminative elections and the Judiciary force proves to be independent of commands from the secret security force interrogators. I am certain that a fair independent public court to deal with the complaints that these 7 known figures have submitted will be more effective than any gun and missile, in restoring peace in the country.

A solution to eliminate risk for international threats

To solve the crisis [you must] return to the people [with transparency], instead of [hiding those] vague international deals.

We must all know that the way to eliminate the risk of international threats is to implement people’s rights. Return to the people and soon enough you will see that every bit of this crisis will be cleared, without having sign any non-transparent treaties that will not support people’s best interest, and without having to impose unnecessary pain and suffering on to people.

The hard part of returning to people

Of course it is very hard to join back to the people; the hardest part may be yielding to the vote of people instead of vote of the government.

At the end of this meeting, characters of prominent Iranian war prisoners like the departed Mr. Lashkari and the martyr Mr. Tondgoyan were praised.

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1737

Mousavi's Letter on the 'Constitutional Monarchy' Movement

2011-01-27T21:01:00.001-08:00

Mousavi's Letter on the 'Constitutional Monarchy' Movement
Source: Rahesabz
Date: Thursday, August 5, 2010

We are in the midst of the anniversary of the Constitutional Monarchy Movement, which has emphasized the need to restrain the power of the monarchy for more than a hundred years. Aside from demands for justice, freedom and the establishment of law, the achievement of this restraint is the result of our ancestors’ struggle and self-sacrifice. The [various] institutions that appeared along with the movement were constrained by Reza Pahlavi’s so-called “modernization” campaign and were ultimately closed down despite the many lives lost [in the process]. The movement that put people first had been obstructed and the dark era of the first and second Pahlavi Dynasties came to overshadow its fundamental values. However, the values that had surfaced with great sacrifice continued to live on in the people’s constant struggle to free themselves from despotism and authoritarianism, as well as through their inclinations toward freedom, justice and the demand to control their own destiny.

The martyrdom of those like Sattar Khan, the General of the People, and the brave member of Parliament, Moddaress, as well as the murder and imprisonment of many other freedom-seeking activists are historical facts that are evidence of the difficulty of this path. The movements that later nationalized the Oil and organized the People’s Rising on June 5 and, later, the harsh struggles of the following two decades, all show that what was achieved in terms of restraining power not only failed to fade away but also remained as a constant model for people to look up to in future struggles.

The victory of the Islamic Revolution with the leadership of Imam Khomeini in February 1978 was the result of a century of ups and downs for our nation. Today, witnessing signs like chauvinism, escaping the rule of law, and an establishment of lies instead of laws indicates that despotism is reintroducing itself and that the path we have walked has not yet achieved its goals. [The legitimacy of] oppression is doomed to fail, whether it be during the rule Naser-al-Din Shah a hundred years ago, during the Pahlavi Dynasty or during the Islamic Republic. Oppression during the Islamic Revolution was even more sinister because it was committed in the name of Islam. We all know how, even in those early years during the Constitutional Monarchy Movement, intellectuals and religious scholars considered religious despotism as the worst of its kind. The experiences of the last century, as well as of the last year, indicate that among the key concepts of the movement such as freedom, justice, and the rule of law, the issue of restraining power has the most important effect on our destinies.

Today our nation is constantly asked to obey [various] systems of power in the name of religion without any allusion to the people’s right to control their own fate and without any talk of respecting innate human dignity and the basic rights of citizens. There is no mention of arguments like that of the Imam, who spoke with the utmost clarity of speech and logic regarding the people’s right to choose their own destinies in the great cemetery of Tehran, Zahra’s Heaven. Instead of answering to the atrocities they committed on the streets on the 25th and 26th of June, as well as during Ashura and in the universities and prisons, the authoritarians only seem to become more angry, more violent, and more insulting, while accusing others of lies. They close down the newspapers and turn the national television into their own tool for propaganda. They create armies to counter the freedom available online in the virtual space that has emerged from the creativity of our youth as a last resort to communicate within a free medium. They cannot even tolerate this last remaining hole in their wall, blocking freedom and then keeping it well away from rules and laws. If we looked carefully, we would easily notice that there are no obstacles today which could come in the way of the development of despotism. This is why the Constitutional Monarchy Movement teaches us that the most important tool that could restrain power is non-violent struggle – something that our nation has recently started. Some of the demands of the Green Movement clearly reveal this side of resistance.

Rights such as the ability to stage demonstrations, freedom of the press, and the acceptance of national pluralism are facing serious opposition by the authoritarians, because they clearly limit their unlawful influence. Moreover, their reluctance to fully abide by the Constitution demonstrates the extent of the difficulty for those in power to abandon their throne and answer to the public. We all know that the first step in agreeing to implement the Constitution would be for the rulers to declare that they recognize the people’s right to choose their own destiny. To ignore such a right is, in fact, to turn one’s back on everything that the nation of Iran has accomplished with great struggle throughout the past century, especially during the Islamic Revolution.

Among all of the demands and resolutions that would lead to the people’s control over their fate as well as the restraint and accountability of power, laying the foundation for a free and competitive election is the most important – an election that would not compromise our national legacies with the prohibitions of the Guardian Council and their illicit supervision. It is for this reason that anyone who believes in pluralism in Iran must campaign for a free and competitive election.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=415239837605

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1730

Mousavi's Meeting with Students from Teacher's College

2011-01-27T20:59:00.000-08:00

Mousavi's Meeting with Students from Teacher's College
July 17, 2010

In a meeting with a group of professors from the Teacher’s College, Mir Hossein Mousavi made the following statement:

“We believe that lies, oppression, and fighting the authority of the law destroy the legitimacy of the establishment. The Qur’an, our Prophet, and the exalted events of Ashura demonstrate that oppression cannot remain. I believe that, God willing, the Green Movement will soon see victory because it is seeking to revive the rights of the people; because it is an advocate of human freedoms as well as rationality and reason. The Green Movement will be victorious because it stands against force, lies and oppression.

A movement inspired by Ashura

The celebration of the Eid of Mabas [1] has motivated us. The life of the third lmam of the Shi’as, Imam Hossein, is an inspiration to us [all]. The norms in our religious society have been influenced by the events of Ashura as well as the messages it promoted – messages that encourage one to resist [the use of] force and oppression, so that society can move toward justice and truth.

Every difficulty is followed by peace

Today, followers of the Green Movement have no more reason to be afraid

The Green Movement’s slogan, encouraging a stand against deceit and a push toward truth and justice is inspired by the freedom-seeking spirit of those historical warriors of Ashura as well as their leaders, Imam Hossein and Abolfazl. Such resistance is [always] paired with hardship, but the Qur’an promises that hardship is accompanied by results. We see these results in our society as we speak. Despite enduring suffering, imprisonment, deception, pressure, and unspeakable torture, there is still a high spirit amongst our youth to motivate society away from oppression and force.

[Today], members of the Green Movement are less afraid. Is this not the [period of] calm following hardship [promised by the Qur’an]? Members of the Green Movement struggle to have a system of government that recognizes the authority of the people with a Constitution that explicitly alludes to people’s rights. Is this not, in itself, a [form of] progress? Is it not [considered to be] progress if we can condemn the murders and atrocities committed by ‘self-developing’ forces within our society?

Iran is for all Iranians

The goal of the Green Movement is to establish a governance [based on] the people’s votes

The Manifesto of the Green Movement is a text that is open to change. Hopefully, with the members’ collaboration, it will move toward completion. I think one of the topics that the Manifesto lacks is attention to religious minorities. There are some indirect allusions, but it should be stated more explicitly in the text, emphasizing that Iran belongs to all Iranians. This is a key maxim.

We are victorious because…

The goal of the Green Movement is to establish the authority of the people’s votes. I believe that, God willing, the Green Movement will soon see victory because it is seeking to revive the rights of the people; because it is an advocate of human freedom and reason; [because] it is equipped with the weapon of rationality. The Green Movement will be victorious because it defends a democratic bond between the nation and the Constitution and it stands against force, lies and oppression. We believe that lies, oppression, and contesting the authority of the law annihilate the legitimacy of the establishment. The Qur’an, our Prophet, and the celebrated events of Ashura indicate that oppression cannot remain. You need only to look at the fate of the governments of Omavian and Al-Marvan [to see this fact].

The Constitution is our unifying bond.

We support the motto ‘abide by the Constitution without exception’. The presupposition is that this document is neither eternal nor divine scripture, and any nationally-acknowledged change that ensures the opportunity of free, competitive, and inclusive elections is acceptable. We cannot establish a consensus merely based on memory, but we need a document that can unify us and in the current circumstances there is no substitute for the Constitution. Calling for complete implementation of the constitution is a call for the demands of the people, which have been ignored. Our common platform is based on our democratic ties to the Constitution.

The liars are looking forward to taking advantage of some people’s ignorance. The Shah said the same thing. With the way things are going, [these people] will soon attack the Constitution. Unfortunately, lying has become very widespread. Recently, a speech by one of the security officials has been distributed extensively at the community level. It is full of ridiculous, blatant lies and vulgar myths. The producers [and distributors] of this tape have counted on the possible ignorance of some people in the spread of this [nonsense]. Interestingly, the speech starts out with attacks on the few legal [political] parties that still exist in the country. And when you put this together with the recent claims that we in Iran actually have just one party — the ‘Velayat Party’ [2] — we can conclude that there are some people who, intentionally or unintentionally, are driving this country into a dead end. These kinds of statements are very similar to those of the Shah who, [only a few years before the revolution], declared the Rastakhiz party [to be the sole party], which is clearly unconstitutional. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Constitution itself is attacked in a similar manner in the future.

However, the Green Movement’s networks are not confined to the borders of Iran. On the contrary, these networks live in virtual technology and other media, engendering the amazing atmosphere that has currently emerged. This is one of the strongholds of the Green movement.”

Let us believe that ‘the people’s vote is the judge’ [3]

In my opinion, whoever wants what is right and just, whoever follows a peaceful path in moving the country towards a situation in which the people can decide their own fate, and whoever supports the law and the truth -– this is a person who is a part of [the Green Movement]. We should all believe that, in the end, the people’s votes will be the deciding factors for our country.”

[1] The day when prophet Muhammad received his first revelation

[2] Reference to Ahmadinejad’s recent statements

[3] Reference to a quote by Ayatollah Khomeini

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=408536627605

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1713

Complete Text of Mousavi and Karroubi's Press Conference

2011-01-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

Complete Text of Mousavi and Karroubi's Press Conference
Source: Kalemeh
Date: June 8, 2010

Moderator: We are approaching June 12th [22nd of Khordaad] and for the first time, we have the opportunity to hold a joint press conference with you two esteemed gentlemen.

Reporters from various ‘Green’ websites are present in this session to ask you their questions, and you will obviously reply with answers you deem suitable. But first, what would you like to say as introduction?

Mr. Mousavi: In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

I am honored to be accompanied by someone who has a long and persistent history of resistance for the Islamic Republic and am thus very glad to sit beside Mr. Karroubi, and also to be speaking with the Green websites and virtual media.

Mr. Karroubi: In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

As our dear brother, Mr. Mousavi, has said, this is a very valuable opportunity and it is also the first time that the two of us can sit and talk like this. Also, it has been a tough year, consisting of many events, but one still feels as though the grace of God is with our people, because despite all the bitter events and the damage that has been inflicted on the establishment and the Islamic Republic, there are still many blessings. If one of us had, in fact, won the election, it is possible that we could not have played as significant a role in the developments as we do today. And considering the plans that this government has unfortunately been designing for our country, this is very important.

Moderator: If you agree, the reporters will now ask their questions one by one and we will await your response.

Jaras [website]: Dear Mr. Mousavi and Mr. Karroubi, this question is addressed to both of you. In order to keep the Green movement’s momentum up and its supporters away from discouragement and despair, the movement needs to clarify its strategies; devise its short-term, intermediate, and long-term programs; and determine its main slogans. What measures have you taken in this regard? Isn’t it time for the leaders of the Green Movement to declare their joint positions on these three axes clearly and objectively?

Mr. Mousavi: This is a very good question. The slogans that are in use today have actually emerged through the people’s experiences in the course of their struggles and resistance in the past year. The first slogan was “Where is my vote?”, which arose following the violations and fraud that occurred in the election. But when people found themselves against various barriers and confronted with repression, torture, murder and the like, they realized that our problems span a broader area [than just the election itself] and thus other slogans were gradually introduced. Today, the demands of the Green Movement and the various factions that were damaged as a result of the election are much more clear and specific because of these slogans and experiences that we have gone through. This [the set of clearer demands] is also felt among the people. This vast awareness that has spread due to powerful social networks is incomparable to anything we have seen in the last century. It is true that these slogans should become more organized as the demands are [specified and] clarified. However the organizational [order] itself should remain flexible and negotiable based on the events that take place.

Mr. Karroubi: While I agree with what my dear brother has said, I would like to add a few points. The events of last year did not happen for no reason; this is an important point. In the midst of all the passion and excitement that people were feeling during the election, the most important question that remained for them was whether their votes would be counted in the final outcome if they were to participate in the election, or if something else might happen. Three dubious elections have been held, and we need to construct a rational, congenial, and logical investigation into these elections with the organizers and election officials. These three elections are the 7th Majles [parliament] elections [in 2004], the 9th presidential elections [in 2005], and the 8th Majles elections [in 2008]. All of these were precursors to the events in last year’s election. People worried, in the midst of their enthusiasm, that the fraud might be repeated in this election as well. At the time, we told them that [the government] can only rig between two to four million votes and so it’s best to participate in the elections [since a high turnout can undo the effect of limited fraud].

When so many people actually participated — and everyone agrees that there was an almost 85% turnout — and the results were announced, all of this accumulated and resulted in an explosion. The people suddenly felt offended and humiliated, and they protested with zeal and their initial slogan was “Where is my vote?”. They wanted their votes back. Unfortunately some [in the government] thought that this problem could be solved simply by cheating and then through repression and conflict, but it wasn’t. The planning you speak of should be carried out, but you must also consider how this problem has grown and emerged, and under what circumstances. Mr. Mousavi and I have appointed a committee. Mr. Alviri was my representative and Mr. Beheshti and Mr. Moghadam were his. They were supposed to follow the situation of those who were arrested. What was happening to them? Also those who were injured, what had become of them? And the martyred, what had happened to them and how? What [the government] did was to arrest these committee members as well, but fortunately one of them was abroad when they attempted to arrest him. In such circumstances — where [government officials] spy on our meetings, repress all dialogue, arrest people and keep them in custody for months — there has naturally been [hurdles and] interruptions in planning. However, there has also been a great deal of growth and awareness that our cause is growing on its own despite the circumstances. Things have got so tough for [the government] that we now see things like what happened on the anniversary of Imam Khomeini’s death, and this is something we could talk about as well.

Emrooz [website]: Mr. Mousavi, you have announced numerous times that the most important goal of the Green Movement is spreading awareness in society. In a simple categorization of a social awareness system, we find three pillars:

a) Information: consisting of news, analysis, messages, and other intellectual products of the Green Movement.

b) Communication framework: social networks through which the information can flow and spread.

(c) Education prerequisite: Without any intention to judge, a proper understanding of the information disseminated in social networks depends on acquiring certain educational prerequisites. Improvements in social education during the 8-year reform movement as well as the globalization of communication in a virtual world have brought these prerequisites to the middle class. However, a majority of society is still deprived of this knowledge.

From our organization’s point of view, the leaders of the movement have been active with respect to pillar A but have not proposed any specific plans or programs regarding pillars B and C. However, we believe that the leaders cannot get directly involved in the process of attaining pillars B and C and should pursue these issues by coordinating [the activities of] social and political activists. In recent months we have witnessed coordination and attunement efforts, but we would like to know of your [specific] plans regarding pillars B and C so as to share this knowledge with other activists.

Mr. Mousavi: The question is, in my opinion, descriptive, and contains part of the answer in itself. It divides the issue into three parts – the generation of information, and so on. The truth is that one of the characteristics of last years’ election was the explosion of information. This was a result of strong public sensitivity toward [the spread of] information. That is, the information always existed; but the discussion is [now] over how this information can be contextualized and interpreted. People gradually found it imperative to analyze and dissect the news so they could understand the [underlying issues] more clearly. The result [of this analysis] was the spread of information and knowledge. One could have guessed from the beginning that the official media would not have allowed the public to access this information despite the requirements specified in the Constitution. Had they [actually] acted upon these requirements and allowed everyone to express their voices via state media, the political quandaries and the crises we face would have been less severe. But in reality the national media became anti-national, blocking [both] dialogue and [interaction]. Public gatherings wherein information could be discussed amid large groups of people were prohibited. In truth, those who said that they have the majority of people’s votes demonstrated that that was not the case (since someone who has so many votes would not be afraid of public gatherings and assemblies). Consequently, people turned to social and virtual networks. Although virtual networks existed before, they came to be employed in a dramatically different way during the course of this [movement’s activities]. In other words, virtual networks shifted from acting as a medium in which people could meet, socialize, and engage in cultural activities to one that [facilitates the proliferation of a] lively movement. This became the backbone for a strong social network that established tenacious public ties. Of course, [the existence of this] information as well as the spread of information [in this manner] has its detriments. I think that those social groups that have access to information by means of the internet, virtual networks, television channels and strong university networks – groups which have established strong links amongst themselves – should extend the scope of their activities in terms of spreading information. This happened to some degree around Labor Day and Teacher’s Day, and we saw that it was effective. Students, teachers and others who are active in virtual networks should break the frameworks they have defined for themselves and increase their interaction with farmers, merchants, clergymen, labor workers and government employees in national sphere. We must not attend to these groups in order to use them as instruments [of popularity]. The problems that we currently face – problems that were exacerbated in the form of election fraud – stem, in reality, from fundamental and foundational quandaries that reveal themselves only when we pay extensive attention to them.

I believe that the economic sector, political corruption, and the tendency toward dictatorship pave the way for fraud of this sort and create the impression that free elections as specified in the Constitution are far from reach. Political activists are faced with difficulty [in such an environment]. The [authorities] currently advocate the suppression of any kind of meeting or gathering instead of inviting [various] parties and associations to become more active, which can facilitate the formation, discussion and debate of alternative perspectives. As Mr. Karroubi mentioned, they could not even tolerate four people appointed by us to follow up on the status of detainees. The state is using force to solve this crisis because it has restricted and eliminated any other possibilities of finding a solution. Therefore, it is not [even] possible for us to create a formal assembly to respond to these issues. With that in mind, I believe that social networks and virtual space could fill this vacuum for some considerable amount of time. Yet, simultaneously, every effort should be made to create other channels [of communication] both internationally and inside Iran. In particular, media efforts should be more coordinated and orderly and our friends who were thinking about establishing radio and TV Channels should expedite their efforts and act more swiftly. It is our nation’s right to have an independent channel for the distribution of national information and [initiatives of the] Green Movement.

Emrooz: The second question is for Mr. Karroubi:

The student movement is one of the social networks that is most capable of increasing awareness and promoting understanding among a variety of social classes. During the election you were able to attract students (and well-known student activists in particular) to your campaign. Considering the detainment of student movement leaders, as well as restrictions imposed on you in terms of contacting different social groups – specifically influential ones, such as students – how do you plan to overcome this situation and utilize the students’ potential in terms of realizing the goals of the Green Movement?

Mr. Karroubi: As you mentioned, [the government] has used pressure, restrictions, arrests, and many other means to break up these ties and connections. We see this every day that they arrest or expel a few students. Many students are now in jail, some for up to a year without respite. [The government] has suffered the biggest blow from the students and so most of the pressure has been exerted on universities and student bodies. But the students are still very much active. It is natural that there is more precaution. There might even be a bit of decline in the activities due to these difficulties, but the students’ support and alliance are still with the movement. Despite the heavy pressure, I have committed myself to maintaining contact with the families of the students who are in prison and attending different gatherings. But some of the things I read in the news sadden and baffle me. They question a person for attending a wedding! One Revolutionary Guard representative, who is a clergyman, spoke against Haj Hassan Khomeini in an interview, criticizing him for visiting Mr. Beheshti (after he was released from prison) and I was completely baffled by this. In any case, these events have taken a great toll on this government; they have ended up doing things that don’t make any sense and are illogical. Although maintaining contact is difficult, we have tried to keep [our alliances] alive and we are willing to endure anything that comes in our way because of this. You see that [the government] exerts pressure on us every day so that we won’t dare go anywhere. They exert so much pressure that it becomes difficult to visit our fathers’ graves and say a prayer. However when we make it out, the individuals to whom Keyhan and Resalat conservative newspapers refer to as ‘the general public’ or ‘the people’ come out with tear gas, knives, and even fire arms. They beat up one of my bodyguards who himself is a member of the Revolutionary Guard. These people, the so-called ‘general public’, exert a great deal of pressure and create problems for us, but it only adds to their own problems. Our society will eventually come up with a solution to these challenges. The problem my bodyguard had was that he asked the so-called ‘people’ why they were making trouble for me while I was simply paying respects to my father’s grave. He was later released.

AdvarNews: Both of you gentlemen were main figures in the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the national and Islamic movement and revolution of 1979. You were involved in the struggles against dictatorship that led to the revolution and were well aware of the people’s demands. You were in touch with the leaders of the revolution. After its victory and establishment of the Republic, you held key positions. You confirmed that different movements interpreted the Islamic Republic in different ways (for example, when deciding on its constitution, different documents were proposed by different parties), and in the current situation, one of the road-blocks is the contrast in the ways in which relevant parties view the Islamic Republic. Now with reference to your thirty-year experiences, as leaders of the Green Movement, how many of the goals and demands set by the revolutionaries under the banner of the Islamic Republic have been achieved by the current administration? Specifically, does the Islamic Republic only exist based on the current Constitution “specially with regards to some of the chapters that grant vast powers to some” or can the Islamic Republic coexist with other legal constructs that would be more in line with the freedom-seeking demands of the revolutionaries in the 1979 and current generation?

Mr. Karroubi: I sit here as a serious and strong supporter of the Islamic Republic. This is my true opinion and I still stand by my vote thirty-one years ago. But what is executed today is not based on an interpretation of the Constitution but a diversion from it. Although they speak about the Islamic Republic, they don’t even believe in the people’s vote. I hear from different sources that they are even questioning the merit of the Republic. They expect three thousand people to vote for what they please while Imam Khomeini used to welcome difference of opinion, even when his list of favorite candidates differed from some governmental organizations. The Islamic Republic was presented to people and should be defined in a way that would solve the majority of their problems. Even during the war and other difficult moments, elections were upheld. During the events of 1981 and 1982 when our President and Prime Minister were assassinated, elections were held to replace them within 50 days. Some of these gentlemen have some useful ideas, but others who have enjoyed the taste of power have a personal interest in distorting the meaning of Islamic Republic. This is not the Islamic Republic we were promised. It all goes back to what I have said before: We cannot make noteworthy progress unless we investigate what happened in the seventh and eighth elections for the Parliament and the ninth Presidential election, all of which happened in the reform era.

Mr. Mousavi: This is a sensitive question. Mr. Karroubi talked about some of the ways in which the Islamic Republic has been interpreted. I firstly want to say that any text, no matter how clear, simple, and concise, will eventually be interpretable in different ways due to changing times and contexts. The Islamic Republic is the same way. In those days, it was interpreted as freedom, free elections, empowering the citizens, and supporting the victims and weaker groups. Now we see an interpretation that bares no resemblance to the original interpretations. We can point to the Constitution, which is the backbone of the Islamic Republic. The Constitution was designed to purge dictatorship and totalitarianism.

A quick look at the break down of power in our country would tell you that in our system, power is distributed more elaborately than many other nations. It is because of this very fear [of one point-of-view in absolute control] that the designers of the Constitution anticipated a committee in charge of the Judiciary instead of just one person. The fear was of despotism. The intentions in creating the Constitution were good and wise. If they had been followed, we would not be here today. What we must see right now is that special interests are supporting a reading of the Constitution that advocates silencing people, closing the media, organizing false elections and filling up prisons. This can be viewed from different angles. Recently though, what I have been leaning towards is thinking that the several hundred billion dollars of oil revenue within the government had to somehow contribute to strengthening a structure that defends special-interest groups; one that is reluctant to give in to a reading of Constitution that defends the people. My concerns here are over the 70 billion Dollars import industry and the tight grip [these special-interest groups hold] over financial and monetary institutions of the nation. It is natural that behind the scenes of political conflicts, we are facing some big interests that support a special reading of Constitution [that does not support people.] These are the sorts of questions we must talk about. The Constitution is a contract, like any other contracts. It does not have intrinsic value by itself. I say this in respond to your question, that other frameworks, too, could serve as the constitution of the Islamic republic. But I must add this: Any good reading of the text of any constitution, even of a very weak one, must incorporate the strong support of the nation that should serve as the basis for good laws. Public awareness should rise, the demands of the people should be clear, and their participation should be abundant. They must be able to live by their own demands. It is only under this condition that deviating from the right interpretations of the Constitution can be contained [and controlled]. Look at the current government. They refuse to commit to very the simple laws that are currently in place. This is against the rule of law and against the interests of our nation. It shows that our politics have changed and it is moving towards where it was before the revolution, towards the very state that we rose up to change. We see that the same despotisms are lurking back up again, and that the Islamic Republic is experiencing some problems dealing with it. Let me summarize by speaking to the question. We must look behind, at our historical experiences. I think the impact and importance of the [Green] movement has been superb in this regard. We must understand that in the future, any constitution that is not supported by people, and in which the demands of people are not clear, will allow for different interpretations. In any case, any change that happens in our Constitution should only come through the strong and aware participation of the people. It is only through this channel that aforementioned interests could be stopped and proper guidelines could be put in place.

Mr. Karroubi: Let me tell you an anecdote. During the Shah’s time, before 1972, the prisoners were separated. The communists and Muslims were separated. Even though both were fighting against the same regime, what separated them was the fact that Muslims would pray during the day. And they respected each other’s customs and habits. For example, the communists tried to avoid eating in public places during the month when Muslims were fasting. I saw a Muslim kid discussing Islam and talking about the Prophet and all, but he did not pray. When I asked him why he said: “God has said in the Quran that prayers are there to keep you away from the ugliness and evil in the world. But I already don’t commit evil deeds, so there is no need for me to pray anymore.” What I want to take away from this story is that some of the sires that are in power right now have interpretations that are just like this. Their view is not an interpretation, it is an interest. Sometime [during this interview] I must talk about what some of these fine sires believe about voting.

Saham News: Do you think that the authorities will finally cave in to the demands you have announced all of last year and in the months leading up to the election?

Mr. Mousavi: Our demands will only be heard and put to action on one condition – a powerful presence of the people. It is not a necessary condition but, if bolstered, the presence will automatically pave the way to a beneficial change, especially if the demands are supported by the people and based on national interests.

Alternatively, without the support of the people, the authorities will not yield even to the best of demands. This is true everywhere else in the world as well. If freedom exists in some countries on this planet, it is because of a strong and critical media, as well as the governments’ capitulation to the demands of their people. Even the smallest mistake (much smaller than things that happen daily in this country) can result in the overthrow of a government.

We say that the United States is our enemy. Right now, the U.S. president has gone to the beaches [in the Gulf] several times. He wants to show that he is attending to the country’s problems. There are similar examples in other situations as well.

Now tune back to our country. Those who are at the forefront of our political affairs think that they are special creatures of the Almighty, that they are blessed in some way. They think that if they say something, it must be done. They think that whatever they say is to be taken for the better good of our country. They don’t have the slightest faith in the collective thought of the nation.

If there is an election, it is just to say that we have one. The election is like a decoration to them, not an actual concept. In reality, it should be the case that when an election is organized, people can actually choose their representatives and send them to Parliament. These representatives should have the power to defend national interests and actually be in control of things.

There is an expression in one of Imam Khomeini’s letters regarding some of the rules of Parliament. In his political theory, Imam viewed Parliamentary legislations as belonging to the category of social norms, which he believed would take priority over the rules of logic and religion. It is the [Parliamentary] representative who identifies norms and legislations and, as such, everyone should be subject to them.

Parliament is the highest order of authority for the [simple] reason that no one should disobey the law; no one should think they can behave differently or do whatever they want no matter what the collective norms say (even if they believe that their actions are for the greater good).

Unfortunately, we have witnessed a different kind of behavior. But, last year’s experiences revealed that if people stand and insist on their demands, they will see results step by step. What we must keep in mind, however, is that this process takes time – like it did in many other countries.

Our own Islamic Revolution, too, would not have succeeded if it wasn’t for the great degree of patience and endurance [that was displayed]. It resulted in justice and freedom for our nation. It required a great deal of people’s presence in the decision-making process, which was not merely as a formality.

Mr. Karroubi: I believe that although the road ahead will be filled with many pressures and challenges, if we continue on this path, we will be victorious. Our imminent victory will be the result of (1) the spirit of our people and the awareness we will have created, and (2) the unreasonable behavior and blockades created by the ruling government. Let’s take for example the anniversary of Imam [Khomeini] death and the unacceptable manner in which a certain group behaved towards Seyed Hassan [referencing Imam Khomeini’s son, Hassan Khomeini]. What adverse effects do you suppose this type of behavior will have on certain segments of our society? Does this mean that an individual is no longer allowed to honor and speak at the gravesite of his father and grandparents? This unreasonable behavior will only lead to people turning away from [the ruling government]. It is clear today which side is losing ground and which side is advancing. I would like to warn everyone today that if the people’s rhetoric and slogans intensify, if they become more extreme and begin to overreact, the ruling government has no one to blame but themselves. We believe in moving in a reasonable and logical manner towards freedom of the press, free elections, and respect for people’s rights. What is happening today and the acts committed by [government officials], is the exact opposite [of moving in a reasonable and logical manner]. On the night of Ashura, they attacked Jamaran [late Ayatollah Khomeini’s compound] and now they are insulting the Imam himself. Clearly, this type of behavior is typical of individuals who believe that they will succeed by beating people and throwing them in jail.

Norooz: A question for Mir Hossein Mousavi: Why have political parties been unable to establish themselves within the Islamic Republic? Why is it that the regime has a tendency to eliminate rather than support civil and political entities?

There have been quite a few theories associated with the issue of political parties after the Islamic Revolution. A number of people agreed to their formation, while others were extremists and opposed them. Part of this reaction was due to historical circumstances, but there were also those such as Shahid Beheshti and others who believed in the importance of political parties and supported them not only in their words, but also in their actions. This rejection of political parties has occurred despite the fact that special attention has been paid to the right to form parties in our Constitution and that the formation of political parties is one of the fundamental rights of our people. History has shown that those countries with vibrant political parties enable strong dialogue among their citizens, resulting in the formation of better ideas and stability within the political system. Unfortunately, there are elements within the country who view political parties as entities against the regime and its authority, and who have tried to undermine political parties in any way possible. The fact that they continue to attack two of the most established political parties in Iran is a good example of this. We saw similar activities in the beginning of the Revolution. Unfortunately this type of activity has increased over the past few years and has only led to dead-ends, making it more difficult to introduce more peaceful solutions. I believe that in this regard we must also look at the specific elements provided within the Constitution. We must focus on and explain the importance of these types of organizations in our society, so that they are supported and desired by our citizens. Currently there are only a few well-known political parties such as the National Trust Party, the Participation Front, the Islamic Revolution Mojahedin Organization and other political parties and trade unions. I believe that supporting them is a necessity for the Green movement.

Mr. Karroubi: Since you brought up the subject of political parties, I’d like to make a few comments (even though the question was addressed to Mr. Mousavi). Let me first stress that from the very beginning, political parties have not had the ability to function as they should and have also endured plenty of hardship. However, we have no other choice but to systematically develop these entities further. I’d like to point out that there is a segment of our society that is extremely hostile to the existence of political parties. These individuals have even stated repeatedly that we have clerics and mosques and, as such, have no need for parties. There is another group that seeks to interfere in the activities of political parties, whose goal is to prevent these parties from gaining strength. This is very unfortunate.

In my opinion, in addition to strongly cooperating with political parties, we must not only ensure that they are strengthened, but also push for the existence and further development of a diversity of parties. It is also important, moreover, that people refrain from working against the formation and further development of such parties. We must also pay close attention to groups who seek to create discord within political parties. In my opinion, the existence of parties is a necessity. We must work hard to ensure their continuity.

Another important point is keeping an eye on those who feel antagonism towards political parties and those who shy away from them. If we are unable to handle the former effectively, then we must at least seek to bring these people together and ensure that they form a cohesive party of their own. Take, for example, the unacceptable way in which the ruling government has treated us today. Recently, they have put [an immense amount of] pressure on two of our main political parties. The leaders of these parties have been imprisoned, even under circumstances in which there has been little to no party activity. It was around September of last year when they also attacked the offices of our political party [National Trust Party] without any legal precedence or provocation. When entering my personal office, the authorities stated: “Close the office and go home.” Since that day, our office has been sealed shut and we have been prohibited from any kind of activity.

Because of the current situation, our [party] members have been forced to continue their activities in an ad hoc manner. This again points to the fact that this regime does not allow political parties to function and goes out of its way to obstruct their activities.

Let’s not forget that elections are impossible without political parties. The pillars of the country’s popular vote are formed on the basis of such entities. Those who reject political parties today are reliant on the Basij and believe that Basiji forces should administer and enforce elections.

Norooz: My second question is addressed to Mr. Karroubi and relates to the religious scholars and Maraaje [Grand Ayatollahs]. Why do you think the Shi’ite Maraaje did not react to the incidents that happened and the manner in which the people were treated after last year’s elections? What do you believe is the reason behind the silence and seclusion on the part of religious scholars in the cities of Qom and Najaf?

Mr. Karroubi: I have asked and continue to ask that religious scholars take a more proactive role in dealing with the challenges facing our nation. It goes without saying that the religious scholars have done a significant amount of work in this area. Let’s not forget that there has been extreme pressure on the religious seminaries lately.

The important thing to note is that the circumstances [surrounding the Maraaje] are extremely different than those of Mr. Mousavi or mine. Mr. Mousavi and I have prepared ourselves for the worse. I want to refer to something here, although Mr. Mousavi can ask me to omit this. A while back, when we were at Mr. Mousavi’s residence, he noted: “The best option right now is for them to come and arrest us now, so that we no longer have to bear this responsibility.”

What I want to say is that perhaps we [Karroubi and Mousavi] can endure this. But the Maraaje and clerics cannot.

For instance, when a group gathers around our home and they shout slogans and break our windows and create worries for our neighbors — such a thing is not conceivable for the Grand Ayatollahs. But even with all of these considerations, a large group of clerics and grand ayatollahs have demonstrated a significant reaction.

A number of Maraaje have reacted. For instance, Grand Ayatollah Saanei has always been outspoken and supportive. Mr. Ardebili has spoken out and taken a position. He has also met with some of the leaders [of this movement]. Dr. Ahmadinejad’s trip to Qom bore a lot of hidden meaning. Firstly, the Grand Ayatollahs refused to meet him. Although [the government] tried hard to arrange meetings from Tehran, no one was willing to meet him with the exception of one. Yes, one or two other clergymen met him but only one serious grand ayatollah, and he had spoken aggressively. Some of the senior clergymen said it was forbidden to meet with Ahmadinejad. [It is the same as saying] I will never meet with him. Pay attention to the religious figures who did not meet him; this is certainly a [purposeful] reaction. This was never the case before. When presidents visited Qom after being elected, great care was taken to arrange meetings with every single Grand Ayatollah. The failure to do so would be considered offensive. Now only one figure has met him while others have met with the families of the victims after last year’s election and followed up on their situation.

Some Grand Ayatollahs do not enter the political arena. But when the families of political prisoners approached them after the election, they met with the interested parties and even asked them to come back for a follow up meeting the next day. So I believe that although they have not taken a completely clear [position], they have been very kind and have not said anything bad against people’s movement despite all the pressure.

Mr. Mousavi: This is a very important point. I also believe that religious scholars face restrictions. People in the movement have higher expectations than what they see, but in the past year we have witnessed that religious scholars have shown their support for the people by voicing their views as well as in their conduct. The reason is that the destiny of our religious scholars and Maraaje is closely related to the destiny of the people and is not separate from it. But we might expect to see more direct and explicit comments. Although in some cases a number of Maraaje took strong positions and involved themselves in ensuing events. Mr. Karroubi mentioned some names, which I also confirm. Besides this, there is another issue that is important. The religious seminaries themselves are going through the same serious and deep evolution that we observe in [rest] of society. These developments will, on their own, make Maraaje more outspoken and more sensitive toward the destiny of [our] country. I doubt that religious seminaries are the same as they were a year ago. We can see [things] are different there and this change has been reflected in positions Maraaje have adopted. The limited reactions Maraaje have shown during the last year either by maintaining their silence and noninvolvement, or by not accepting a visit [from Ahmadinejad] or offering their confirmation – these acts do not remain hidden from public view. It is because of these positions that they have kept their relationship with the people. [This is while] based on the information we have, they are under a lot of pressure [from authorities] who give them false information regarding the inclinations and goals of the movement. Although the young generation around the Maraaje is playing an important role in providing them with correct information. In conclusion , in my opinion, we cannot say that Maraaje have been indifferent regarding current issues. For example the reactions shown toward the incident on 14th of Khordaad [1] by Maraaje demonstrate their awareness regarding major events in our country.

Mizaan News: In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful. Greetings to you two dear companions of the green movement of Iran. In the past year, every person in the movement has defined the movement with different characteristics. Some of these characteristics and slogans have changed along the course of the movement. How do you define the green movement?

If I would give a short answer I would offer this example: If it would have been possible to hold a demonstration on the 22nd of Khordaad [anniversary of 10th presidential election] one of the best signs people could have carried such that no one could object to them would be: “The nation’s vote is the judge.” The green movement essentially does not demand anything else. What we say is that the public’s vote should be the gauge for the type of the government we have and how issues are resolved. The movement has raised awareness about people’s rights and the importance of [public] right to vote; therefore I believe it has been successful. I cannot suggest a more important demand.

Mr. Karroubi: The “Green” label given to the Green Movement is itself a very good indicator of the character of those who participate in it. Included in the movement are people who are [actually] part of the system of the Islamic Republic. I insist that the movement just wants its vote back. The people want a free election. Again, I stress that the movement is pressing for a free election, for the people’s vote to be the final word on who rules Iran. It is natural that on the fringes of any large movement, people will emerge who claim that the movement’s demands go further than what I just mentioned. There are even some voices pushing for the overthrow of the regime. But we have said on numerous occasions that we are trying to operate within the framework of the existing Constitution. We are not claiming that the existing Constitution is without flaws. No book, other than the Quran, is without flaws. If everyone – including the current administration and the ruling elite – actually acted according to the Constitution, then most of our problems would be solved. Therefore, it is the ruling elite and the administration who, in their stubbornness, have forced some people to say that the government cannot be reformed. There should be other things involved in reform. Haven’t we – the government of the Islamic Republic – promised people political freedoms? For example, didn’t we promise on day one, thirty years ago, that even the communists can come and express their views without fear of being harmed and/or arrested? Didn’t we promise that people can converse and debate freely in universities? Even if we forego all of this – why can’t we at least have a free press? Why doesn’t the current administration let the newspapers publish what they like? I see no reason as to why all the government’s filters should remain. I have mentioned it before and I will repeat it again: the fate of our election is now in the hands of the Guardian Council, and I don’t even mean in the hands of twelve people. I mean, in effect, in the hands of one person – or at best, two or three people.

Basically, our system of government has been reduced to one person vetting every candidate. The candidate can only run after being endorsed, and the people can only choose among those who have already been vetted by this one person. If he doesn’t approve them, they can’t run. What kind of a republic is this? All I’m saying is that if they hadn’t acted like this, last year’s events would not have happened. I should add that all of their repression techniques are meeting with failure. They rejected two-to-three thousand people’s candidacy in the seventh election. This turned people away from participating in the
election.

Tahavol-e-Sabz website: In the name of God, hello to you gentlemen and thank you for providing us with this opportunity. There has been ample discussion about following the current Constitution without any further amendments. Mr. Mousavi mentioned that if one section of the Constitution renders a different section obsolete, then it is possible that the entire document would lose its meaning. Do you think that the time has come to seriously reconsider the part of the Constitution that keeps us from enacting the rest? What are your ideas about revising the Constitution?

Mr. Mousavi: In short, there is no doubt that the Constitution should be amended. But the question is: when would be the right time to make these amendments? It is not to the people’s advantage for these reforms to take place when they have little negotiating power – little leverage, if you will. I refer to the current situation, when those in power don’t even obey the most commonplace laws. Amending the Constitution [at this time] has little meaning. The apt moment for reform would be when people can adjudicate their rights and have an effective and powerful national presence. Reforms can [only] be effective at a time when everybody acknowledges the weight of the people’s presence; when the people can [actually] attain their demands.

Mr. Karroubi: See, ten years after writing the Constitution, the previous Supreme Leader, Khomeini, ordered for it to be amended. We are fortunate that Imam Khomeini had specified exactly which parts he wanted to amend. If he had not done that, those who were responsible for making amendments could have taken advantage of Khomeini’s death to take certain inappropriate liberties. It is customary for constitutions to be re-evaluated and for amendments to be made every seven to ten years. At that time, the mechanisms available for making amendments were nowhere near what they are today. Right now, changing the Constitution is practically impossible and meaningless.

It was explicitly stated in the Constitution that Islamism and Republicanism are here to stay and that they cannot be separated from the charter. Now, certain people are saying that we should remove the [part about] Republicanism. We can see that little by little, certain gentlemen are slowly declaring themselves [to be] Imams. These are the people who are talking today. Therefore, I say that we should make every effort to implement [every section of] the Constitution – a lot of problems will be solved this way.

At this time only one or two clauses of the Constitution are being implemented – [the authorities] are making up the rest as they go. There have always been differences. As Mr. Mousavi mentioned previously – now they say that one person determines who is right and who is no longer a Muslim. Sometimes I am terrified by what they say, because it sounds terribly similar to what the Taliban says. The Taliban also claim that they determine who is righteous and who has lost their status as a Muslim. They claim that whoever disagreed with them in any way is no longer considered [to be] a Muslim. This is ridiculous. What about everybody else? What about [the opinions of] all the other spiritual leaders? What about those who used to be part of the previous Guardian Council? What about all the other educated leaders? This is not right. We should return to our own Constitution and execute it properly.

Kalame website: You saw the events planned for the 14 of Khordaad and everything that happened on the periphery. Unfortunately, what the administration did was not welcoming to those who follow Khomeini. What is your opinion about what happened to Mr. Hassan Khomeini and what do you think are the social consequences?

Mr. Mousavi: June 4 and the days surrounding it were supposed to be organized in such a way that people would get a chance to be present and be heard; that they get a chance to voice their opposition to the insults directed at the descendants of Imam [Khomeini]. These days should have been used to investigate the causes of this problem and discuss the roots of the Revolution. Unfortunately, the ceremony was organized in the way that was witnessed by our nation: closed, controlled and abbreviated. This is [also] what we witnessed today, with the interference of the military in the ceremonies of June 5. My interpretation is that this incident actually had the reverse affect due to the incorrect intentions of some of the organizers. I think that people came to find out about the oppressed families of the descendants of Imam, about the way of Imam [himself]. People already knew Seyyed Hassan [the Imam's grandchild] as a sad, oppressed, and aware person. But the recent incidents resulted in them getting to know him better. He is a very knowledgeable man. He is rooted in the country’s religious seminaries and schools. He is a religious scholar. He is fairly well-known and can be a source of hope for our people among the clergy. The side-effects of what the organizers did are all related to the blessing of what happened during the ceremonies on June 6. I consider these events and, even though they sadden me, I see that some good has come out of it for our nation. We must be thankful to God that the descendants of the Imam have emerged with strength in light of these events.

Mr. Karroubi: You see, on the events of the June 6, as Mr. Mousavi knows well as the Prime Minister for 8 years, the Imam insisted on telling people that the revolution belongs to them, that they should be in charge, and that we should be serving them. Mr. Jamarani was in charge of charities. We asked him if we should be taking over some of the old and unused school buildings of Tehran, or if they should be used by another entity. The Imam said, “[they are for] none of you; the people should take them.” The Imam always insisted on the people’s role [in government].

Now, the anniversary of the Imam’s death was just a few days ago. There was unrest. There was unrest in the universities. There was unrest among the clerics and among the unions. They didn’t even allow the ceremonies [to be held] at the Imam’s residence. This is against the image that the Imam had in mind. It was bitter but it was beneficial too, in that they discovered that actions like this would not have the desired effects, especially when exaggerated to this extent. They take a good, scholarly person like Mr. Hassan Khomeini and did whatever they wanted to do to him. One wonders how they can do such a thing. How can they disrespect the dignity and identity of a civilized people? They even go as far as saying that he is not the real son of the Imam, and that Seyyed Nasr is the real one. There were so many people who took bullets left and right for the Imam during the time of the Shah. This is what Seyyed Hassan Khomeini dislikes. There were police and batons then; there are police and batons now. Even if he is not the real son of the Imam, isn’t telling three million people of such a thing disrespectful? These words hurt whether you are Sunni, a Shi’a, or a Christian. Doesn’t he have good relations? Yes, he does. [Doesn’t he have] good will and honest intensions? Yes. Doesn’t he love his country? Yes, he does.

Voice of the Green Message: Best regards and greetings. I represent The Voice of the Green Message. My first question is for Mr. Mousavi regarding the strategies of the Green Movement. Dear sir, considering the hardships and narrow path ahead in terms of finding a way towards creating a civil movement inside Iran, how do you suggest that the Green Movement can proclaim its existence and position, especially if the authorities keep denying us a license for the marches? How can we demonstrate the [power] of the Green movement to authorities?

Mr. Mousavi: This question raises a concern that many members of the Green Movement discuss with one another as well. It is a very important question. Let me say, first and foremost, that the presence of the people declaring their reactions to what has happened has already had an impact. Please remember that historical march on the June 14, 2009. It is going to remain in history forever. It cannot be erased no matter how hard one tries. However, the situation has changed. We cannot define the Green Movement in terms of the people’s street-presence [anymore]. [The authorities] continue to induce fear, and there is a large machine that protects the special interests behind this fear-mongering. It is, however, important for the movement to find a new way to maintain its existence through the creativity of its members when facing new situations. I feel that raising awareness is the most important thing that the movement can do. The more it can reach out to different groups, the better other members of society will come to understand the situation. In reality, this is going to create the context for proper change. Street-presence is only one of the many ways in which one can raise awareness, and it should be used as soon as the possibility presents itself. I think that anyone from any position or circumstance can raise awareness via the extensive social networks [available]. This is [already] done in universities in one way, and in religious centers and mosques in another. It could also manifest itself in many [other] ways.

Every one of us is a member of dozens of extensive social networks and if in our activities we keep alive the idea of green awakening, we will find an opportunity to spread awareness through each and every one of them. That is the very thing they fear. Just as Esfandyar the invulnerable had only one point of vulnerability, namely his eyes, and it was precisely there that Rostam attacked him, so too the supporters of despotism are vulnerable in this one place alone. If awareness spreads, then the great force of the people will stand behind the demand for change and the ground will be prepared for further activities. For this reason I think that, just as we saw on 4th June that the obstacles they created produced a sort of ‘camp’, we must have an approach that deals with this matter and transform our limitations into an opportunity. I truly believe that a powerful and enduring network made up of [different] social networks has been created in the country, one that did not exist before the elections, whether in actual or in virtual form. We have to extend this network on every level and nourish it as far as its thought and its media reach are concerned. In addition, one of the most interesting elements of the people’s activism over the last year has been their artistic activities. The legacy [of this activism] will conserve the movement for the future. I believe that the people must help disseminate these films, photographs, video clips, movies taken by mobile phone cameras, these websites and posters. These are our best tools. They work like an army. When the security forces are drawn up against us, they are our army, they can get our message out to the people. I want to say to this ‘awareness brigade’ that they shouldn’t consider their interlocutors to be intellectuals alone, but teachers, workers, farmers and every part of society, that they should consider these to be the targets of consciousness raising and in such conditions we won’t feel as if we are stuck in a bottleneck, but rather these very bottlenecks will be enable us to uncover new opportunities.

Green Voice of Freedom: My question is for Mr. Mehdi Karroubi and it has to do with the relationship of the movement with the security forces. How can the Green Movement bring the Revolutionary Guards and the security forces over to their own side so that they are transformed from an instrument of repression into a lever of support for the people’s demands? What measures have you taken to speak with the commanders of the Revolutionary Guard and get them to desist from crackdowns and violence? Basically does it seem like the Guard’s conduct can be brought back [to support] the people or not?

The Guard is an institution from the revolution and has made great sacrifices. Even the Basij has been made dependent on it, and all of us during the revolution and in Parliament gave the control of the Basij to the Guard, which is another issue to be discussed elsewhere. The Guard has made sacrifices which have been a shining example, and unfortunately it has also engaged in unsavory acts which have altered its image. On the other hand [the government] has also engaged the Guard in political and economic activities which have led to and lead to problems for the Guard, because they have acted contrary to the Imam [Khomeini’s] orders. But at the same time the Guard has done things, for instance the things they have said but a number of them have publicly refused [to speak about]. You see an example of it when they come and speak on television and that is what happens. The Guard comes from the very same people, is dependent on the very same people, is connected to the heart of the people, and we should not harm an institution which has made such sacrifices. To sum up, the conditions they have brought about, not only for the Guard but for individuals, are such that they don’t dare contact me. And they believe that it is possible to work with such pressures. But how large are the Guard’s forces? How many people can mediate in this chaos?

Moderator: We are the eve of 12th June, and on this historic occasion what do the two of you have to say?

Mr. Karroubi: I humbly greet and thank the people. In particular I humbly greet and thank the families of those who have been martyred, those imprisoned, those injured, and even those individuals who have been made unemployed.

Mr. Mousavi: I thank the people. The people have carried out great deeds. In the face of crackdowns, beatings, and imprisonment, they have shown how powerful they are. Their behavior has been without equal in the history of our country and I pray that, God willing, God will reward their [good] intentions and standing firm, and I am certain that these intentions and this standing firm will produce results. And not one individual in this nation can forget what has happened to the people and the signs of how they have been oppressed. I have spoken in many places about Kahrizak [detention centre] and about how people were stripped and flogged there. Scenes only some of which we have been able to see due to the difficulties involved. It is said that there are thousands of other films that have not been shown or viewed out of consideration for those involved. And is it possible to wipe from one’s mind that scene of a car twice running someone over? This is a grave insult to the entire people. The nation saw these things and stood firm and its courage increased. I am certain that with this spirit the people will continue their struggle in different conditions and in the same peaceful manner. It is possible that we will have to withdraw from one stage but that we will continue to be present on another, and this is the future of our nation, the future of our country, the future of our people, the future of our children. We do not want to cower while a group of people rule the country and treat the people as if they didn’t exist, so that their freedom is taken away and others consider themselves the delegates of the people without the people having awarded them such authority. Let us recognize that hard work and sacrifices will yield results and that everyone must be prepared to pay the necessary price, and God will certainly support this path [of ours]. Right now we are in a better place compared with one year ago. God willing we shall see this path become greener and its harvest more abundant.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=408835432605

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1707

Mousavi's 18th Statement

2011-01-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

Mousavi's 18th Statement
A Charter for the Green Movement
The Green Charter
Source: Kaleme
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2010

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful,

We are still standing tall and proud on the first anniversary of the tenth presidential elections despite our whipped body, which endures bruises and imprisonments. Our demands are the same: freedom, social justice and the formation of [legitimate] national governance. We are confident of victory, hoping for the will and support of God, because we have not demanded anything other than the restoration of our national rights.

“All foam [on the surface of the water] will drift to the sidelines and perish. What remains on earth will be to the people’s benefit.” [1]

The lies, irregularities, and fraud committed during the election prompted a question: “Where is my vote?” You great people shouted this question clearly and unambiguously in a non-violent manner during the historic and extraordinary rally of June 15. Everyone (both nationally and internationally) heard your voice and saw your message, except for those who were blinded by ignorance, superstition, self-interest and lies. But what was the response? Stigmatization and accusations of treason, militarization, killings, imprisonments, the chaining of prisoners’ bare feet, and attacks on university campuses.

Doubtless, the people will never forget the atrocities [committed in] Kahrizak [prison]. [Nor will they forget] the killings of June 15 and June 20. Nor will they forget the kilings of Ashura. Indeed, they must never forget lest they betray the blood of the innocents and the martyrs. How can we ever forget the image of live rounds aimed at the people and police cars running them over?

However, stains of blood and scars of torment tore apart the deceitful cover-ups of totalitarians. [The people] saw through institutionalized corruption and beyond the hypocritical ‘holy’ veil. What happened [at that time], combined with the way that different classes of people were treated by the government, revealed where the problems are rooted as well as the people who are affected [by them]: laborers, teachers, students, journalists, professors, clergymen, entrepreneurs, women, men, the youth, the aged and all social activists including the oppressed, the poor and the middle class.

Today our country experiences the greatest number of executions per population on the whole planet. This is not because our country has the greatest number of sinners. This is because justice, management and good governance have disappeared from our land. The fact that even the most urgent and daily necessities of governing a country have not obliged the totalitarian government to stop spreading lies, corruption and superstition (as well as the fact that they have not stopped undermining the Constitution and other regulations) tells us of the abyss of corruption within the establishment. It is as if there is a strong structure that protects certain special interests funded by hundreds of billions of dollars of oil money and money from 70 billion dollars worth of imports. [It is a structure that protects] unmonitored and unsupervised control over monetary and financial institutions.

Today, tax-payer’s money is prone to pillage by holy-looking thieves. The nation is still waiting to be introduced to and to put on trial those who committed various instances of financial fraud. Whatever happened to that great investigation that began in Parliament and was suddenly concluded with a deal?

Who dares to open investigations into the centers of power regarding the great ‘privatizations’ based on Article 44 of the Constitution to expose this great monopolization of our economy? Who has the courage to speak up against this crisis, characterized by the lack of financial supervision over the military, intelligence, and quasi-official institutions that have a tight hold over [our] economy? Yet, the question still lingers in the mind of our nation: Is this the promise of the just and Islamic establishment that we sought [all those years ago]? Are there problems that may arise from transparency? Are they so terrible that we must seek refuge by promoting secrecy? Have we forgotten the golden rule of that great old wise man of Jamaran, Ayatollah Khomeini, who said: “Do not do something that you cannot justify to the people?”

Dear companions of the green path of hope,

A year has passed since the creation of this unseen movement. During that time, the greens have walked a long way on this path of hope. Thanks to losing hope of receiving government assistance, they have come together in their homes, organized their goals and expanded their social networks – they have formed lasting and stable bonds among a large portion of the nation. Strong and stable social networks have been miraculous for spreading information and raising awareness. To see this, it is enough to merely look at the production of art and the democratic spread of analysis, news and information among different social streams. The Green Movement has been responsible for a wave of dialogue about important questions regarding our future. This event is incomparable to any other in our modern history.

Today, people know those who have trampled on the basic rights of the nation. People are aware of repeated violations of human rights and the lack of human dignity within the Judiciary and intelligence division. People are aware of how far the totalitarians have advanced in desecrating common national legacies, especially with regards to fundamental human rights. It is due to this very public consensus and dialogue that wisdom and rationality among our people always overcomes emotion, despite all the bitter and bloody events [of the recent past]. As a result, the trouble-makers have failed to move people to violence, although they tried hard to provoke those who had bled or lost their loved ones and those who had been imprisoned. Non-violent resistance is our strongest weapon against the bullets and electric batons of the uncivilized [government] thugs.

Millions of our people now see which groups have drawn their knives, running wildly behind young and old men and women. They see which groups of inferior culture and civility roam public rallies shouting the ugliest words and slogans. [Our] people have created symbolic artwork instead of using such words. [Our] people have presented one another with gifts of colorful posters and have distributed countless films and placards based on each other’s lives and struggles. This is how [our] people have made memories of the pain and suffering they had to endure:

A child by the name of joy
Eyes bright and glistening
Hair long as the heights of hope
Is lost of late.
Whoever has news of her
Let us know
Here between the Persian Gulf
And the Caspian Sea. [2]

Supporters of the [Green] Path of Hope,

Based on recommendations made by friends during the year of patience and perseverance, a new program has been prepared in order to [facilitate] better cooperation and communication [between members of the Green Movement], and to fortify the common identity of the movement itself.

Clearly, the proposed document cannot [fully] meet everyone’s expectations and demands. As an unimportant supporter [3] [of the movement] who was trying to find a solution to this quandary, I was inspired by voters who participated in the human chain that extended from Rah Ahan to Tajrish during the previous election campaign. Faced with a choice between bad and worse, they said that they will choose the bad. It was only this selection that made the continuity and formation of that memorable chain possible. [Clearly,] real reform begins with the understanding of choice and the assumption of responsibility for choosing one option over another.

This document is only the first step and, during its evolution, the Green Movement will create a better and more complete set of guidelines.

That Home of the Hereafter we shall give to those who do not intend high- handedness or mischief on earth – the end is best for the righteous. [4]

Roots and Goals

1. Numerous factors have contributed to the formation of dissident perspectives among the majority of the Iranian people and those who care [for our country]. The strongest manifestation of these views is within the Iranian Green Movement, formed after the tenth presidential election. These factors are as follows: numerous deviations from and planned obstacles to the realization of ideals such as justice, independence, freedom and the institution of the Islamic Republic itself, for which was carried out the magnificent Islamic Revolution.

2. Based on its commitment to [these] principles and fundamental human, religious, moral and national values, the Green Movement considers itself to be a purifier and reformer of the course taken in the Islamic Republic after the Revolution. Therefore, it will focus its efforts on the framework of the Constitution and [ensure] respect for the people’s votes and opinions.

3. The Green Movement is an extension of the Iranian people’s quest for freedom, social justice and national sovereignty, which had been previously manifested in the Constitutional Revolution, the Oil Nationalization Movement and the Islamic Revolution.

4. Revisiting the recent history of [our nation’s efforts] to achieve enlightened social ideals demonstrates that the goals of the Green Movement can only be realized by: strengthening civil society, expanding the space available for social dialogue, increasing awareness, [facilitating] the free circulation information, [encouraging] the active participation of [various] parties and associations, and generating a [liberal environment] for intellectuals as well as social and political activists who are loyal to national interests. The achievement of these goals requires an emphasis on common demands, which will facilitate collaboration and coordination among various members of the Green Movement who, despite their own unique identities, have accepted the inherent pluralism of the movement and have gathered side by side under its umbrella.

Fundamental Strategies

1. The Green Movement is a broad social movement that does not consider itself infallible. It rejects blasphemous absolutism and stresses [the importance of] criticism and dialogue both inside and outside the movement. Overseeing the course and evolution of the movement is essential for activists as well as intellectuals and thinkers in particular. This will prevent a slide toward totalitarianism and corruption.

2. According to green activists, the people of Iran want [to be part of] a proud, honorable and developed country. The Green Movement supports pluralism and opposes all attempts to monopolize it. Therefore, we do not tolerate animosity or maliciousness [directed] at any social group. All individuals who consider themselves [to be] part of the Green Movement have a responsibility to try to engage in dialogue (within a healthy atmosphere) with those who are against the movement, in order to make them aware of its goals and principles. We are all Iranian and Iran belongs to all of us.

3. The key issues for activists belonging to the Green Movement include the expansion of social networks (virtual or real) and the initiation of in-depth discussions of the movement’s goals as well as its identity.

4. The Green Movement strongly insists on [the importance of] protecting [our country’s] independence and draws a line at [extensive] involvement with foreign forces. However, it does not seek isolation from or animosity towards [other countries] and it is not captive to prejudicial tendencies [regarding foreign policy]. Justice, freedom, independence, human dignity and spirituality are all universal values. Among the tasks of the Green Movement is to learn from the experience of nations that have tried to obtain those values and to welcome the views and criticisms of all freedom-seeking and peace-loving individuals – individuals who seek human freedom and dignity.

Green Identity

Iranian-Islamic treasure

1. The Green Movement insists on the continued presence of a compassionate religion characterized by forgiveness, spirituality, morality and the appreciation of human dignity. Furthermore, it points out that emphasizing the ethical and compassionate aspects of Islam and the Islamic Republic is the only way to strengthen religious values. The fundamental principles of the Green Movement should take into account [our] national-religious legacy and desire for development and progress; they should steer clear of coercing people into an ideology, sect or clique; they should oppose the use of religion as an instrument and protect the independence of religious institutions and clergymen from the state in order to preserve the prominent position of religion; and, finally, they should maintain the continuous and important role of religion in our society.

2. The secret to preserving the Islamic-Iranian culture is [to maintain] the coexistence of our long-lived national and religious vales. In this regard, the Green Movement is insistent on preserving the right to promote the highly-held values and lessons found in Iranian customs, on breaking taboos that lead to fanatic behavior, and on publicizing our true national and religious identity.

3. The Iranian nation has exhibited self-confidence and solidarity in the history of its fight for freedom. By relying on this rich background, [by promoting] collective reasoning, and by avoiding self-centred behavior, the Green Movement marches on to achieve its goals and to form a collective understanding about common issues at the national level.

The movement solely relies on collective reasoning and monistic rationale.

4. The Green Movement is an Iraninan-Islamic movement that seeks a truly free and advanced Iran. Thus, any Iranian who acts in pursuit of a better tomorrow for her/his nation counts as an activist of the Green Movement. In our eyes, Iran belongs to all Iranians.

The right to self-governance

1. The right to self-governance is an unequivocal principle of the Green Movement. Holding elections is the best available method to live by this principle. The Green Movement will continue in its mission to protect the people’s votes until a free and fair election regime (a regime without interference) is established. The people’s approval (measured by their vote) is the source of political legitimacy. The Green Movement considers any attempt to vet election candidates based on personal or collective preference under the banner of a candidate eligibility examination as unconstitutional and an obstruction to the right to self-governance.

2. Freedom and justice are not possible if we undermine our independence and national interests. Protecting our national interests is one principle of the Green Movement.

Green Movement’s Values

Respect for human dignity and opposing violence

1. Respect for human dignity and human rights independent of ideology, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social status is one of the Green Movement’s primary demands.

The Green Movement fully endorses the protection of human rights, which is one of humanity’s most important achievements.

Human Rights are given by God. Hence, no ruler, government, Parliament, or other power can remove them or interfere with their safe-keeping. Recognizing [the importance of] protecting these rights requires respect for fundamental principles such as equality, tolerance, dialogue, peace, and peaceful problem-solving. These fundamental principles can be upheld if we liberate the independent press, cease censorship, get access to information, strengthen civil society, respect citizens’ privacy, enable NGOs to act freely, and reform laws and regulations to eliminate any type of social discrimination.

2. The Green Movement is a social movement that is committed to non-violence. It is committed to working within the constitutional framework. It believes that people are the primary victims of any type of violence and, as a result, depends on dialogue and peaceful resistance to advance its agenda. Non-violent resistance is an uncompromisable quality of the movement. The Green Movement will use all the capacities of non-violent resistance to achieve its goals.

Equality and Freedom

3. Equality is highly valued in the Green Movement. Fair distribution of resources – be they economic, political, or social – is an irrefutable goal, for which the movement will do all that is necessary.

Spreading social justice is only possible if the governing body – internal and international – is completely independent from self-serving organizations, political powers, or groups of people. In these conditions, the government can develop the economy, guarantee people’s welfare and comfort, and uphold social justice.

4. The Green Movement, while understanding the necessity of addressing demands from all social groups, stresses the importance of uniting with the middle class and those with lower incomes who are more susceptible to harm under social and political pressure. Referring to section nine of the Constitution, the Green Movement firmly rejects [the practice of] infringing on civil rights in the name of protecting independence or territorial integrity. The Green Movement fully recognizes the value of political, cultural, economic, and military independence, and declares “protection of the people’s right to self-governance in all its aspects” as the only way to protect our borders and national interests.

5. The guarantees of freedom and equality were among the impregnable goals of the Islamic Revolution – goals that the Green Movement firmly holds as its own as well

Promoting diversity, opposing the monopolization of the media and the elimination of opposition [parties] and minorities are central themes of the Green Movement. It is essential to free people from political totalitarianism, social discrimination and social inequality, and cultural ideological dependence domination. The Green Movement fully supports the women’s movement, denounces any discrimination based on gender and fully supports the rights of ethnic minorities.

6. The Green Movement believes that the concept of security is not only related to the government; it is related to each and every Iranian citizen. Security should be provided for all citizens so that they are able to live under the protection of the law, free from fear and dependence. The involvement of armed and security forces in politics and in the Judiciary, as well as the participation of irresponsible persons in the military are obstacles to [ensuring] the government’s and the people’s security. Among the most pressing demands of the Green Movement are the independence of the Judiciary, the withdrawal of the armed forces from all political and economic activities, and punishment for the organizers and members of the so-called plain-clothes militia.

7. The Green Movement calls for the implementation of all articles of the Constitution, specifically those that refer to the people’s rights (found in the third chapter). This is a definite and unalterable demand of the Green Movement.

8. [The Green Movement supports] freedom for all political prisoners as well as the abolishment of [all] illegal restrictions [and opposes] the security-oriented approach to the activities of political parties, social groups and movements such as the women’s movement, the student movement, labor unions, and the like. To this end, the following strategies should be followed diligently: [ensuring] fair trials for those who authorized as well as those who actually carried out the election fraud and the killing and torture of protesters, as well as exposing and trying those who have theorized and defended violence at various levels of the power hierarchy.

Moral conduct and respect for personal and social creativity

1. Unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the incorrect political, social, and economic policies of the [current] government have resulted in a decline of ethical standards and a decrease in social capital. The Green Movement emphasizes the need to revive our ethics as the common ground and unifying element of Iranian social life, while pledging to completely abide by ethical principles in its struggle towards realizing the civil rights of the [Iranian] people.

2. The Green Movement is neither a centralized party nor a collection of disorganized, aimless individuals. An overview of the historical experiences of the Iranian people reveals that they have consistently demonstrated their ability, awareness, and depth of understanding in dire historical circumstances; they have relied on their creativity to achieve their goals.

The Green Movement, according to its foundational principles and origins, as well as its utilization of social networks, relies on the thought, understanding and innovation of the Iranian people. It believes that goals such as justice and freedom can only be achieved once these creative forces flourish. Our campaign slogan – “a campaign within every Iranian” – can now be changed to “a movement within every Iranian”

Abiding by the law and negotiating

1. The Green Movement desires a glowing future for the Iranian people based on their common covenant – the Constitution – while pursuing the lasting goals and ideals of the Islamic Revolution and taking a critical approach to the developments that have taken place ever since (specifically with regards to the relationship between the nation and the state).

2. To this effect, the fundamental strategy of the Green Movement is to “implement [all facets of the] Constitution, with no exceptions.” This movement believes that overcoming the crises we face today and pursuing the development and progress of our nation can only be possible with a return to the law. [This entails] enforcing the law on all institutions and punishing those who do not abide by it regardless of position or rank. The Green Movement is also completely aware that abiding by the law is different from its usage by those in power. We should strive to reach a point where the law is not used as a tool for unjust and depraved violence or as a means of violating the people’s most fundamental rights; a point where violence, injustice, and discrimination are no longer deemed legal.

3. Neither our laws nor our Constitution are eternal. Every nation has the right to reform its current laws while correcting its general direction. However, it should be noted that changing the Constitution is only valid when this is carried out via negotiation and dialogue, with the participation of all factions, avoiding all dogmatism, exclusiveness and bullying.

4. Expanding civil society and strengthening the public sphere are among the main objectives of the Green Movement. We believe that representatives of various schools of thought and political groups should engage in negotiations and dialogue with the goal of safeguarding our national interests, achieving the aspirations of the Islamic Revolution, and alleviating the unpleasant effects of the recent crisis. To that end, we welcome any invitation to [conduct] transparent negotiations and [engage in] discourse aimed at defending the rights of the people and solving the [current] social conflicts.

5. This movement calls for strengthening the Iranian economy on the international stage. [It calls for] investment and increased purchasing power for Iranians. The Green Movement desires a rational and courteous foreign policy based on transparent and constructive interaction with the world. It rejects adventurous and populist diplomacy to ensure greater international esteem for the eminent and historic nation of Iran.

A humble companion of the Green Movement
Mir Hossein Mousavi

[1] Qur’an, 13:17

[2] Mohammad Reza Shafiei Kadkani – a prominent Iranian scholar and poet

[3] This is a direct translation and is not an indicator of false modesty; it merely informs the audience that every member is equally important.

[4] Qur’an, 28:83

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150202386207606

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1691

Mousavi Condemns Attack in Qom

2011-01-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

Mousavi Condemns Attack in Qom
Source: Kaleme
Date: Monday, June 15, 2010

In the Name of the Almighty,

The fact that the authorities have declined to issue a permit [allowing us] to march on June 12 shows, more than ever, that they are afraid of the recurrence of last year’s magnificent rallies. This shows that despite tight security, year-long clampdowns, imprisonments, one-sided use of state TV and [other] government-funded media (not to mention the millions of dollars spent on broadcasting), the totalitarians have not been able to convince people of their honesty and good-will. If they had, what need would there have been for all this expense, military force, and dishonesty?

The attacks on citizens and university students on the anniversary of last year’s election, as well as the attacks on Hojatoleslam Karoubi and on the Grand Ayatollah’s offices, reveal a crisis of opinion among the attackers. June 12 of this year did not allow the government an excuse to cover all the incompetencies, among them the sanctions of the security council that are imposed on our nation because of the mismanagement and hypocritical policies of our government to trick the people. The totalitarians have not made amends; people will not forget the treacherous and oppressive incidents that occurred on the anniversary of Imam [Khomeini’s] death.

June 12 saw the maturity of the vast Green Movement. It demonstrated that with creativity, every citizen, wherever they may be – whether at home, at work in a factory, in the schools or in the streets – can be a movement unto themselves.

The Green Movement is wise enough to avoid giving the totalitarians an excuse to cover their erroneous policies in sectors like foreign relations, the economy, culture and politics. Today, those in power need crises more than anything to conceal the hardships they have created for us. Attacks on a prominent Source of Immolation and on one of Imam [Khomeini]’s beloved students are a new way of creating crises. What these people must know is that attacking, pressuring and insulting religious figures only de-legitimizes the establishment.

Have they forgotten that attacks on the office of Imam [Khomeini] were the basis for the fall of the [Shah’s] despotic system on June 7, 1961 and later in February, 1978? Do they not learn these lessons from history? Surely, they are aware of them. So why are they destroying themselves with this absurdity by cutting the branches of the tree they are themselves sitting on?

Mir Hossein Mousavi

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1686

Mousavi's Interview with Kalemeh

2011-01-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

Mousavi's Interview with Kalemeh
Source: Kaleme
Date: Tuesday , June 02, 2010

Kalemeh: We are approaching the anniversary of the departure of Imam [Khomeini.] This year the ceremonies seem different from previous years. On one side old opponents of Imam inside and outside the country try to desecrate his image and they are supported by foreign media. On the other side, there are those in State TV and the strong advocates of imprisonments that promote and image of the Imam that advocated oppression. What is your opinion on the goals that these groups seek? And what may this end with?

If the unintended collaboration of the State TV and opponents of Imam in desecration of his image is allowed to continue and is not responded to, it would end with nothing but hatred towards our past. These new images are introduced by constant meddling in the original perception of Imam and the revolution. Those who have directly experienced those years with Imam perceive and image of him that has no proximity to what is being promoted right now. The revolution won its victory with the messages of independence, freedom and the Islamic republic. It was these messages that gained the support of people. People gave Imam a unique welcome in the days of revolution on 1978. In Imam’s funeral people even came out in numbers four times more. I don’t think such crowds came out to just see and get some time off. The clips from those days clearly show the waves of emotions and opinions that people had toward Imam. Let us remember that people showed that much emotion after enduring the hardships of the war, and the early days of the revolution. If Imam’s image was even slightly close to what the State TV claims it were, then we would not have had so much people pouring the streets on his funeral, or at least we would have witnessed people being more indifferent. I think there is a lot of light to be shed on this distorted image of Imam that his mask-less opponents outside, and the authorities inside who are now turning into guards who constrain freedom.

Kalemeh: There are expensive programs being organized for anniversary of Imam’s funeral. Why do you think such a course of action is taken?

Please pay attention to the fact that the system still gets a significant amount of its legitimacy from Imam and the collective memory of people from that great character. In the current context, those currently in power that have violently constrained the legitimate freedom of others and filled the prisons, and those who promote superstition and advocate a stone-age Islam, need to excessively spend from this great social asset. Instead, when one brings forth this image, one is also highlighting the differences between those times and now which puts to question the corrupt and despotic nature of policy approaches today. A right look back at the early years of the revolution shows how far we have deviated from those goals and values that we first set. Notice that by saying to pay attention to those years does, I do not mean to return to those days. The goal is to remember the roots, and the directions that we set for the revolution: justice, freedom and spirituality.

We want to use the Islamic revolution to launch [our nation] to [a bright] future. We don’t want to create a chaotic emotional environment and lose our direction to that future. We must constantly remind our younger generations that what is happening today is different that what happened during the time of Imam. I am confident, that if for the sake of assumption, the youth of today were there yesterday, they would be amongst the martyrs like Martyr Bakeri, Bagheri or Hemmat. Just as how the youth of that time were here today, they would be the leaders of the Green Movement of Hope, and would have been probably in prisons now held captive for their national and religious beliefs.

Kalemeh: You talked of the early years and the initial goals of the revolution. But how can one talk of those years with environment of today that is bombarded with propaganda?

There are countless papers and books written and continues to be written on the Islamic Revolution in Iran and, and for obvious reasons too; because of revolution’s great impact on the region and throughout the world. After the revolution, not only Iran started to look very different, but also the whole region started to change. However, what we need today in the back and forth around the media and propaganda is promotion of a clear and visible image of that time and the Imam. As I said, there is a immature attempt to highlight ostensible similarities between now and Imam’s time and this must be stopped. For instance, you can discuss the theoretical perspective of Imam on parliament. You can break down his ideas to what was in religious scholarship and what was acceptable to people; and Recognition of parliament whether from the religious perspective or acceptability of it lays on the people. Parliament is composed of representatives of people, and these representatives come out of the people themselves. Accordingly, the parliament is “at the forefront of the affairs.”

But more important and more effective is to recount memories that demonstrate the means of political action at the beginning of the revolution. For example I was talking to Mr Karoubi about election process during Imam’s era. He recited a memory that helps us get a more clear understanding of Imam Khomeini’s personality and the values that were dominant in society at the time. In the third parliamentary election two candidates, a poor, hardworking intellectual teacher and a person with ties to Imam Khomeini’s family , were running in the region of Khomein . Although a person close to Imam Khomeini was supporting the second candidate people chose the first one. The person who was a relative of Imam sent a letter to him questioning the results. Imam replied laughing , “ what is a better indication of a fair election that a person related to me , who also enjoys the support of yourself , runs for election but people chose a simple teacher who does not have such supporters “.

Is n’t this one of the beauties of election that we should be grateful for?. Compare this with the case that occured during the sixth parliamentary election in Tehran [region] were 700 ballots were cancelled to replace an intellectual [1] who enjoyed no [state] support with an individual with relations [to high establishment officials] [2]. Or the implementation of “approbation supervision” that did not exist during Imam’s time which was in reality a mean of dividing the election in two stages. If you pay attention carefully you will see how this term that has no root in the constitution or public wisdom has been [mis]used to disqualify a large number of valuable and caring individuals. The result has been to undermine the status and role of the parliament.

I ask all the conservative members of the parliament, who have not stained they faith with tyranny, does n’t thinking about all these humiliation directed toward parliament make you feel worried and empty? Is the current situation you are in fitting to the meaning of this sentence “The Parliament leads all affairs”? [3] You have been incapable of scrutinizing even a small portion of the government financial irregularities and receive a proper response. What answer would you give God and his servants whom you represent? Does the current situation in the parliament has any resemblance to parliaments during the time of Imam Khomeini ?

One issue that can provide a better understanding of Imam Khomeini and also demonstrate differences between the current situation [and that time] is discussing the chain of events that lead to introduction of 8 point order by Imam Khomeini. This document without any changes can show the tragedy of the current situation including arrests and tyranny. The youth should look at this document to know where we were headed then and to which direction we are going now. Some people in this country are destroying everything including Imam’s image and the first 10 years of revolution. This was a project that was started in the 10th presidential election. As I said a proper introduction of Imam Khomeini and a fair introduction of the revolution will expose and scathe the politics of oppression and superstition.

Kalemeh: You are known as the prime minister of Imam Khomeni. In your speeches, statements and interviews you always speak about the bright era in the first decade of the revolution and Imam’s path. In general and in the political sphere of Iran [in particular] , have different dimensions of Imam’s personality been exaggerated ?

Dr. Shariatie one said “ Peak of the Damavand[4] does not need a proof that it is the tallest” . Imam was an extraordinary person. He brought an irreversible change in our history , and ended the monarchy , a system that prided itself in humiliation of peasants in face of their kings. Some images from the epoch of Shah could mislead our youth. But [they ] should be reminded that one of the posters published repeatedly in newspapers of the time showed a poor peasant kissing Shah’s shoes.

In response to your question I should reiterate that Imam was an extraordinary man. But he did not perceive himself as such. He despised praise and eulogy. Once he banned national TV from showing his picture and said “ Whenever I open TV , I see myself , it make me want to puke”. He had the same ban for newspapers for a period. People who have experienced that era remember that when the top elected member of parliament from tehran praised him [in public] he ferociously interrupted him. This was while the MP was not expecting any gain from the praise. Similar case occurred for the head of the expediency council who was also Imam Khomeini’s student. When he lauded Imam Khomeini in public, Imam rejected his words publicly. It is not strange if we see him as a symbol of a new system that is progressive, seeks freedom and demands justice. Without his charisma and his relationship with people our nation would not have resisted for 8 years of war. Without our nation’s believe in him , we would not have survived numerous terrorist attacks during that era.

Kaleme: In any case , some members of green movement raise a question as why you repeatedly speak about Imam Khomeini or use his picture?

I referred to the necessity of introducing Imam Khomeini to the youth. But I should also discuss another point ,which I have no doubt all supporters of green movement agree on , and that is integrity. I cannot pretend against my attachment to and admiration for Imam Khomeini and revolution. Since the formation of green path of hope I clearly introduced myself as companion of green movement so I can discuss my beliefs transparently. A characteristic of this movement is transparent and honest discussion of thoughts and ideas. Exchange of ideas does not harm us. We should remember that one of the best posters regarding the movement was the one that read “lying is disallowed”. What kind of expectation requires me to ignore a ten year period full of experiences and various events. Not only me but a large number of our people have thousands of memories from Imam Khomeini. They have been influenced by that era and are not willing to keep quiet in the face of injustice and distortion toward Imam’s character. Is it correct to ignore this great political capital? Is not this what the prison guards want us to do?

Kaleme: You introduced yourself as a member of the green movement, and talked about your devotion, and love for the Imam and the revolution. You talked about how it is necessary to protect the spiritual asset that is the experiences during the Imam era. But haven’t these talks stopped you from critically viewing those times? Don’t you think that there are problems with those times as well?

I have heard this issue before, specially after the speech of Tehran’s Attorney General. There is also a letter published on one of these websites addressing this very issue. As a Shiite Muslim one of our beliefs is that after the 14 innocent ones, all the rest of God’s people are not innocent and the commit sins, unless God keeps the innocent. The same reasoning applies to Imam’s era. However, I don’t see it necessary to criticize when internal and external enemies have aimed for the Imam’s image and that era. Obviously, in the context of today, even a slight allusion to a problem would be greatly magnified just like the plot that was the tearing the picture of Imam, that was abused by enemies outside and inside the country.Today, the enemies of the green movement are looking everywhere for a prey, or an excuse to destroy that bond that connects us together. Millions in our country like and appreciate Imam, and I am one of the. Recognition of this affinity [to Imam] and the freedom that brings about is a great asset that we cannot make a mistake about specially in the current conditions. Let me repeat again, we do not expect a companion [of the movement] to lie, no matter how small a member that person is.

[1] Alireza Rajaie

[2] Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, father in law of Ayatollah Khamenei’s son Mojatabi Khamenei.

[3] A famous quote by Imam Khomeini regarding the role of parliament

[4] The highest peak of Iran located on Alborz Mountain

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
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Khordaad 88
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Mousavi's 17th Statement: "Killing us will only make us stronger"

2010-03-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 17th Statement: "Killing us will only make us stronger"
Source: Kaleme
Date: Friday, January 1, 2010

In the name of God, the Merciful and the Compassionate,

“Greetings to Hussein, the third Imam; Indeed, I am a friend to those who are your friends, and I fight against those who fight you. I am companion to those who accompany you, and an enemy to your enemies. I wish I were with you; if this were the case, my success would be a glorious victory.”(A Hadith)

Despite numerous requests, neither Hojatoleslams Karoubi and Khatami, nor I, nor any of my friends, issued any statements for the rituals commemorating Imam Hussein. Nevertheless, pious people went to the streets, proving that the vast social and civil networks that people themselves formed during and after the election do not wait for us or our statements. People took to the streets even while lacking a newspaper to accompany and encourage them, or a fair and impartial national broadcasting channel. Yet again, every nation and, indeed, the whole world, witnessed the mourners of Imam Hussein walking the streets and speaking the name of Hussein. They marched non-violently, without any radical slogans, down the roads and avenues of their own choosing. But, yet again, the people were provoked. This time around, they were faced with unspeakable violence: people were run over; they came under open fire from plainclothes police, whose identity (as well as the identity of their leaders) is now known to everyone. This was a tragedy that will echo in our political arena for years to come.

The heartbreaking videos from Ashura ceremonies indicate that slogans and movements radicalize when innocent people are thrown off bridges, gunned down, run over, and assassinated. Interestingly, some of these clips show that beneath the masks and gadgetry of the security forces and Basij, people see their own brothers. And, in those critical conditions, they even try hard to remove them from harm. If State TV had the least bit of honest blood in its veins, it would at least broadcast some of these scenes to calm the situation and bring people together. Sadly, what happened after Ashura – namely, massive detainments, and so on – revealed that he officials [responsible for the well-being of the people] just repeat the same mistakes in larger numbers and on a broader scale. They think that using the politics of fear is the only possible solution.

Suppose you silenced the whole nation with detainments, violence, threats, and the eradication of newspapers and media – what would you do to change the nation’s opinion of the establishment? What would you do to solve the loss of legitimacy of the whole system? What would you do to change the international surprise and reproach towards the brutalities that [our] government has directed at its own people? What would you do to deal with the economic problems of the country and the financial issues that people face in their daily lives; the issues that are worsening every day due to the government’s persistent incompetence? With the help of whose competence, and with which [national] unity and foreign policy, will you take our country away from the shadow of sanctions; away from the greed of [other nations]?

[The people responsible] think that by chasing intellectuals, capable thinkers, university students and other activists away from the political arena, they can restore things to the way they were before the election. However, those who have studied history and are familiar with the complexities of society, know very well that such methods of thinking are illusory and unreal; they are merely based on sheltering [society] with shallow and deceitful tactics. Puny

I will say this clearly and with utmost certainty: calls for the execution, murder or imprisonment of myself, Karoubi and the like, will not resolve our problems. Last Wednesday’s speeches at revolution square and, prior to that, at Friday prayers, by the speakers of the establishment associated any consequence of acts of terrorism directly to the movement. This would only make the deadlock in the current crisis impossible to resolve. Pathetically berating a large group in our society, calling them dirt and dust, and considering it religiously tolerable to spill the blood of the mourners of Hossein, are tragedies caused by certain people within State TV. What kind of speaker from the government would call on people to fight one another, naming one group as the party of God, and another group as the party of the Devil? [These speakers] repeatedly asked people to pay attention, declaring that we are at war! Are these words not an invitation to wage war and civil riots? Are there religious scholars or sources of immolation who can tell [us] how to react to these people?

As one insignificant member of this immense society, I welcome any attack on Islam or on our dear nation [because of the opportunity for martyrdom.] The kind of talk mentioned above reminds me of the words of the great Imam [Khomeini]: “Killing us will only make us stronger.” I am not afraid to be among those who have been martyred for expressing their religious and patriotic rights after the election. My blood is no different than theirs.

I repeat with utmost shrewdness: we cannot solve these problems until the existence of a severe crisis is not recognized within the country. Abstaining from doing so will justify the continuation of repressive solutions. Admitting [our] critical condition can realize a solution that is not based on repression but on national reconciliation. [The authorities continue to make] accusations of irreligiousness, alliances with oppressive foreign powers and relations with individuals of ill-repute (referring to notorious groups like the MKO). Thinking that such accusations could actually remove a number of public servants of society and Islam is the same as turning a blind eye to the nature of our nationwide problems. I talk about this as someone with the best interests [of the Islamic Republic] at heart. The MKO is dead [to people] because of the atrocity and treachery they have committed. Do not revive them to gain political points and induce hatred.

Before I make my own recommendations about exiting the current crisis, I feel a burden of necessity to emphasize the Islamic and national identity of the green movement, its opposition to foreign rule, and its loyalty to our constitution. We are the followers of Imam Hossein. We are the devotees of the path that was led by that oppressed Imam. We are the devotees of the path that was led by that oppressed Imam. We are the followers of the first Imam of the Shi’ites, who could not tolerate taking something valuable from even one member of a minority in the vast Islamic nation. We believe in a compassionate reading of Islam that views people as if they are all equally religious [in worshipping one God, may it be Christian, Jewish or Muslim] or as companions in creation – a reading that promotes the innate dignity of humanity and does not tolerate for criminals to be fed differently than their victims outside the prison, or to be tortured during imprisonment.

Alongside with many of my friends who are currently in prison, I am strongly committed to the independence of this country. We grieve when we see our Islamic market flooded with foreign products. We strongly oppose the current levels of corruption upheld by incorrect policies and incompetence. We stress that if institutions like the Revolutionary Guards participate in financial matters like the stock market, they cannot be defenders of the country, or of its national resources. They will fall into corruption and bring the country down along with them. We stress that today, the blue- and white-collar workers, the laborers and the oppressed, as well as all other layers of this nation – everyone’s benefits and rights are drowning in intense corruption. The green movement is against lying and views it as a harmful disease for this nation. This is why we view political lies, as well as lies in the affairs of security, economy, and culture, as a great danger to our country.

What we want is a government and a system that are honest and supportive, and based on the people’s votes; that look at diversity in votes and ideas as an asset, rather than a threat. We consider the invasion of privacy, the violation of ideas and private spaces, the shutting down of newspapers, and the enforcement of media constraints as against our advanced religion of salvation and at odds with the constitution that arose from our religion. It’s a sin for us to put even a Rial of taxpayer’s money to waste by spending it on personal and partisan purposes. What we are stressing on is that the document [of the constitution] that creates a vision for the future of Iran and has been approved by all the pillars of the establishment is now nothing but a worthless paper. Let us warn you that new economic powers are rapidly rising in the region, growing stronger everyday while unfortunately we are incapable of bookkeeping the annual budget and treasury reserves. We are even incapable of providing the appropriate response to the questions regarding government expenditures from people and accountants, auditors of government and members of the parliament.

We are neither American nor British. We have neither sent any congratulatory letters to prominent leaders [as accusations claim], nor are we hoping for their help. We are very familiar with the mechanism of power on the international stage, where every country acts based on its own national interests. We despise those who do not respect their own nation’s religious beliefs and traditions. Accusations of the desecration of the Qur’an, of Ashura, or pictures of the Imam, are ridiculous. Needless to say, if any desecration had taken place on the day of Ashura, we do not approve of it. However, to emphasize: the worst kind of desecration is killing innocent mourners on the day of Ashura and during the months of mourning.

My proposal to solve the crisis at hand will follow shortly. The current condition of the country can be likened to a wild and massive river, muddy and disturbed with the waves of recent events. Calming this great river and clearing the water is not quickly done. It is not possible to do in a one- or two-stage solution. Requesting things like confessions and negotiations, hoping to solve the problem with some quick back and forth, is not acceptable for something of this magnitude; in fact, these proposals deviate from real solutions.

My proposal involves allowing smaller rivers and springs of clear water into this great river, leading to a gradual change in conditions. I believe that it’s not too late. Our establishment has the power to commit to this important task, if it relies on competence, as well as on a kind and respectful attitude towards people coming from all social layers. Below, I have enumerated some suggestions that could act like springs of clear water and influence the country on a national level, shifting the existing environment, and allowing us to escape this crisis:

1) The government should ensure that it is directly accountable to the nation, the parliament and the judiciary branch. This should be done in a way that prevents it from receiving unusual support for deficiencies and weaknesses. The government must be held directly responsible for the trouble it has caused. Rest assured, if it is competent and just, it should be able to answers to the concerns of the people and the parliament. If it is dishonest and incompetent, the parliament and the judiciary branch should react within their constitutional powers.

2) Propose transparent and credible regulation of the election process to guarantee that the nation has free and fair elections, without trickery and interference. This regulation must ensure people’s participation in elections despite their differences of opinion or affiliations. This regulation must further put an end to the interference of officials based on their political affiliations or tastes. The administration processes of the first few governments after the revolution can be referred to as models on how to handle this properly.

3) Free and exonerate all political prisoners. I am confident that this act will not be read as a sign of weakness, but will in fact demonstrate the visionary nature of the establishment. We are also certain the demising political currents [who are against the establishment outside and inside the country] are against this solution.

4) Among the essential elements that can contribute to a solution are freedom of the press and media, along with the releases of confiscated newspaper licenses. There should be no fear of a free press and in this regard, the experiences of other nations can be of great help. The expansion of satellite networks and their impact has clearly demonstrated the deficiencies of older broadcasting techniques, as well as of our State TV. Wave-interference and internet restrictions can only have a short-term effect. The only solution is to have a sound variety of free media that is well-informed and operates within the country. Is it not time now to rely on thinkers and creative elements, in a brave act that establishes trust and brings together our creative, political, cultural and social forces?

5) Abiding by article 27 of the constitution to recognize the people’s right to form legal congregations and to establish political groups and parties. In just a few months, promotion of this solution could work to replace the atmosphere of conflict within the public, the Basiji and the security forces with an atmosphere of friendship and national reconciliation. This can be performed with astuteness and with the cooperation of all those who have an interest in this country’s future.

More suggestions are welcome. In my opinion, even a thin stream of clear water can be beneficial. It is not necessary to execute all of the above-mentioned solutions simultaneously. Merely observing good intentions will help to lighten up the horizon. Finally, I would like to state that all of these suggestions can be carried out in the absence of agreements, or negotiations. Instead, they can be acted upon from the standpoint of wisdom, competence, and compassion.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Mousavi's 16th Statement: The Commemoration of Azar 16th

2010-03-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 16th Statement: The Commemoration of Azar 16th
Source: Kaleme.com
Date: Saturday, December 6th 2009

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful

I congratulate the coming anniversary of Eid Ghadeer to the Muslim nation of Iran. I pray the Great God to help us get our nation and all the Muslims around the world closer to the ideals of the person [Imam Ali] who the Ghadeer occasion belongs to. In this time of celebration, the Shiite wishes wellbeing and prosperity for one another and ask each other for gifts that would help them accomplish such wishes. They wish for a fine destiny for our nation and country especially in these crisis stricken times. It is expected from us to commit to the same action. It was still our duty to fulfill the wish [of putting our nation onto a path to a find destiny] even if this expectation did not exist. What we can do in this regards is to maintain loyalty in looking for the good [of our nation even when it is not accepted as is] and persistence in thinking for the future [of our nation even when it is not called as such.] Dangers ahead are too serious to let us or others think of our own interests, and the realities we face are too severe to disappear through ignorance. With the help of the ambiance of elegance that the Eid has provided in addition to the anniversary of 16th of Azar (December 7) as the day of University Students, no topic would be better to talk about other than a solution to our current crisis; a solution that is not necessarily bitter to swallow if we put away our prejudgments.

University Student day is ahead of us. In our modern history student movement has always been the flag-bearers and has acted as the reason and purpose for people’s movement. During the bitter days following the coup, and in some of the darkest times in the history of our nation when all hope seemed to be lost, what happened in the 16th of Azar of 1332 (December 7th of 1953) was a clear sign that the spirit of people and their historical demands were still alive. Those ‘three drops of blood’ and ‘three godly Azar’ that created a basis for the University Student day are after half a century later still a vivid and enlightening reminder in the memory of people because they signified the existence of greater reality in the lives of people. In the years and generations that followed, these signs were maintained through the student movements and as it does today. For countless reasons, the society does not reveal its inclinations to those who only see the appearance. Great transformations are often accused to happen suddenly such that they refuse the political players the opportunity to adjust. Of course, basically no transformation has been realized suddenly, it is only their manifestation and rise that takes a sudden form. In such conditions, signs that tell of the unknown abyss of society are truly invaluable.

The student movement in our modern history has always contained reports of formation of deep political and social currents in our society. If the officials have had reacted to this role [of university students] tactfully in the past and now, we would have had a smooth path toward development and advancement. Instead, they violently break these invaluable artifacts. They would rather pacify themselves that silencing a couple of loud and young individuals would solve the problem as if removing the question would remove the problem from its origins. This is story that we have heard over and over. It is the very same story of ignorance towards realities, and interpretation of news from social conditions to the taste of a group in power. No era of power has ever ended without at least a few signs of such stories. “(Saying): “These are but a small band,” as these days they [referring to Ahmadinejad directly] say they are anything but dirt and dust. “And they enrage us.” “And we are all at the state of readiness [to fight them.]” “So God threw them away from the gardens where springs originated.” “and from their treasures, and desired positions.”

It is very sad and bitter to see the same mistakes repeated despite all the similar lessons in the recent past in and even further: those who insist on saying that people are calm again and it’s only the university students now; and that among the universities, it is only those universities in Tehran that are not calm, and among those only Mother Universities are in turmoil. They think that in these Mother Universities there are a couple of organizing centers run by several young members and that if they were to be expelled from the campus, or threatened to deny continuing their education, they would quite down and that would be the end of story. Fine! But these students were threatened, and they were expelled, why is the story still dragging on? It is because the student movement is a proof of realities greater than itself. Alas, I wish they would appreciate this. I wish they would learn from the insight such a movement is providing to the transformations in the distant and far future so that they would adjust accordingly, especially in times like this when university students are not a minority group but constitute one of the most expansive and active social layers in our society. Right now, there is one university student out of every 20 Iranians. If those responsible in power had paid attention to the university students’ role as a proof and sign to our future, today we would not be in such a critical condition.

Of course, this story has two sides to it. University movements are only as strong and as rooted as the relation of their message to real inclinations within the society because the power of social movements [or the student movement for that matter] is tied to the necessities which create and sustain them. When our generation was participating in the student movement, it clearly saw how effective is its connections to the society and how essential it is to sustain its strength. During that time there were many inclinations among the students. If the student Islamic committees were the strongest it was because they were representing a greater number of social realties.

Many of the activist students of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. This is an additional reason why they should not stop serving as the symbol of our social realities. Their vitality and strength depends on this. The secret to the success of politicians is the same thing. They will be able to serve their country or at least remain powerful only until they are willing to understand the needs and inclinations of their society, and even become the symbol and proof of such needs and inclinations. This thought that someone can rule over people despite their inclinations is nothing but an illusion. Even when a government manages to survive by relying on repressive forces it is in fact only relying on society’s inclinations to remain indifferent towards oppression, although such an indifference will never last forever.

Our society is experiencing the greatest transformations these days. Who is to deny this truth after the incidents seen during the recent months? What is the exact nature of such a transformation? This is the greatest question for us and for our opponents. If they know what great and prosper phenomenon is heading our way, they too will put away their helmets and batons and start seeking for means to look after this delicate plant that has just risen out of our land.

Among many beauties of the days before election, the most beautiful phenomenon was the gathering of people with different tastes. They did not put aside their differences and diversities. Rather, they recognized their differences to become successful in their gathering. No one found it necessary to lose their own identity and become a different person in order to contribute in this integration. There was a joy in that integrating which was accepted by our nature. The green human chain that surrounded our cities was not a worthless show. We were not supposed to ignore each other’s fate after passing that bridge and our spirits didn’t want to scatter after experiencing that integration. Undoubtedly such a thing is a sign of rising growth and dignity in the life of a nation.

The dignity of a nation is not based on being rich or powerful. They are only small parts of its effects. The dignity of a nation is based on the greatness of its spirit. Dignity is seen when we can have apparently incompatible proceedings together. A small house is a place only for “me”, but in a big house there is also space for others. An employer which has a small spirit thinks that he can only reach prosperity by alienating labor’s rights, while a great employer knows that benefiting others, is the only way of gaining profit. The difference of a small employee and a great employee is also the same. Based on thousands of reasons, the only way of benefiting is to benefit others, but those who are small [in personality and spirit] do not have enough capacity to be patience with others. It is also the difference of a religious person who is great and a religious person who is not. A great religious man is Imam Sadeq (6th Imam of Shiite) who sat in the House of God and had conversation with an atheist. The truth of the House of God is his heart that has capacity for everyone, and respects everybody’s right, the right of living, the right of hearing, the right of choosing, and the right to make mistakes and to be great. Yes, being great. Otherwise, what a great person has to do with someone who is not? They see an irreligious person in a place where he can face the beauties of religion. If he could not find any truth,he would not ignore the possibility of understanding it by others. Or they can be small and reject whatever they have not heard before. They can be small and refuse whatever they can not understand. They can be small and call others’ ideas baseless without listening to them carefully.

Our nation is now showing the signs of its greatness; this is the wonderful change our nation was in search of. Of course the important thing is the greatness itself and not its signs. I repeat its signs to believe once again that it comes like spring and changes our lives. To believe in its auspiciousness and not to be scared of changes it will bring. This is the growth that our Revolution was founded on. Some times passed, and we neglected it, but our God did not neglect it. He developed the seed which was planted 30 years ago by many hopes, until now when its sprouts are ahead of us.

The greatness symbols of a nation are qualities that are expected from a brave human being. A man who has no ideal is a man worth nothing. However, who can be an idealist while not losing the touch of reality? A brave human being and a great nation.

If people are still demanding the full execution of the Constitution as their main slogan despite of all those bitter scenes they have seen in the last months, is not because their other demands can not be met. It was only and only the realistic sense of people and their wisdom that did not allow a volatile and radical reaction to the horrendous behavior of the rulers.

In another example, imagine the quality of bravery. The courage that a brave person (like a father who is defending his young daughter) shows is not with an uproar. It is not without a foresight and it is not necessitated with accepting an unreasonable price. However, [this courage] is more fearsome and more effective than the strength of others. Haven’t you seen this level of courage in the brevity that people demonstrated?

In another instance, adaptability of a brave person is not translated into giving in. It only means that (s)he has many problem solving options. In the last six months any window [of opportunity] that people opened was closed. However, they have created new solutions without leaning towards confrontations and without compromising on their ideals.

As another example, look at the patience and firmness in the movement of people.

They live their demands in such patience that it looks like they have lived them for a hundred years; A patience that exhausted their opponents; a patience that resembles growth.

As another example, a brave human being is some one who has self-confidence i.e. he is aware of the values that exist within him. We have not been like this for a long time. We had to keep our heads down. The self-confidence of our nation was taken away in two centuries of subordination, until the Revolution repaired this fallen barricade. However, did we reach this goal immediately and cleared the historical damages from our souls?

So why were we surprised when our artists were praised throughout the world?

As if we did not even suspect ingenious form an Iranian. Or as if we were so pessimistic, that if we had the slightest praiseworthy feature in ourselves we were looking through the conspiracy theories. Does a brave human being react like this if he is praised? Or is he aware of his qualities such that neither applauds make him overwhelmed with joy nor deviate him from his path. In the last few months the nation of Iran was praised tremendously. Now compare our people’s reaction to these applauds to their previous reactions so that you believe that the essence of our society is experiencing their symbols of greatness. .

It is mentioned in our 20-year Perspective Document that Iran must be the most powerful country of the region in the year 1404 [2025 in Georgian Calendar]. Are we supposed to tell the truth about our greatness to the world and the region or are we supposed to lie in that year? Are we just supposed to wear the big clothes to look great while we have not grown and prospered? Are we just supposed to inaugurate uncompleted civil projects in the level of the countries in the region? Are we supposed to consider our lost cause [diplomatic] travels as victories with the help of the media? Are we expected to put ourselves in the middle of continued controversies and contempt others so that we can claim greatness? Or are we supposed to be really powerful?

I ask this question because I believe that a country is only great when it has a great nation.

Our wish came true and our great nation matured to a well deserved degree, only by relying on itself. However, the problem is that this great nation will not keep quiet if its votes are taken away. A great nation does not tolerate degraded elections with fixed results. When a nation becomes great, its [public] servants can no longer tell the people what to eat, where to go, who to elect, and whom or what to trust. This great nation expects the guardian council to convince them of the legitimacy of the elections. They don’t accept from the council to claim only one thing [that everything is fine] and to annul all the observations and documented facts.

They ask us to forget about the election results as if the problem is only the elections. How are we supposed to explain that it is not so? The problem of our people is not who the head of the government is or who is not. The problem is that this some are blustering their ego to the face pride of great nation. What makes people angry is that their greatness is denied explicitly.

Don’t you want to be the government and for us not to? The way is to pay attention to the reality: people have no fraternity agreement with anybody. They choose the one who has more respect for their greatness. Paying attention to this fact will solve the election problem too, but if neglected be aware that the problem is not going to be limited to just the election results.

[Dear] brothers of ours! If you are not getting anywhere with your enormous efforts and cumbersome costs, perhaps you have mistaken the battlefield. You fight people on the streets, but you are constantly losing your dignity in people’s minds. If you are not going to tolerate the celebration of Azar 16th in the universities, what you are going to do with Azar 17th, and Azar 18th? How do you capture the minds of those who saw with their own eyes your fear and your useless battles in the universities ? Even if you silenced all the students, what are you going to do with the realities of the society?

These are the words we say with good intentions, but they would not listen. If they listened, we would have been very close to victory. The victory that I speak of is not that of any specific party; it is the expansion of the nation’s maturity; the victory that makes the people, individually and in groups, greater, to the point that even the warder will be ashamed.

Recently I have heard that Basij in one of the universities has given the opportunity of speaking up to the opposition. That is a good start. I have also heard that they gave each other green scarves as gifts for Eid Ghadeer . From our point of view this is the greatest gift. It wasn’t we who chose green. It was green that chose us. Is it possible for green to choose our brothers too? We think it is possible, because the good-hearted is one who doesn’t look at the deceiver’s deception. The way to becoming green is not closed to any one.

Mir-Hossein Mousavi
15/09/1388
[06/12/2009]

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Mousavi's 15th Statement: 30th Anniversary of the Formation of the Basij

2010-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 15th Statement: 30th Anniversary of the Formation of the Basij
Source: Kaleme.com
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2009

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

5th of Azar (November 26) is the anniversary of creation of ‘Basij of the Oppressed’ by Imam Khomeini. This anniversary is an opportunity to have a second look at this influential institution in the history of the Islamic revolution: What was the Basij? What is it now? and what should it be? What force created the Basij, and gave it a name and recognition? What made it a hero of all the different tastes and inclinations [of different classes] in a period of the modern history of this land? That glorious history and great success known as Basij was not achieved through extensive budgets, and expensive weapons. It was not excellent institutionalized organization techniques that made the Basij as glorious as a tale of magnificent proportions. It was not military power that formed Basij. Instead, it was deep and pure intentions that created this high tower and nurtured role models whose names are remembered as if they were loyal friends of the prophet.

In addition, in the history of the revolution, Basij is the symbol and centerpiece of courage and persistence of our nation. 30 years ago, Imam created ‘Basij of the Oppressed’ to stand against probable military assault of superpowers. This act was the most influential step taken to prevent any such attacks. In the past three three decades, powers great and small carried the most destructive of weapons. The only thing that stopped them from assaulting our soil or made them regret their assault was that they had seen the courage of the people who were not afraid of the strength of the powerful. They had seen people who did not stop at anything to defend their rights and ideals. Basij was a window through which this aspect of our nation was displayed.

Basij was a manifestation of the union of [social] layers and different appetites among our people. When our caring father [Imam Khomeini] was planting this tree, he said: “A country that has 20 million youth, must have 20 million Basij members.” How could have this been achieved if Basij belonged to only one mode of thinking, one group or one class? What he meant by the 20 million army was the color and capacity that could represent if not all, at least a big majority of the colors that exist in our society; something like the flags of prince of martyrs, [third Imam of Shiite] that is yearly raised everywhere throughout our country, and all of our social layers even some of the religious minorities gather around it.

If Basij has turned into one of our nation’s greatest achievements it was because of attention to such secrets. Otherwise, a name [Basij] can not by itself achieve such almost artistic relics of greatness: The art of changing normal people to an army who relies on God, the art of resisting and winning [the war] empty handed and the art of becoming the source and axis for the union and for the pride of a nation.

Today too, it’s the same story. It is not orders of labels and symbols, words and appearances, neither is it types of discourse and accents nor sentences or magic that creates such schools [Basij or purposeful togetherness] of love, and great humans. All the Basijis, whether known or nameless, who are the pride of faith and land, did not become heroes because of their words. They were tested. Of course, there is not one person in this world who is not tested with choosing right from wrong.

“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We believe, and that they will not be tested?
[Quran: Spider-2]

“We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false”
[Quran: Spider-3]

The time has reached for the inheritors of Bagheris and Bakeris. A new generation who are called Basijis and are in the middle of the darkest suspicions and upheaval. Is this new generation similar to those who have fought along The Commander of Faithful in the Battle of Camel? Or such similarities are pointless and those who make such similarities want Basij to be an oppressive machine to hit, capture, hurt and even kill the human beings whom their only sin is asking for justice? Who knows the answer to such questions? What is the real identity of the institution which is currently called “Basij of the Oppressed”? Is this an erratic institution that closes its eyes and breaks the arms and legs of its brothers and sisters when they are ordered to do so? Or is it an institution with the deepest insight that can distinguish the right way from wrong way in the darkest nights of upheaval. The night of upheaval is like a days for those who have doubts in their answers to these questions.

“Whenever you are faced with Fitna (Upheavals) like parts of a dark night, Quran is yours [to get refuge and find your way]”. Hear the response of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) to all these doubts that when upheavals gets into you like parts of a dark night you have to look through Quran! Quran is an intercessor that its intercession is always accepted, and if it becomes a witness against anyone its testimony is accepted. A book that will lead to paradise anyone who considers it as a leader and will drive to hell anyone who goes against it. A book that guides to the best of ways. Quran is a book that clearly and explicitly orders us to be with the truthful.

“O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the truthful”

However, if the truthful were known, the night of upheaval would have ended. On the other hand it is clear that the truthful never lies. Those who lie in their most important political campaign are certainly not truthful. God-conciseness is not their companion and faith is not compatible with them. Haven’t you hear any lies in the past months?

“O you who believe, fear Allah and be with the truthful”

What was the Basij, what will be, and what is to be done?

The Basji that the Imam wanted would not stand against the nation, but would stand behind them and with them. [He envisioned] A Basji whose actions would go beyond political factions and its broad shoulders would protect all, a Basij that would enjoy the friendship of the people, a Basij that would be seeking people’s friendship and unity. A Basij that would overlook the differences of opinion and protect the life and liberty of the masses, that would see them all as brothers or one in creation. A Basji that would protect the privacy of people. Imam did not want the Basij as a tool of authority, but a place for people to project their own power, a place that would allow them to have a part in their own future. It was supposed to be that the actions and behavior of the Basij would be an example to the people, not to have the power of the Basij crush the people. The Basij was not supposed to be on the government payroll and was not supposed to receive bonuses for arresting people for participating in demonstrations. It is a sad day if the Basij becomes just another political party. This is not what the Imam wanted for the Basjiis. The Basji was not supposed to be an instrument to take away people’s freedom in their votes.

My Basjii brothers! What were the faults or flaws in Imam [Khomeini]’s aspirations for Basij that you have abandoned them? Why should you ruin the image created based on the efforts of those before you? You are from the people and with the people. Why do the concepts that our people favour based on their nature, cause such hatred among our Basiji friends? What is bad about freedom? Why talking about freedom causes so much disgust in the heart of some our Basiji friends as if freedom is a unforgivable sin? We know that many of our cities’ major crossroads are called freedom. Don’t we say that subjects like human rights, women rights, minorities rights, and as such are exploited by great powers to hypocritically associate themselves with these concepts and demonstrate a good face?

So why should those who are the main and noble owners of such values and ideals , distance themselves from them? Do they want their school of thought to look detestable? Why do you ban these concepts and consider them as criteria for being non-religious? Religious is like a favorite flower bestowed upon people. Its teachings are moderate and in agreement with people ‘s nature. Lest! Don’t turn it in to a torn bush, that everyone who touches it gets harmed, like what our youth experiences [nowadays] in the streets.

Thirty years ago Basij came to existence just like a flower and a blast of light. If one desires return to that luminous original era, does that mean he has turned his back on the [Islamic] Revolution and intends to turn over the system? Isn’t it a call to justice if one requests to return to the original version of Islamic revolution? if one demands the pure Islam of Mohammad, the one that Imam [Khomeini] was its mouthpiece and referral; if one expresses distaste toward superstitious and superficiality, which is sold to people in the name of religion; if one follows all the articles of the constitution; if one asks for the loyalty to the vows made based on belief and humanity? Is it legitimate to smack such people in the streets, to torture them in the jails, to sentence them to long terms in prison? Do Islam and Koran teachings allow killing of the people who peacefully ask their rulers to be just?

“And they kill the people who asked them to be just. So warn them of a severe punishment.”

What was [the essence of] Basij before ? , and what will it turn into if it continues on the road laid for it? The force that once represented the courage of our nation is now used to terrorize Iranians? It is evident that the newest and the latest strategy adopted by the authoritarian minority is to create fear in people. They wear terrifying apparel and gather in military formations in the city streets to frighten their countrymen? They terrorize people because they themselves are terrified? Or they convict the sons of this revolution to 7 , 10 and 15 years in prison to console themselves? And they don’t realize how they are jeopardizing the national security with these short-sighted behaviors?

It is sufficient for great powers to see [our] people frightened to harass our nation. To see our people’s courage undermined and their strength and their endurance uncertain to believe their dreams of the last 30 years [against our nation] are coming true. Look at our two neighboring countries that are occupied by foreign forces. In both countries they attempted to terrify people and people were terrified. On the surface the [great] powers stepped into these countries with the promise to set them free. But they did not hide their greed in [seeing] horrified faces of people when they established places like Abu Ghraib. They told people of these two countries with outmost clarity that you are the people who were scared of Saddam and Taliban , now it is justified to be more scared of our terrorizing weaponry. Even the radical terrorists still savagely kill these people hoping they can rule them based on their fear as the bloodthirsty [dictators] did before them . The victims of the brutalities of Saddam and Taliban are still paying for their lack of courage. But our nation owes its security and peace to courage and strength shown in the last thirty years.

Now some people in the country want to take this [social] capital away from us. [Our] people are either not frightened by their shows , which they are not and they will take away this last weapon away from them, or they will be scared. In that case will [only]these war toys [weapons] keep this country intact?

In our contemporary history Basij was not just a name , it was a conduct that we will always need. [This is true] to the extent that if those responsible for Basij forget their duties and assignments we need to carry them out ourselves. It is a necessity, even more important than the goals of our movement , that forces us not to let anyone show greed in our fear.

And we should know, there is no color beyond black. [Creating] fear is their last effort. Your opponents made a mistake and used what they had as the last resort against your peaceful strength. The true solutions to their [quandaries] are yourselves. The day you ask your opponents: “are the colorful flags you carry in the support of implementing the full constitution?” and they answered yes, welcome them. That day we will all be green.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Mousavi's 14th Statement

2010-03-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 14th Statement
Source: Kalemeh
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful,

In our modern history, the thirteenth of Aban [4th of November] is reminiscent of three events. The first was when Imam Khomeini was exiled, and the movement went into a thirteen year recession. After being able to silence the movement by sending the Imam into exile, the Shah’s regime marveled at why such a thing was not done sooner. There was one uprising and one Imam, and when he was far from it, there was nothing left of its spirit. Was the Imam truly alone in the movement he had begun? Never. It is never such that one person can create change in society. He had many followers, but they were not like the friends that would surround him years later, when he said: “our leader is that 13 year old child …”

The second thirteenth of Aban is the day of thirteen year old leaders. Students who had gathered at the University of Tehran for a protest and faced a most violent death. It was the regime’s experience with the events of the 40s [the 1960s] that caused such a bloody reaction. They [the regime] thought that if they act as determined as before, they will once again achieve the same incredible results. But that is while the base of society had changed. The monarchist establishment was no loner facing one Imam. This time, people had surrounded the Imam who may not have known him as well as their fathers did, or who had not heard his speeches, but who had as much spirit and strength in their hearts as the Imam himself. Unlike their fathers, they did not need to be repressed or to see as much evil to join this movement

Much has been said about the third thirteenth of Aban. It is unlikely that anything of that event has remained unsaid. Including the fact that in that event, the Imam followed the Muslim students. On the surface, the students called themselves the followers of the Imam, but in reality, it was the Imam who followed what they did. None of the leaders and commanders of the revolution had a role in shaping what came to be that day. Even the students themselves thought that everything would be over in a few days and they will return home. But the Imam followed the events and called it a revolution greater than the first revolution. Only anImam who has experienced the bitter taste of thirteen years of exile knows that a society which has lived under rigid and severe rule does not have spirit and does not have a healthy existence. He preferred to let people lead because he knew simply passing one historic milestone is not enough in the prosperity of a nation. The nation must have such knowledge and insight to be able to tell right from wrong in every day and age, and to be able to walk the right path. Today, our people are the leaders and this is the great wish that the Imam had for them. He invited us to those thing which promise life.

And now, the thirteenth of Aban, this greenest day of the year is approaching. Today, is it conceivable that the flame of the people’s movement may be extinguished, if a fellow countrymen is kept silent? If such a thing happens, we will lose the fruit of 45 years of our history and our struggle. And if it doesn’t happen, this will show the roots of our revolutionary spirit. It is reliance on these roots that have made us green, roots that if we leave neglected, we will have turned to those very things that our opponents wish. It is thus absolutely necessary that we carefully approach any such extreme efforts.

Our movement will not benefit from leaving Islam to the hands of worshipers of superstition, leaving the revolution to the incompetent and the devious, neglecting the fruits of 100 years of struggle and replacing that heritage with misconstrued and twisted images, and alienating ourselves from that heritage. If some foreign governments insist on such tendencies, that may be because they have personal gains in such an effort. If need be, they will sit at the negotiation tables while turning their backs on the current movement of the Iranians, and they will be content with the little freedom and political progress that exists in neighboring countries, and we can not reprimand them for such actions. It is we ourselves who must be reprimanded if we do not tell wisely the interests of our own country.

These days, people are all asking of victory. When will we achieve it? How will we get there faster? And what will add to its perfection? Our entire existence is prayer and inquisition, and we are filled with the lords words who has said that he will grant us some of whatever we may wish [from the Koran: And he granted some of whatever you asked for.] The mere fact that a demand has been created in society means that no one will be able to get in its way and governments can only attempt to influence factors like time, scale and the shape of its realization.

Can we too influence these factors? Yes. [from the Koran] people will only reap rewards to the extent to which they use their intelligence and insight. In the past few months, our people have been blessed with the rewards of their own wisdom.

Our green path is a path of rationality and shows that we are persistent in standing up for our demands. If we were to be extremists, be certain that there would have been nothing left of us. ٍExtreme enthusiasm leads to unenthusiasm. If you need an example of this, look no further than the foreign policy of this government. The same time when they were busy infusing our international relations with propaganda, and refused to utilize moderation and intelligence, it was obvious that they would soon bargain the interests of our people with nothing. Sixteen years ago, neither the media nor statesmen considered developing nuclear fuel for Tehran’s program very important news. Today, it appears that a large proportion of the product of Iran’s nuclear program, which went on to see this much chaos and was to bring a number of sanctions for the people, must be handed to another country, in hopes that they will be kind enough to offer us some fuel later on. Is this a victory? It is an obvious deception when they call this “the greatest of victories”[Ahmadinejad’s speech].

The statesmen neither solved the problems of the world [which Ahmadinejad had claimed he would] or stressed the rights of their own people but rather, were willing to forgo those rights all together. They showed that in surrendering too they are extremists. Even if with the help of friends, losing the achievements of Iran’s nuclear program will be thwarted, we have not seen the last of this extremism and their actions will pave the way for more sanctions and isolation for Iran.

What we can learn from this is to avoid extremism ourselves. Sooner or later – and, with the help of God, sooner – those who stand against the people will leave. On that day, will only a ruined country remain for the nation? What we must be worried about today is the interests of our country and except for its rightful owners, no one else will be occupied with this. Building tomorrow must begin today. We must be so prepared that if tomorrow suddenly presents itself, we will not be taken by surprise. Each of us must feel the great responsibility that rests on our shoulders.

Our constant demand for the constitution to be carried out is a key solution to building the future. With such an approach, we will have a light to guide us in the dark, and we will not be stepping on the struggles of generations past. Whatever remains in our hearts and desires [that is not in the constitution] we will strive for in our life because formal structures do not reflect, for the most part, the greater realities that exist in society. The greater reality is what goes on in our lives. The superficial structures can arrest the children of this revolution and imprison them like criminals and dress them up in degraded clothing, but the people can look at those images and feel pride, and create heroes out of those very images. Who is the winner in this confrontation? The superficial structure can condemn these people in show trials and the people will be the final judge in those trials. Which of these is the true ruler of society? The superficial structure can degrade these families and attempt to shame them with its abusive behavior but while these families suffer, the people will always know them to be courageous and honorable. Which of these two views will win the hearts of these families? Pay attention, up to now, we’ve only been talking about the power that exists in the view of the people, and not about power they have to actually do other things. The superficial structures can sentence these families to isolation and the people can embrace them. Truly, which of these will triumph? The superficial structures can deprive the students of dormitories for the crime of expressing their opinion and deprive them of a livelihood and the social networks can back them with their support. Which of these groups is more powerful? But this is a wrong way to frame the question because in essence, there is no confrontation between these two entities. One is, and the other isn’t. It is our life that gives meaning to any matter in the external order of society. In the past few months we have changed society not by breaking this external order but by changing its meaning. We have no need to break order when it is we who give it direction in every circumstance.

This will be our path from now on as well. When so many parts of our constitution go unnoticed, the truth is that there is no difference between good law and bad law. Even if the political structure of our country were in the best of orders, what difference does it make when our lives do not give it credibility? Does not give it meaning? Does not approve it and does not ask for it? In the same way, if this structure was backward or wrong, we could only attempt to correct it if we could first correct the meaning and we do this through the path we live in our lives.

There are so many nations who do not choose to exercise this power, who choose to leave power in the hands of the powerful. They will not lead their societies, but we will.

The thirteenth of Aban is that pledge which reminds us that among us, it is the people who are the leaders. I send my deepest wishes to the people of Iran for this day, and I ask the lord for freedom, patience and rewards that are worthy of the creators of this day, some of whom are now in prison, and the other hostages of the green movement.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Mousavi's 13th Statement: Violence is Not The Solution

2009-10-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 13th Statement: Violence is Not The Solution
Source: MowjCamp
Date: September 28, 2009

In the name of God, the Merciful and the Compassionate,

Without a doubt, the Quds day demonstrations remain a highlight of the events of the past few months. Promising results are expected out of what occurred during this event, which cannot be attributed to one faction or one view. Rather, [these] achievements belong to all of those who have roots in this land, even if some are not able to feel this blessing and this gift due to their own incorrect judgments.

This gift is the gift of the Imam’s [Khomeini's] foresight. He repeatedly told us to establish the right foundations such that when we are gone, they will not be able to destroy them, even if they so desire. Maybe we have not been able to truly act on this advice, but that is the path he always took. He based the pillars of the Islamic Republic on the trust of the people and created opportunities for them to come out [in public] so that no one would be able to destroy them.

Quds day is one such day. With such traditions, people cannot be deterred and forced out of the scene. Without addressing and providing justice inside, [the authorities] cannot invite people to such rallies to protest tyranny in faraway lands. To leave behind no doubts, He [the Imam] declared that this day is not only specific to Palestine, but the day of the oppressed and the day of Islam. We now realize the efforts of that caring father who made sure that people always remain present on the scenes in the millions.

Thirty years ago, our Imam asked Muslims across the world to set aside their differences and come together to rise against a common agony that pains them all. This message is so close to our circumstances today. Islam did not say that we must think alike to be united. The unity to which we are invited is the same as accepting differences, and Quds is a day when Muslims should come together while tolerating the vast differences that exist among them. That is why if this event is attached to one particular political faction, it will lose its glory year after year. It will not achieve its promised vision, and it can no longer be the day of Islam and the day of the oppressed.

The vision of this day is to bring together different colors in one scene. This year, our Quds day did not achieve this [ideal], but it strived for it. In fact, this year on Quds day I was among people who greeted me with tight fists (Mousavi was among the state-supporters in the rally) and who wished my death. On the chaotic road we were marching together, I took a good look at them and realized that I love their faces and I realized that our victory is nothing that will bring about defeat for anyone. We must all achieve prosperity, even though some will realize this prosperity later than others.

In fact, those who felt defeated by this year’s Quds, gained the most. They saw in the clearest sense that three months of unprecedented violence did not have the smallest effect on the presence of the people, and in fact, made it stronger. If not for the opportunity on Quds day, it would have been months from now when they would have been met with their own blunders in the celebrations of Bahman (the demonstrations held in celebration of the revolution in February) and they would have come face to face with the high cost of their own mistakes at a time when it would have been much too late.

Violence is not the solution. Meet all with empathy (as opposed to enmity.) Violence is like a horse that throws the rider to the ground. People have every right to feel angry about hostile security measures and unrelenting provocative propaganda, even if justifiably their righteousness does not change the consequences of their anger. The amount of fruit we harvest from our endurance depends on the amount of patience thoughtfulness that we are willing to maintain. If we move towards unreasonable extremes, it is possible to, in one day, lose the fruit of a week’s or a month’s hard work. Our people deserve better treatment from the authorities because they are alert and thoughtful. And a thoughtful person is he who can not only distinguish between good and bad, but also between good and better, or between bad and worse.

There are still better conclusions that we can arrive at, than those we arrived at on Quds day. At the same time, worse conditions are possible than the ones we are currently suffering from and are subjected to. On the road ahead of us, and in our historical context, there is no clear image of the consequences of acting against the current structure of government. As mentioned in the letters sent to the Marjas, Afghanistan and Iraq act as two big lessons on each side of our land. We should never ignore them. Of course, these lessons do not stop us from demanding our rights, because we have the patience and wisdom to change our destinies for the better without having to pay so high a price.

What can achieve the goal [of peaceful reform] is a commitment to the golden messages that we have chosen. A message that interferes with the friendship and brotherhood of our people will not help us restructure our national unity or our identity. We see the compassionate Islam as a cure for our pain. We see that what the authorities introduce as the banner of religion is a dress worn inside-out.

We demand the unconditional enactment of the constitution and the return of the Islamic Republic to its original ethical foundations. We demand the Islamic Republic, not a word more, and not a word less. To us, anarchists and people who act against the structure are those who avoid the Islamic laws, either with or without an excuse. They are also those who pull the plug on the constitution for their own personal gain.

Today’s political environment is not what Iranians wished for 30 years ago. Now, people are asking themselves: What has stopped us from achieving our ideals and has instead got us here? This is a fundamental question that we should ask of our struggle today and in future. What should we do so as not to face the same question thirty years from now?

We can only be certain [of the right answer] when we base our sociopolitical achievements on our everyday life. In the past century our people have had more than a few of such achievements. However, their achievements have been a result of a [direct] struggle. As long as the environment of struggle and endeavor lasted, these achievements were sustainable. But as soon as people were exhausted or thought they had to return to their homes the fruit of their struggle was lost. To fight [for a cause] is holy, but it is not long-lasting. What lasts is life.

This is a lesson we have learned from those of us who fought in eight years holy defense [against Saddam.] During those years two groups of people would leave for the war fronts. The first group fought during the war and then thought to themselves the time has come to live a life, to pile money and accumulate wealth or to build high-rise buildings one after another. The second group left [to war] for the more exuberant spirituality. They did not go just to make a sacrifice; they went to take part in that spiritual atmosphere.

Digesting these words may not be easy for people who have not experienced that atmosphere, but it is real. Not that they did not make sacrifices, in fact they were our most renowned heroes. But in the light of gems they gained they did not believe they were making any sacrifices. They lived the years of the war and then [after the war] started their own struggle, a peaceful struggle to protect that living experience or at least the memory of it. Without them, we could not have lasted [the war] empty-handed for eight years.

During the election campaign I was proud when a group of them honored me and formed the Isargaran[those who sacrifice for others] committee as one of the most active committees of my campaign. They said we have gathered together hoping to revive the spirituality of our days with Imam [Khomeini] and thus we believe our responsibilities are more burdensome. I doubt there is anyone in our nation who would not be proud of them. They are exactly on the common green intersection that connects us all to one another.

In following them, we should also live The Green Path of Hope, it is only in that case that the miracle they created will also awaits us. The importance of this year’s Quds day was that it revealed that the new life people have chosen is not something temporary and ephemeral. If we had all remained home [during the rally] but this message was [somehow] communicated with this clarity, we would have achieved nothing less.

Living the green path means that every day, while we are busy with our chores at home, at the workplace, in every street or alley, we repeat this message with an authoritative voice (in the same way that we continue to be Muslim, to be Iranian, to be of this age).

Soon after we spoke about strengthening social networks or living the green path, people asked: ‘How?’ The answer is: ‘Merely by being’. We don’t talk about creating a social network that doesn’t exist and strengthening it; we say that the people’s power is embedded in those social networks which exist naturally, based on innate guidance. We should recognize their importance.

This year, Quds day showed that this network is like a toddler who is growing incredibly quickly. This toddler is going to start talking in no time; it will be mature soon, and will compel everybody to admire and respect it. Our task is to nurse this blessed phenomenon by repeatedly expressing the thoughts which come to existence around it and to repeatedly reiterate their importance.

Likewise, when we are talking about living the green path, we don’t mean something complicated, innovative, or new. Rather, it is pointing to something that is currently being experienced. It is also pointing to the fact that our people’s movement nowadays, unlike in the past, is the beginning of a certain type of life. There is great pleasure in being smart and lively; in homophony and communication; in closing an eye to others’ faults, which makes life bountiful.

In addition, there is a power in the awareness of our nation that saves our nation from bearing many miseries. Our people are not afraid to pay the cost to revive their rights because ‘a place in heaven is earned with a price, not based on a desire.’ At the same time, if we want the results of our social movement to last, we better use a mixture of bravery and wisdom.

Now because of the wrong and adventurous foreign policy of a government that people have to bear, the country is on the verge of crises that will hurt the poor the most. If we had a confrontational approach, maybe in our simple minds we would have thought that this is a point for our green movement, but when we want to live through our green path, this [approach] cannot be our approach.

This is our country and these are our lives. It is we who should be concerned about and sensitive to these problems. Based on official reports of this very same government reports, economists announced that tens of billions of dollars of this country’s foreign income has disappeared. Meanwhile, [Judicial] institutions that ought to respond to these absent figures – which can even equip several armies – are ignorant and trapped in political games.

Which of these [institutions] can we expect to attend to the grief they have inflicted on the people? If we do not react to the things that disrupt life in our beloved country, nobody will. Our economists are alone in their objections because they fear the same fate as those who protested the shameful conduct that took place during confinements in detention centers. There was a time when missing twenty thousand dollars in the treasury was enough for a government [of this country] to fall. Now, warning cries for the loss of such a high figure are not even grounds for the slightest reaction.

Recently, a group of Iranian professors abroad provided their analysis and interpretation of the Green Path of Hope. They confirmed that the goals of this movement will indeed protect the interests of the nation. As a result, they have suggested that while sending our gratitude to other nations for their support in the last few months, we should ask them not to impose any sanctions against Iran. I liked their idea and I support it. Sanctions would not actually act against the government – rather, they would only inflict grave distress against a people who have experienced enough disaster in their own melancholic statesmen. We are opposed to any types of sanctions against our nation. This is what living the Green Path means.

However, this is just an example. No one has informed those who have offered this suggestion about the necessity of living the Green Path. Whether the rest of us are aware of this necessity or not, we are all naturally guided towards it. As a result, it is not necessary to indoctrinate each other with these values. It is enough just to be aware of them and to attend them.

Life goes on, and individuals are [living] in the interim. Any crowd or community that bases its very existence on one individual will be disappointed – at least when that individual is lost. [History shows] that whenever people have afforded unnecessary advantages to their ordinary companions, they have inevitably relinquished their intellectual opinions. Moreover, this has allowed the opportunists to become increasingly avaricious.

People who want to be independent and experience a congenial life should prevent the very first steps that lead them to failure. My birthday is not the 7th of Mehr (September 28th), it is the day that I got to know you. Even if I was born the 7th of Mehr, it would not have been appropriate for your movement to deteriorate with personalities. I hope you see that these words stem from my sincere concern and not from false modesty.

Your Brother,
Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Mousavi's Letter to Grand Ayatollah Montazeri and the Subsequent Response

2009-10-01T18:17:00.001-07:00

Mousavi's Letter to Grand Ayatollah Montazeri and the Subsequent Response
Source: Grand Ayatollah Montazeri's website
Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Letter of Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi:

In the Name of God, the Merciful and the Compassionate,

To the honorable Marja, the Grand Ayatollah Montazeri,

Greetings,

I released the attached statement in response to the events of the past few months. We have always felt a need to work with the honorable marjas and devoted clerics, and this encouraged me to send a copy to you in order to ask for your guidance.

The first goal of this statement is [to disseminate the message] that if people feel anger and discontent, they should not direct the negative feelings that fill their hearts toward religion. This reminder is the responsibility of all of those who have been deeply influenced by Islam – especially the clerical elite. They must not allow different social groups (especially the youth, who compose the majority of our population) to be fooled by the shallow, mistaken and selective interpretations of our religion and to distance themselves from Islam based on sudden surges of emotion.

State media persistently attempts to portray us as the source behind the recent unrest. All this, while the behavior of officials (not only in the election, but in years before) has created a mountain of straw that was set ablaze by the recent blunders. The wind of arrogance that was blown through this mountain created bigger and bigger fires each and every day. I personally take the side of a people whose rights have been trampled with illegal, unIslamic and unjustified actions. By referring to undisputed documents, I am certain that without a doubt, there has been systematic fraud in the recent election. At the same time, it would not have been difficult to stay silent for another 20 years if I didn’t feel an imminent threat to the system in the people’s wave of anger.

However, if one [leader] keeps silent and yields, the people will not renounce their movement similar to what they have never done so in the past. Instead, after a brief period of confusion, the movement would start anew. Their movement would start again, this time blind, with none of the devotees of the establishment to rely upon. Then, maybe others who have their eyes set upon our nation would step in to take advantage of this movement with their own intentions and to feed their own greed.

Another goal of this statement, along with my other statements and activities, is to keep the people’s movement within the framework of the establishment so that it doesn’t sink into the dangerous path of bringing down the whole structure. If this danger is turned into reality, it could easily make another Afghanistan or Iraq out of Iran. We cannot forget our duty to prevent such dangers from spiraling, just to make some ignorant people happy. Similarly, we cannot invite people to keep calm if we are unable to prove to them that we stand and speak for their well-deserved rights on their behalf.

In his treatise titled Olfat, the late Mullah Mohsen Feyz Kashani writes that the final goal of most sharia laws is to establish friendship and belonging in society. The result of this friendship and belonging is what modern sciences call social networks – a means to restrain ruling systems and to keep them from repeating mistakes, and a method to create a society infused with life and a platform to gently hold on to ignited emotions and talents and to keep them from descending into the hills of destruction. In this statement, a strengthening of these networks has been suggested. According to the words of Feyz, this network could be perceived as the exemplar of Islam, although those who are grossly unfair portray it as a paradigm of the CIA.

And, finally, I hope you will attend to my suggestions on solving the current crisis as outlined in this statement.

With regards,

Mir Hossein Mousavi
13 September 2009

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Response of the Grand Ayatollah Montazeri:

In the name of God, the Merciful and the Compassionate,

Dear Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi,

May God support your success,

First, please accept my greetings. I received your letter dated 09/12/2009 and reviewed the attachments. You are a man of great character and your commitment to the ethical and religious values and goals of the revolution are obvious to all. The tremendous services of your government during the imposed war, and your constant support of the departed Imam Khomeini (may the love and mercy of God be upon him) are clear to everyone. During the recent presidential election and the subsequent confrontations and atrocities, you became the focus of numerous classes of people and gifted individuals. This was, in fact, a test imposed on you by the great God and by our vigilant people. You have indeed passed it. So far, and to the best of your capacity, you have defended the desecrated rights of those people [whose high turnout and participation in the election] was a great source of pride for our country. As such, you deserve acknowledgement and gratitude.

The initiatives you suggest in the attachment will work to activate and strengthen social networks and organizations. These ideas are prudent and rational, in context with the current conditions of the country, and in accordance with the commands of the holy Quran that tell us:

“O ye who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; and in such perseverance strengthen each other; and fear God so that ye may prosper.”

If the authorities put aside their act of ignorance and consider [your recommendations] in an unbiased manner, put them to use and put a stop to this environment of policing and detainments, [your ideas] can offer a beneficial and effective path out of the current crisis – a crisis dominating the Islamic republic through their selfishness, pride, mismanagement and ambition. [Your recommendations] could be the stepping stone for a positive move towards reform and towards protecting the system from separation, disintegration and division.

Of course you are aware that in choosing the aforementioned solutions to defend the people’s rights and to ensure the survival of the Islamic Republic, you can expect an arduous task of reform that will be resisted through countless threats and pressures from those who have created the current crisis. Please be confident that through unity, patience and endurance, God has promised to reveal the way to guide people to victory. In addition, [according to the holy Quran in support of humans who struggle down this path God would send his] angels to pronounce messages of security, and strip the heart of all grief and fear.

Unfortunately, many politicians, political activists and journalists were detained after the election. Against Islam and the rule of law they were pressured into false and deceitful confessions, some of which were televised via national media. It is certain and evident that a person’s implication of others under such conditions is without merit and should not be recognized. Moreover, further confirmation exists in the holy stories of the prophet and the Imams that even self-directed confessions extracted under any kind of pressure or torture (including but not limited to threats, intimidation, infliction of physical pain, confinement, and so on) are without merit.

A claim of jurisprudence that denies these lessons is a false one and opinions that negate these lessons clearly deviate [from the true foundations of Islam]. The Quranic verse “self-implication of a rational person is permitted” – confirms that only if revealed without pressure or force, is a confession valid.

In addition, article 38 of the constitution reads: “Any form of torture to force confessions, or to obtain information is forbidden. A person should not be obligated to swear, confess or bear witness as any action of that sort is without worth and legal value. Any defiance of what has been mentioned in this article will be punishable by law.” Based on the general application of this article as well as its implications, any [form] of torture to collect information or to force a confession is unlawful and confessions extracted in such a manner are without legal value and merit.

It is obvious that long-term imprisonment in solitary confinement – an act that places the accused under severe pressure to confess – is a clear example of torture. The confession of the accused (even if it’s self-implication) is neither valid nor recognized when it is a product of exerted pressure and torture, especially in its recent fearsome form and the horrifying consequences. In this situation, repeated confessions (even if announced many times in roundtable discussions and interviews) would be as worthless as the initial confession.

Moreover, it is written in Article 39 of the Constitution that “In accordance with the law, all affronts to the dignity and repute of persons arrested, detained, imprisoned, or banished whatever form they may take, are forbidden and liable to punishment.”

So, what has happened [to this country] now that prominent figures who have a long history of remarkable civil service are desecrated, and not only has nobody been punished, but the perpetrators have even been endorsed and encouraged? Moreover, the “confessions” have been recognized as credible?

What has complicated the problem and invalidated the “confessions” even further is that in our current judicial system, the plaintiffs [and prosecutors] acting against politically accused defendants (in opposition to the current government), are themselves among the interrogators and come from legal institutions tied to the government. Nowhere in the world would any sound reasoning place even the smallest amount of legal credibility or legitimacy on such trials and confessions because the plaintiff and the judge therein are one and the same. Clearly, this is contrary to the condition of having a jury based on Article 168 of the constitution. Unfortunately, this clause – like many others – has also been ignored.

The recent course of action taken by the government (including the staging of the latest show trials) is not only against the law and the benefit of the country, but also unlikely to help the authorities remain in power. If they had been more politically prudent and listened to the warnings of prominent politicians instead of clamping down on people and committing the recent atrocities; if they had listened to religious leaders and chosen an impartial committee accepted by both sides of the conflict, we would have never fallen into the current crisis of illegitimacy.

A government that has dissatisfied many classes of people and placed its intellectuals under duress is not one that will survive. The Shah’s regime could have remained in power if governance was possible with fear-mongering, with oppression and by filling the prisons with gifted, freedom-seeking individuals and various political activists.

By committing such atrocities, a system under the rule of Islam – a system that takes pride in being Shi’ite – generates pessimism towards Islam and proclaims the inability of Islam to bring about justice in a society not only on a global scale but also in our own nation; among our own masses and our youth. Unfortunately, decision-makers at the top have turned a blind eye to these obvious truths and are content to the eulogies from their poets, and the flattery from their fawners. I beseech the great God for your well-being and success on this treacherous path.

May the grace and mercy of God be upon you,

Hosseinali Montazeri

Holy City of Qom
22 September 2009

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Response of the Grand Ayatollah Saanei to Mir Hossein Mousavi's Letter
Source: Grand Ayatollah Saanei’s Website
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

In the name of the Great God,

Greetings to my honourable friend – the kind and faithful Mr. Mir Hossein Mousavi, long-time supporter of the departed Imam and of the nation,

I received your letter. We wish you success with your noble plans and projects. We hope that they will be met with increased social awareness – something that has always been at the fore of the missions of the great prophets, the sacrifices of the martyrs, the devotion of the pious and the prayers of those close to God. In addition, we anticipate the attainment of civil rights and the realization of justice as a cultural product of our society.

"Justice will be established by the people"

We must be mindful of the fact that one of the key goals of any plan is to strengthen the union between all abused people because the source of all happiness and hope lies in this very unity on the path of God. We must take great care so that, God forbid, this message of unity does not become a tool for the oppressors to [take advantage of and] attack the oppressed. Such a development would lead to nothing but further oppression.

Holy city of Qom
Yousef Saanei
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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Mousavi's 12th Statement: Beware that they do not destroy your country while they continue to destroy themselves

2009-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 12th Statement: Beware that they do not destroy your country while they continue to destroy themselves
Source: Kalemeh
Wednesday, September 9, 2009

In the name of God the Merciful and the Compassionate,

News of detainment of our dear brothers, Dr. Seyed Alireza Beheshti and Morteza Alviri, (both responsible for the committee investigating injuries triggered by recent events), and [former] Commander Moghadam (responsible for the Devotees committee of my election campaign), have produced waves of doubt and shock in those devoted to the Islamic establishment.

They are held captive while guilty of nothing but following the path of the revolution, demanding justice for unjustly-spilled blood, and assisting the families of the innocents imprisoned after the election. Right now they are in prison, while those who committed the recent atrocities are free. Meanwhile, the officials responsible claim that they will categorically investigate the recent violence. Are they doing so by destroying the evidence of crimes committed and by imprisoning those who are pursuing the rights of the victims?

People’s honor is protected through their descendents

Reverence for a celebrated figure is preserved by respecting his descendents. Today, our people are asking those who claim to be the ‘flag-bearers’ of the Islamic Revolution: in what way are you doing this for the oppressed martyr, Ayatollah Beheshti [1]?

People of Iran!

It is obvious that your efforts to return peace to our society calmly will not be met with a sensible response. Dangerous days lie ahead. The arrest of people like Dr. Beheshti is a sign of bleak events yet to happen. The unjust will perish, but what remains is what is beneficial to people.

So, what benefit is there for people in claiming the earth [when God is the only true owner]

Remain calm and vigilant. This new chain of events – like other careless actions in recent days – will lead to nothing but the destruction of your opponents. Make sure that they do not provoke you and destroy your home and your country, while they destroy themselves.

I send my condolences for the disrespect shown to Ayatollah Beheshti: to his family, his friends and his pupils, as well as to those who admire the Revolution and Islam. And I pray to God that this injury to the hearts of our people is healed by making his family’s prestige eternal.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

[1] Father of Dr. Ali Reza Beheshti, who was martyred in 1981 when he was head of the judiciary

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Mousavi's 11th Statement: The Green Path of Hope

2009-09-07T14:32:00.001-07:00

Mousavi's 11th Statement: The Green Path of Hope
Source: Kalemeh
Saturday, September 5th, 2009

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The honorable, free-spirited and vigilant people of Iran,

Nearly three months ago, when you participated in the tenth presidential election, you went to the polls with the belief that your votes would be protected against the power-hungry goals of a minority group. You had been promised this with the constant reassurance of officials and the hard work of civil institutions. But the systematic violations, fraud and the bitter events that ensued, created a great disappointment out of what should have been a triumph for our nation. With the mismanagement of the responsible officials, with the wave of propaganda propelled by state owned media, and with the attacks carried out by official and unofficial security forces on peaceful demonstrations, a problem that could have been resolved in a fair and impartial process, created ever greater fissures, uncertainty and deep, broad social divisions. The direct result of these events is nothing but a widening rift between the people and the ruling establishment.

A great number of social, political and cultural activists, the grand ayatollahs [marja] and the vigilant members of the [Qom] seminary reacted against the fabricated stories created by state media and also asked that such matters be investigated: the show trials which lack the least bit of religious or legal legitimacy, the long list of the victims, the inhumane treatment of the prisoners and the illegal detention centers. Anyone concerned for the Islamic Republic, the result of our people’s century-long struggle, and the manifestation of their efforts to achieve freedom, independence, justice and progress in the shadow of piety, is now worried.

What makes our efforts to find a solution out of this current quandary all the more necessary is the need to provide our territorial integrity, to guard our country against the voracious greed of foreign adversaries, and the need to defend the essence of the Islamic Republic. [We must commit to this] despite being fully aware that in the midst of our own state and quasi-state forces, there are individuals who know that the only way they can remain in power is by creating crises and catastrophes and keeping away from any attempt to solve the problems and quandaries in society – problems that they themselves have created. These individuals are still trying to hide and cover current crises with larger crises, and to take the level of their unwise actions to dangerous heights. To a point where after creating such levels of complexity in the affairs of the country, and without paying heed to the consequence of their actions, they are murmuring dangerous words and excuses, among them the murmurs about the great purge on free-spirited and devoted academicians.

Thus, it has become a crucial necessity to take a social approach (instead of only a political approach) to solving the current conflict. And this requires us to utilize the social capacities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

A different approach such as this one is a belief in the plurality and diversity of beliefs existent in the great, ancient and pious family which is Iran. This is the path of the divine prophets and their predecessors, and is reminiscent of divine tradition and [in such a tradition] guidance only means showing the path and the responsibility of those who claim to be religious is to create an atmosphere appropriate for growth and blossoming of humanity towards higher aims and progress. History has shown that whenever governments have aimed to abolish or dim the plurality and diversity that exists in society, they’ve had no choice but to resort to tyranny – tyranny which exists in all guises, but in essence is the same everywhere. Such solutions do not result in a homogeneous society, but rather only create hypocrisy and dichotomy in the lives of people. To carry on such acts forever is both impossible and inappropriate, according to the teachings of the Koran.

After the events which occurred in our country in such a short time, who can deny that the condition which exists in our society today is the result of the hegemony of such wrong mentality in the macro decision making process in our country? Actualizing such a public conscience is a great achievement, and sometimes centuries in the lives of civilizations and nations must pass before they achieve it, and pay a great price to do so. However, our people were able to achieve this great deed in little time, and with [relatively] little price. Our people have now realized, with every inch of their being, that the only way for the peaceful coexistence of tastes and attitudes, social layers, tribes, religions and beliefs that live in this great land, is to acknowledge this vast diversity in lifestyles and to gather around an ancient identity which links all of us. Although those who have weak or backward interpretations of religion do not understand that this statement does not mean that Islam is not the righteous religion, or the last religion or one that paves the way to the right path, rather it means:

(Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error [Holy Koran])

We are stepping on path to enlightenment that has already rejuvenated the elderly and matured the youth. I ask for God’s help for myself and for you in our struggle and I hope that with the cooperation and companionship of all the sympathizers of the establishment and the revolution the goals of the nation will be fulfilled on every stage of this struggle.

That is why despite the regretful, bitter developments of recent days, people now have valuable, timeless convictions which are leagues more important that the election of one person. And this is what drives them to participate in the events of the aftermath of the election, and warms them to paying the ultimate price that they have paid.

In the months that ensued, great forces in our nation were set free, forces which have to be utilized to the best of our ability for the long-term prosperity of this nation. Our people know what they want. They were a witness to the portrait of their glorious will in the mirror which was recent events. They know they have the capital and ability to realize their wants and in this path, they have the encouragement and help of a mass of elites and capable individuals. Thus, we all now ask one another: what should be done? This question does not come out of helplessness and ignorance, but rather, what should be done with this great capital, with this renewed hope, and with these available resources?

Truly, what should be done? In answering this question, the first step is to know what we want so that this desire portrays the best and most of what we can want. If we err in finding an answer to this question, we have lost a great deal of this capital that has been obtained. There should be a great level of care taken in answering this question. The great force that our country has been able to gather has the ability to take the country to higher spiritual and material levels on one hand, or to plunge it deeply into a long, anarchistic decline. The results of our efforts greatly depend on our correct choice in this stage.

Contrary to what the state propaganda machines project, we are the ones that desire the return of trust and calm to society and we are the ones who abstain from any violent or extreme acts. We have very clear and reasonable demands. We want to preserve the Islamic Republic, we want to reinforce our national unity, and want to revive the ethical identity of the ruling system. A restoration of public trust is not possible without the acceptance of the right of the people to govern themselves, without obtaining their final approval of their ruling system, and without transparency in the affairs of the state. In the green movement that we have begun, we have no unusual or abrupt demands. What we want is to demand the lost rights of our nation.

Demand what rights? Firstly, the rights that the constitution has considered for the people, and our request for the full and complete execution of these rights. Indeed! There have been solutions proposed in the constitution to manage certain affairs which may one day not be the answer to the needs of the country and of the world. But the path to reforming [such quandaries] has been predicted in this same constitution. In our national covenant, the legitimacy of all the pillars of the ruling system is based on the trust and vote of the people. To a point where if you look closely, even a supervisory body like the Guardian Council is not far from the auspices of the people. Yes! In the constitution, the Guardian Council has been burdened with heavy responsibilities, such as overseeing the elections – [the Guardian Council is composed of] fallible humans who might fall into the trap of sin and wrongdoing and might be tempted by power. But in this same constitution, it clearly says that people are free to hold peaceful gatherings. If only this principle from our national covenant is enacted, be certain that no one in the ruling establishment will have the opportunity to misuse their power.

Our constitution is ripe with capacities that have not been met. Our officials sometimes act as if they are free to use the extra capacities of the constitution [to their advantage]. No! It will never be so. They are responsible for realizing these capacities, all of these capacities. The constitution is a monolithic whole, and they cannot stress or exaggerate those parts which are in line with the interests of certain people or of a certain group and to ignore or to only partly carry out those parts which stress the rights of the people. After thirty years, there are still parts to this national covenant [the constitution] that provoke the anger of officials as if the person speaking of them has spoken out against the Islamic Republic itself. Providing political and social rights, eliminating discrimination, legal immunity and equality before the law, the inseparability of the freedom, independence and the territorial integrity of the country from one another, the immunity of dignity, the life and property of people, the illegality ofinquisition, the freedom of the press, the illegality of inspecting letters and wiretapping and spying on individuals, the freedom of political parties and people, the freedom to hold peaceful gatherings, concentration of government revenues in the treasury [as opposed to having them in various governmental and non-governmental treasuries], a [clear] definition for political crime and the presence of a jury in court, the freedom of expression and the right to be heard on state radio and television and the neutrality of this enterprise, … each of these has a specific article dedicated to it in our constitution. Principles which are easily and blatantly trampled and are carried out in ways which go directly against the spirit of this national covenant. This is carried on to a point where personal preference and tastes prevent the enactment of a simple article, like the right to teach local and native languages.

The same selective approach has been taken with the visions of the Islamic revolution. We want the restoration of those forgotten objectives and this great movement began in the hopes of their realization. There were mottos used during the revolution that using now makes some people [those who are against the green movement] unhappy as if they were slogans used by anti-revolutionaries. One of such slogans is freedom; freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, freedom after expression, freedom to elect and to be elected, freedom with all its beautiful meanings that our people had in mind as one of their most important objectives, which made them call their victory after the revolution spring of freedom. This freedom has meant political freedom and the right to criticize the rulers with no fear.

More oppressed than the Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic or the constitution is Islam itself – the religion of which much is spoken, but little is carried out. In most cases they screen religion, they forget whatever is not in their benefit, and they call their own [personal] tastes and expediency, Islamic Text. They go as far that lying becomes an inseparable attribute of State Media and the ugliest immoralities (torturing and killing prisoners and other shameful acts which the pen hesitates to write) are considered signs of commitment to the Prophet’s [Muhammad] religion. [The prophet] who was elected to enhance moral virtues.

If there is only one mission for a religious government, it is to prepare a background to allow people to live with faith. So why is it that our society grows more distant from faith day by day? This distance is not inherited from the revolution. There were many people who fasted for the first time in the hot summer of 1358 [1979] and they enjoyed this experience. That was what we inherited from the revolution. What we inherited from the revolution was the spirituality that we experienced during the holly war [with Iraq]. From the revolution we inherited great souls and the exceptional virtue. Our revolution showed that it is capable of providing the necessities that our society longed for. Let’s for once compare what we inherited from our Imam [Khomeyni] with what we have now in Iran: an ostentatious society where fundamentalism reigns; a society affected by fraud and deceit.

Taking a selective approach toward religion and aligning to our own tastes and profits, associating it with fundamentalism and superstition, substituting money and violence in place of wisdom and genuine advice, and bringing the clerics, this thousand year old tradition, under the government’s wing is not going to have any other result [than what has already happened]. When our Imam [Khomeyni] was talking about the pure Mohammadian Islam and putting it against the archaic Islam and American Islam, he was speaking of what is going on now. This backward interpretation might be named “Islam”, but is far from the real Islam. We want a return to the pure Mohammadian Islam, this long, forgotten religion. And God has promised that He’s going to guide us to this celestial gift: “and those who make effort for us, we certainly will show them the way”.

Haven’t you seen that He [God] kept his promise in these past few months? Our Lord didn’t ruin our faith and He is not going to do that, because He unlike those who make false claims is sympathetic and kind. “And God doesn’t ruin your faith. Of course God is sympathetic and kind toward people”2.

Our people have tasted bitterness due to the events that ensued [after the election], but who can underestimate what we have gained despite this bitterness? We feel the greatness of what we have achieved in this short period of time under our skin, in our flesh. What have we done to gain those achievements? The truth is that besides having faith in God’s word, we have not acted in accordance with much progress. Look at what has happened in recent days, each event has opened the ways of God to us, one after another. Look closely! If they close those paths too, the Lord is not unable to open new ones in front of those who work towards His aims. Goals which are secure, smooth, aims which will, no doubt, directly carry us to our destination. “Why shouldn’t we trust God now that He has shown us our ways?” 3 With access to such paths, we have no need to disobey the law, to regret non-violence, to resort to destruction, or to enter any dead-ends.

And let’s look at the other side, at those who are opposed to the people [and see] how they are going astray. They throw the children of the revolution in prison to satisfy their illusions. What do they expect to achieve from this? They arrest the victim of a terrorist act and let the attacker go to enjoy his life. Did they expect to gain anything but to lose face? They left their wisdom in dead-end road as they were going downhill, and let those extremists take the reign, extremists who attack innocent students in the dorms in the middle of the night, extremists whose common vocabulary is only profanity.

Those followers of the path of God saw their hopes in God’s promises fulfilled. Have not those who went astray from the path too [referring to the recent hardliner currents] got what they were supposed to get? [We] Witness today the reservations [of those who have purposely kept quite] and the flatteries. [We] Smell the stench of greed, of avarice and of voracity of mouths of fawners. [We] Hear today how they [referring to the hardliners] are benefiting from a spokesman who abuses the holy medium of the Friday Prayer to encourage violence and takes pride in extraction of forced confessions. [We] Feel their fear, fear of loneliness, fear of the future, fear of their destinies, a fear that they hide by inducing fear in others.

The devoted People of Iran! There is an oath on the shoulders of descendants of the Islamic Revolution that they must not stop at anything to return the Islamic Revolution to its early fundamentals. This is an oath to your friends and companions [in the establishment] that in their struggle against liars and cheaters, they must not betray the trust of the social forces created recently. At the same time, we all have the duty to maintain our courage and not be afraid to rebuke if we view an action in the betterment of our country. According to these vows, I, Mir Hossein Mousavi, would not suggest anything but the continuation of the same green path that you have followed in recent months: The Green Path of Hope. You started this path before the election, and with your determined will you are still walking on it. A path that you keep maintaining with your prayers, with your voice [‘Voice’ is translated from ‘Neda’ which is also the name of one of the symbolic martyrs in recent events] with your God is Great cries, with your rallies, big or small, with your questions, endeavors, discussions, decentralized self-developing organizations.

We used the word ‘Path’ to allude to our movement so that we would not count our achievements in the way as an end. This would allow us to always look far for a greater perfection. In addition, in this path, we look for ways that the Divine Guidance would bring along to us. We think, and we seek solutions, but we also believe that practically the only ways that work out is the way that He [the Divine] reveals to us.

On the path that God has revealed to us we have used the ‘Green’ symbol so that this may be a flag that shows our devotion to an Islam that had the kin of the prophet as its first educators – the same people who are also the kin of rationalism, kin of love and kin of enlightenment.

We chose ‘Hope’ as our asset so that we can allude to our Iranian identity. This is the same Hope that has moved this nation through the most challenging corners of history, it is the same hope that that has ensured the survival of this land during its darkest hours; [The same hope that is now] the Green Path of Hope.

A while ago, when we started using this name to declare the features of your movement, some perceived it as a new party or committee. However, this path has nothing in common with, and it’s not an alternative to the official political organizations and does not deny our needs to such organizations. Instead, it is a broad social movement to repair and create some of the most fundamental political foundations that will influence all affairs of the country and provide the essential needs of various committees and parties for proper and fruitful activism. Certainly our society requires ethical and powerful parties to realize a stable political environment; and indeed, if a time comes when the contexts of an effective and beneficial political activism is realized then maybe I and some of your colleagues too may engage our efforts in the frameworks of a more orthodox organization. The ‘Green Path of Hope’ however is not such an organization. Political Activism means that a group of like-minded people come together in a hierarchical organization. Furthermore, in a party the greatest emphasis is on compatibility of thoughts and coherency of opinions in the majority. Meanwhile, our path as a way that is supposed to lead to a renewal and strengthening of our national identity lays the emphasis on unity over minimal common interests; [Our organization is] a message-oriented one that is a collection of all the large and small civil organizations that have chosen a common goal on their path forward.

To continue and strengthen the current movement of the people, the actions we take appear like a dress that we as a tailor are sewing on its shoulders. The most elegant dresses would suit the movement only if it is cut in light of reality. The reality of the situation in our country has drastically changed from what it was before. Today, what plays the strongest role in our society is a strong and self-evolving social network that has stretched among a large group of people who are objecting to the violation of their rights. In our future decisions and solutions we must pay attention to this network’s unique features. As a response to questions like what do we do, what I suggest is the consolidation and enforcement of this social network.

The several-decade-long history of Iran that we have witnessed up close reveals to us that the collective movement of people has only become conclusive during the peak of the life, vivacity and fruitfulness of these cores [the social network.] When we talk about an active and alert society, and when we talk about a society that can effectively, willfully and creatively react to incidents and remove the possibilities of authoritarianism and irresponsibility in the constructs of power to act against its will [the society’s will], we are talking about a society that is composed of such a powerful network.

The responsibility we all have on our shoulders today, the responsibility which all groups, large and small groups, and even parties and political committees must carry is that we all must act as distinct cores to such a network.

Among the strengths of this network is the natural shape of its constituents. These units are composed of small but plural [diverse] groups of like-minded persons that know each other and trust each other because of their previous friendships, family or work relationship. It is impossible to disband these units because that would mean dissolving society. These entities have always existed but that is not sufficient to form an effective social network. Yet the first step in my proposed solution is that we Iranians, anywhere in the word we may be, should strengthen these social cores. We should build our homes facing each other. As the Koran says we should turn our homes into Qiblas [the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays], in other words we should put our emphasis on these social cores that are foundational units of our society. We should become aware of their importance and more than ever turn our attention to them such that their concealed power is revealed to us. Turn your homes into Qiblas. If we used to meet one every two months, now we should gather twice a week. This is the real power of our social network.

Gather to do what? This is usually the first question we ask each other in this situation. We usually believe that what is important in these gatherings is the activities in which we engage. This is not a correct way to see it, but it is natural [to see it that way]. For this reason [the way people perceive it], these social cores are not productive if they are not turned into centers for effective action, like the fruits of a tree which are left to rot. Therefore they [these gatherings] should be subjects of religious, social, political, scientific, cultural, artistic, athletic, charitable and other civil activities, such that in the long run, and after the passing of these waves of emotion and chaos, they continue their history-making role as we would expect.

Family gatherings, neighbors, friends, Koran reading sessions, religious groups, cultural and literary centers, associations, parties, factions, unions, groups that attend athletic or artistic events, classmates, alumni groups, colleagues that have formed friendships, etc. Each of us is a member of a few of these societies that form a context for dialogue and communication between our social cores. The recent experiences have shown that the small media created out of these relationships can act more quickly and effectively than any other mass media only if the capacities of this network are realized through an agreement on a great vision.

We will succeed in forming effective relationships only if we voice a common ideal. [This common ideal can be] a profound and accurate slogan that is capable of catering to our needs. An important part of the capabilities that have been built into our social networks is because we have found this common ideal and vision. A golden balance is the important requirement of this ideal and vision. Such that adding to [this vision] might mean that some will not want or will not be able to join [this movement] and reducing from it will mean that certain layers [of society] will not be able to find their hopes within it. This is our biggest [social] capital and we should carefully attempt to protect and purify it.

The support of the majority would have been sufficient if we had merely participated in an election. But in an enormous social movement the majority achieves victory when it reaches consensus. And it will enjoy an unopposed legitimacy when it shows attention to the concerns and the rights of those people who might think differently from it now or in the future.

We cannot expect a society, where a considerable number of people are struggling with their basic needs to widely participate in the political process. Of course this relationship is two-sided. A society deprived of fundamental freedoms and knowledge is incapable of providing a living standard that [its constituents] deserve. And at times of legendary [oil] income [the government] not only advancing the agenda of a charity economy, but also, does not achieve anything more than conceding the market and the national economy to foreigners. It is our belief that freedom is sustainable only when it comes with equality. Equally important to restrictions for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly is the widespread existence of poverty, corruption and discrimination that darkens the prospects of reaching an ideal society based on the constitution. [This is] particularly [true] since the policies of recent years do not entail a clear remedy for this situation. The fundamental damage to the national production has made continuity of profitable economic activity only a wishful desire, and securing an appropriate occupation is the desperate concern of young population and their families.

The path of God is diverse. To oppose tyranny and dictatorship and to achieve a progressive Iran, we should not be confined to one [path] or only accompany our like-minded companions. We need a discipline in our relationships such that the abduction of our companions and the destruction of units of this social network by forces of tyranny and injustice do not damage its livelihood and dynamics. Hence, we can remain capable of distinguishing our future goals based on the collective wisdom at each stage, and march towards these goals in great leaps.

If a political faction whose delusion of power is founded on opposing the [will of] the public and their just rights has a desire to solve this crisis, the least they can do at this stage to achieve this [desire] is as follows:

We are stepping on path to enlightenment that has already rejuvenated the elderly and matured the youth. I ask for God’s help for myself and for you in our struggle and I hope that with the cooperation and companionship of all the sympathizers of the establishment and the revolution the goals of the nation will be fulfilled on every stage of this struggle.

1. Form a truth finding commission and arbitration that is acceptable to all stakeholders in the tenth presidential election and investigate the crimes and fraud that were carried out and punish all wrongdoers.
2. A revision of the election laws such that conditions are formed for fair and just elections which people can trust
3. Identify and punish the parties involved in the atrocities that occurred in the aftermath of the election against the people in all police, military and media institutions.
4. Attend to those who have suffered in the aftermath of the election, and the families of the victims. The release of all political activists and people who were arrested over the election, and put an end to their trial, redeem their dignity and put an end to the threats and harassments that they are still subject to, [harassments like] coercing them into giving up their rights and take back their complaints.
5. Enforce article 168 of the constitution to define political crime, and try the political crimes in the presence of a jury.
6. Guarantee the freedom of press, changing the biased behavior of National TV, removing restrictions imposed on political parties and groups, allowing different perspectives to be presented in the media, especially national TV. Reforming the national TV constitution such that it can be held accountable for its illegal actions.
7. Put the created capacities to action in light of a reading from the 44th article of the constitution to create private television and radio.
8. Guarantee the fundamental rights of people, the freedom to assembly and rallies by enforcing the 27th article of the constitution.
9. Legislate a ban on the interference of military officials in political affairs and prevent intervention of military forces in economic activities.

We are stepping on path to enlightenment that has already rejuvenated the elderly and matured the youth. I ask for God’s help for myself and for you in our struggle and I hope that with the cooperation and companionship of all the sympathizers of the establishment and the revolution the goals of the nation will be fulfilled on every stage of this struggle.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=132573722605

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=409

Mousavi's 10th Statement: The "Trial" of a Group of the Green Movement

2009-08-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 10th Statement: The "Trial" of a Group of the Green Movement
Sunday, August 2, 2009 at 6:02am

Translated by Sara Azad

Ghalam: Mir Hossein Mousavi released a strong statement regarding the “trial” of a group of the Green movement activist.

This statement is as follows:

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful

They are claiming that the children of this Revolution have confessed to having ties with the foreigners and to conspiring for overthrowing the Islamic Republic, in a “trial” that was staged yesterday. I paid attention to the depth of their words and did not find such claims; rather I heard them telling their painful story with deep cry on what they went through during these past fifty days; broken men who would have confessed to anything else they we ordered to; truly what else they could have told other than the suffering they went through. They were saying that Mohsen Rohol-Amini was martyred because of a reason. They were saying that if they were not resisting for the past fifty days this show would have been staged many weeks ago. They were saying that whatever they were ordered to confess was not their true words.

The teeth of torturers and those who forcefully obtain confessions have reached the people’s bone to the point that now they dare to pick their victims from those who have great contributions to the country and the Islamic Republic in their resumes; and are threatening those who were among the founders of this revolution from the very beginning and had the most distinguished roles in its prosperity. Are you threatening those who were wishing to be martyred for the illuminating path of the Islamic Revolution to anything less than that? Or after taking the “Republic” part of the “Islamic Republic” to the slaughter-house now you are also targeting its “Islamic” part and its dignity with such disgraceful actions? The only certain judgment of the human conscience from witnessing such staged trials is the fall of morality and the discredit of their directors.

The scenes we saw and you saw, are nothing but sloppy preparations for the initiation of the tenth administration. They expect from a “trial” which all of its elements are forged to prove lack of forgery in the [recent] election. If you are not into forgery then show it by [at least] abiding to the apparent basics of a legal process. By a weak statement with irrelevant story, by referring to books that are bulkily discarded, by relying on reports from reporters that no one has ever heard their names, and by referring to [so called] confessions that traces of medieval tortures are apparent in them, they expect people to accept what? Haven’t they read that the great prophet [Mohammad] (peace be upon him) said that there is no blame on one who confesses after being tortured and there is no true confession made by one who is imprisoned or in chain and have been threatened (Al-Ghadir, sixth volume).

Our people are sympathizing with their sons who saw their faces after 50 days of having no news [about them]. Brothers! Don’t be sad. Beware that people understand your situation and know that saving your lives is more important than anything else. Soon the nation will witness the trial of those who committed these crimes and identify the interrogators and torturers who play with their lives and dignities like this.

[From The Holy Quran:] and if God wanted to punish people because of their oppression, he would leave not the slightest one spare; but he is postponing their punishment until a certain time and as soon as their deaths arrive, they cannot alter that by even an hour.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=115535987605

Mousavi's Statement to Supporters

2009-07-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's Statement to Supporters
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 22:01

As expected, the Guardian Council finally certified the election results after putting up a show that did not attract anyone’s attention, and ignoring all the fraud and violations that took place…From now on, we will have a government which is in the worst shape in terms of its relationship to the nation, and the majority of the people, including myself, do not accept its legitimacy. “…” It is feared that because of the numerous inherent weaknesses of [this government], it will fall in the trap of granting advantages to the aliens.

People’s trust [in the government] has been lost and denying this fact will not be beneficial. …A regime that relied on people’s trust for 30 year cannot replace that trust with military force overnight. … How can people trust a government that imprisons their friends, colleagues and children based on its own illusions? A military environment only hurts people’s feelings towards the regime. Free media are the respiratory channels of a healthy society; to regain people’s trust do not clog these channels…We alienate everyone from ourselves with smallest excuses…until we are all alone. This is not the way of the Islamic Revolution or Islam, which opens its arms to everyone…..

Despite what happened, we have not lost our great dreams…during the past few months.…All the efforts against you is to make you lose hope in the fruitfulness of your legal protests. It is our historic responsibility to continue our protest and not abandon our efforts to demand the rights of the people. It is our religious obligation not to allow the revolution and the regime to be transformed to something that is rejected by Islam. It is our revolutionary responsibility not to allow the blood of thousands of martyrs to be degraded to a military regime.…

I encourage all the decision-making bureaus not to act like the Guardian Council and leave room to repair mistakes. “…” Our story, no matter how bitter, is a family dispute. If we act prematurely and allow the foreigners to intervene, we will soon regret it. We are at a time when the solution to many of our problems is law. True! Law is not always without flaws. True! Common law is a social contract and like any agreement, it has to be obeyed as long as both parties are committed to it. True! Your (people’s) opposition undermines the constitution; it deprives you from your right to assemble; even if you tie a green piece of cloth to your wrist as a sign of protest, the same people who are responsible for security beat you up. “…” However, our efforts are not to get revenge. Our movement is an attempt to correct and improve our country. To reach this goal, we have to respect even the corpse of law because we know that tomorrow, when we reach our goals, the first thing we need to establish is a commitment to law. “…”

I invite all of you to brotherhood. Our victory depends on your collaboration and this includes the people who voted for other [candidates.] Even those who are against us now and resort to violence share our brotherhood. Because we seek a future where even the person who has beaten our sister and brother in the street [will have a better life.]

At first our goal was to return religious wisdom to the management of our country but in the process, we have been led to higher goals. “…” Today, the public demands the handling of the elections with competency in a way that it would gain national trust and leaves no room for lies and fraud. This has become an undeniable public request…

Several characters and groups have come to me and asked me to forgive what happened in the past. Perhaps they do not realize that I let go off my own personal rights from the beginning. But the issue of the elections was not and is not a personal matter. I cannot let go of or compromise people’s rights which have been violated. The issue is our regime’s republicanism and even its Islamic character. If we do not stand up, there will be no guarantee that what happened in recent elections will not happen in the future. A group of elite are going to come together and create a legal organization to safeguard the dishonored rights and votes of the people by publishing the documents and proofs of fraud and referring to judicial courts. They will regularly announce the results to the people. I will also join this group. This group will demand the enforcement of the constitutional articles that have been violated and in addition, it will pursue the following:

* Stop security and military involvement in electoral issues and return the country to its normal political environment
* Revise the electoral laws in order to eliminate the possibility of widespread fraud and guarantee the neutrality of the overseeing agencies
* Observance of article 27 of the constitution regarding freedom of assembly
* Freedom of the media
* Reactivate independent news websites
* Ban illegal government intervention in communication channels such as Internet, text messaging, and prevent the disconnection of phones and eavesdropping on people’s conversations
* Stop biased treatments, accusations, lies and insults on the state media
* Have independent TV channels inside and outside the country
* Issue permits for social, political, cultural and economic gatherings
* Release of all political prisoners, annulment of all forged security cases

In the end, I wish peace upon all the honorable people of our country, whether they voted for my or not, and especially those who were injured during the recent unfortunate events. I also pay tribute to the martyrs who rolled in their blood in pursuit of their rights and freedom and I ask the Almighty God to give their families patience.

National Iranian American Council
http://niacblog.wordpress.com

Enduring America
http://enduringamerica.com/2009/07/01/iran-text-of-mousavis-statement-to-supporters-1-july/

Mousavi's Official Message to Iranians Abroad (English + French)

2009-07-22T10:52:00.001-07:00

Mousavi's Official Message to Iranians Abroad (English + French)
Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 7:26pm

Before reading consider the fact that real change comes from within, as you have seen during the last weeks.

In the Name of the God, The Compassionate, The Merciful

Dear compatriots,

Honorable Iranians living abroad,

Your widespread and energetic presence in this year’s 22 Khordad elections is indicative of your ties to our beloved Iran, and your admirable worries about the future of your country, and as I mentioned to you in my election message, Iran belongs to all Iranians and all layers of the populous are responsible for its future, and enjoy the same rights in it.

I feel obliged to thank you for your epic presence in determining the future of your country. Your widespread welcoming of these elections and your green and energetic presence at the ballot boxes was so large that it even forced the government and the organizers of the elections to admit to a 300% increase in the participation of Iranians in the tenth presidential elections outside of the country.

Your trust in this insignificant civil servant and your decisive vote for me in most of the voting stations outside of the country has placed a heavy burden on my shoulders. I would like to give you my assurance that I remain true to my existing pact with you and all layers of the great people of Iran, and using all legal avenues will demand your deserved rights that have been violated at the ballot boxes.

Unfortunately, as you witness in the international media, contrary to the letter of the constitution, and the stated freedoms in the Islamic Republic, all my communication with the people and you has been cut off, and people’s peaceful objections are being crushed. The national media which is being financed with public funds, with a revolting misrepresentation is changing the truth, and labels the peaceful march of close to three million people as anarchist, and the media that are being controlled by the government have become the mouthpiece of those who have stolen the people’s votes.

I’d like to thank you again for your peaceful objections which have received widespread coverage across the world, and would like to ask you that by using all legal channels, and by remaining faithful to the sacred system of the Islamic Republic, to make sure that your objections are heard by the authorities in the country. I am fully aware that your justified demands have nothing to do with groups who do not believe in the sacred Islamic Republic of Iran’s system. It is up to you to distance yourself from them, and do not allow them to misuse the current situation.

Mir Hossein Mousavi
1388/4/3

Special thanks for the Translation: iranshahamat@yahoo.com

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=100822597605

Mousavi's 6th Statement to the Iranian People

2009-07-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Mousavi's 6th Statement to the Iranian People
Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:36am

In the Name of God

Noble and vigilant people of Iran,

In the past few days, Seda & Sima, governmental news agencies, some governmental newspapers, internet sites close to the government, and Kayhan newspaper, have dedicated a substantial portion of their coverage to inverting the truth about what happened before, during, and after the tenth presidential elections in Iran. Using resources that belong to you, they not only have attempted to hide the recent heart wrenching events, but have tried to portray their direct and indirect organizers as those who have helped you in demanding your rights.

The reality that they foolishly try to ignore is that in this election a massive fraud has taken place, and those who later objected were attacked in an inhumane manner, killed, injured, or detained. Had those responsible for the murders of Kooy-e Daneshgah on 18 Tir 1378 been confronted under the law and in an appropriate manner, today we wouldn’t have to bear witness to the same type of tragedies on a larger scale, and wouldn’t have to hear the truth being bent in a more brazen fashion.

It’s the same people that still, by relying on resources that belong to the people, and in support of the interests of their own groups, continue to create dossiers for others, lie without hesitation, and attribute to me what they themselves are responsible for. What they fail to understand is that these well known tactics will not force Mousavi out of the scene. What took place in the past few days has targeted the fundamentals of the Islamic republic’s system which is our heritage from our beloved Imam and our noble martyrs, something that one cannot passively ignore, or surrender in response to these types of accusations or the under the threat of a trial.

Not only am I not worried about responding to these accusations, but I am ready to show how electoral criminals lined up next to the real culprits of the recent unrest, and spilled people’s blood, and now try to depict the scenes that have been witnessed by hundreds of people and tens of images, in a different light; I am ready to show how those whose actions are in line with creating havoc in the country, weakening the system, and in support of foreign interests, using the excuse of the destructive behavior of an unknown group, tried to depict your green movement as anarchist and dependent on foreign powers; but I am not ready to stop standing, even for a second, in the shadow of the green tree of restoring the rights of the people of Iran, that has been unjustly fed with the blood of the youth of this country. Of the total ballots cast in boxes, only one belongs to me, and you well know that their issue is with the fate of millions of votes cast that they have no answer for.

Mir Hossein Mousavi
31 Khordad 1388

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Mousavi's 6th Statement to the Iranian People
06-21-2009

In the name of God the Compassionate the Merciful

We belong to God, and to God we will return. [Koranic quote]

The heart-rending news of the martyrdom of another group of protesters to the widespread rigging of the recent elections has plunged our society into disbelief and mourning. Shooting at people, the militarization of the city, intimidation, incitement, and display of power are all illegitimate children of the severe bypassing of the law that we are currently endangered by. It is intriguing that those who cause this situation are blaming others for it. I would like to inform those who call people lawbreakers for expressing their views that the big lawbreaking is the government's ignoring and explicit contravention of Article 27 of the constitution in issuing permit for peaceful gatherings. Should the revolutionary people who, with similar gatherings, saved you & us from the forgotten hellhole of the Shah's past tyranny be beaten up, injured, threatened, and challenged to confrontation.

As a fellow mourner I keep inviting the dear people to self-control. This country belongs to you. The revolution and regime is your heritage. Protesting to deception and fraud is your right. Hope for reclaiming your rights and don't let your anger be stirred by those who endeavor to intimidate you and take your hope away. Keep committed to avoiding violence in your protests and act towards the security forces like parents do to children's deviant behaviors. Meanwhile I expect the military forces and the police not to let the memories of these days irreversibly damage their relationship with the people. That the names and descriptions of the martyrs, the injured, and the arrested is not given to their families and they are kept in the dark does not have any benefits for establishing calm and it only stirs emotions. Also mass arrests that only cause a loss of authority and respect between the military and police "children" and the body of society.

I ask God on high for mercy and highest ranks for these dear martyrs and I wish patience and reward for their bereaved families.

Mir-Hossein Mousavi
21 June 2009

Source: Kalameh, available from http://kalemeh.ir/vdcc.4qoa2bqmmla82.html

Iranian Presidential Election News
http://elections.7rooz.com/englishnews/Mousavi%27s_statement_number_6_to_Iranian_people

Mousavi's 5th Statement to the Iranian People

2009-07-22T10:48:00.001-07:00

Mousavi's 5th Statement to the Iranian People
06-20-2009

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

God commands you to return what you've been entrusted with to its owners, and to judge in justice when you judge among the people. [Koranic quote]

Honorable and intelligent people of Iran,

These days and nights a turning point is being forged in the history of our nation. People are asking each other and also me, when amongst them, what should be done and in which direction we should go. I consider myself responsible to share what I believe with you, to talk to you and learn from you. Let us hope that we will not forget our historical mission and will not shirk from the burden of duty put on our shoulders by the destiny of generations and ages.

Thirty years ago a revolution succeeded in our country in the name of Islam; a revolution for freedom, a revolution for the rekindling of the compassion of human beings, a revolution for truth and honesty. During this period, and especially during the life of our perspicacious Imam, vast investments of life, property, and honor were made to consolidate this blessed monument, and precious achievements were attained. An illumination, never experienced before, encompassed our society and people arrived at a new life that was sweet for them, in spite of most difficult hardships. I am confident that people who have seen those days will not consent to anything less.

Have we people become unworthy, resulting in our not experiencing that exhilarating atmosphere anymore? I had come to say that is not the case; it is not too late yet and our path is not far from that illuminated atmosphere. I had come to show that you can live spiritually within today's world. I had come to retell the warnings of our Imam about ossification. I had come to say that bypassing the law results in tyranny; to remind that attention to human beings' generosity does not weaken the foundation of the regime, but strengthens them. I had come to say that people expect truth and honesty from their servants [a government dedicated to serving the people] and a lot of our troubles have arisen from lies. I had come to say that backwardness, poverty, corruption, and injustice is not our destiny. I had come to invite to the Islamic Revolution as it was, and to the Islamic Republic as it should be.

I was not eloquent in this invitation, but the noble message of [original 1979] Revolution was so pleasant, even coming from my inadequate expressions, that it excited the younger generation, a generation that had not seen those times and felt a distance between themselves and this great inheritance, and reconstructed scenes only seen during in the times of the [Iranian Revolution] movement and the Holy Defense [the Iran-Iraq war]. The spontaneous movement of the people chose the color green as its symbol. I confess that I followed them in this matter. And the generation that was accused of being far from religious roots, arrived at Takbir among its slogans and leaned against "Victory Comes from God and an Opening is Around", "O Husayn" and the name of Khomeini to prove that this fine tree brings similar fruit whenever it bears fruit. Nobody had taught them these slogans except the Innate Teacher [God]. So unfair are those whose little interests makes them call this miracle of the Islamic Revolution fabricated by foreigners and a "velvet revolution".

But as you know, all of us were confronted with lies and fraud in the way of renewing the life of the nation and realizing the ideals that have roots in the heart and soul of our old and young, and our prediction of the consequences of lawlessness materialized in the most explicit shape possible and in the shortest time.

The great participation in this election was, in the first degree, indebted to the efforts for creating hope and trust among the people, to obtain a befitting response to the existing administrative crises and the widespread social dissatisfaction, whose accumulation can target the bedrock of the Revolution and the Regime. If this good faith and trust coming from the people is not answered by protecting their votes, or the people can not react in a civil and peaceful way to defend their rights, there will be dangerous pathways ahead, responsibility for which lies with those who can't stand peaceful behaviors.

If the high volume of cheating and vote manipulation, that has put a fire to the foundations of people's trust, is itself introduced as the proof and evidence of the lack of fraud, the republicanism of the regime will be slaughtered and the idea of incompatibility of Islam and republicanism would be practically proven. Such a fate will make two groups happy; one group being those who arrayed their troops against the Imam [Khomeini] from the beginning of the Revolution and assumed that the Islamic government is the same as Tyranny of the Rightful and, in their false surmise, want to bring people to Heaven by force, and the other group being those who, by claiming to defend the rights of the people, basically consider religion and Islam to be blockers for realization of republicanism. The wondrous craft of the Imam was rendering the witchcraft of these dualisms null and void. I had come to neutralize the efforts of the witches who have found a new life.

Now by endorsing what happened in the elections, the government officials have taken responsibility for it, and have set limits on the results of any further investigation and auditing, in such a way that such an investigation should not annul the election or change its results, even while the number of votes cast in 170 voting centers has exceeded the number of people eligible to vote there. In this situation, we are being told to follow up on our objection with the Guardian Council, but this council have proven their lack of neutrality in their acts, before, during, and after the election. But a prerequisite for any fair arbitration is observing impartiality.

I still strongly believe that the request for annulment of this election and a renewed election is a given right and it should be investigated impartially by a board trusted nationally, instead of rejecting the possibility of any positive results from the investigation beforehand; or propose the possibility of bloodshed in order to keep people from rallying and demonstrating; or the National Security Council, instead of answering the righteous question about the role of plainclothes in attacking people and public property, and inflaming public movements, resolves to [pyschological projection] and blaming others for the tragedies that have happened.

As I look at the scene, I see that it has been set to achieve more than just forcing an unwanted government on the nation, it is set to achieve a new type of political life in the country. As a companion who has seen the beauty of your green wave of participation, I will never allow anybody’s life to be endangered because of my actions. At the same time, I stand by my firm belief of this election being null and void, and insist on reclaiming people’s rights, and in spite of the little power I possess, I believe that your motivation and creativity can still result in following up your legitimate rights in new and civil guises. Be confident that I will stand by your side at all times. What this brother of yours advises for finding these new solutions, especially to the beloved youth, is: Don’t let the liars and fraudsters steal the flag of defending the Islamic regime from you; Don’t let "the delinquents and the strangers" [quote from Ayatollah Khomeini, quotation marks ours] confiscate from you the precious heritage of the Islamic Revolution, which is built from the blood of your honest fathers. With trust in God and hope for the future and relying on your capabilities, continue your social movements based on freedoms explicitly stated in the constitution and stay away from violence, as you have been doing. In this road, we are not up against the Basij members; Basiji's are our brothers. In this road, we are not up against the Revolutionary Guard members; they are protectors of our Revolution and regime. We are not up against the military; they are the protectors of our [country's] borders. We are not up against our sacred regime and its legal structures; this structure guards our Independence, Freedom, and Islamic Republic. We are up against the deviations and deceptions and we want to reform them; a reformation that returns us to the pure principles of the Islamic Revolution.

We recommend those involved [the office-holders] to, in accordance with Article 27 of the constitution, not only facilitate non-violent gatherings in order to achieve peace in the streets, but also encourage such gatherings and release radio and television from the shackle of ill-speaking and biased behavior. They should let the voices, before becoming cries, to get corrected and balanced in this flowing media in the shape of good argumentation and disputation. They should let the press criticize, report the news as it is, and in short provide a free space for people to express their agreements and disagreements. Let us let those who like to say Takbir's say them, and let us not treat them as opposing us. It is perfectly clear that in this case, there won't be a need for the presence of military and regulatory forces in the streets, and we won't come face to face with scenes that upon watching them or hearing about them brings pain to the heart of everyone interested in the Revolution and the country.

Your brother and companion, Mir-Hossein Mousavi

Source: Kalameh, available from http://www.kalemeh.ir/vdcf.cd1iw6dexgiaw.txt

Iranian Presidential Election News
http://elections.7rooz.com/englishnews/Mousavi%27s_statement_number_5_to_Iranian_people#iranelection

Mousavi's Open Letter to Security Council of the Country

2009-07-22T10:43:00.002-07:00

Mousavi's Open Letter to Security Council of the Country
06-17-2009

In the Name of God the Almighty

Security Council of the Country, [the council that supervises the police wing of Iranian Ministry of Interior]

During recent days, it's been observed frequently that accompanying the law-enforcement forces, there are people appearing all around the city with no specified legal standing using cold weapons (like [improvised] hose [parts], clubs, chains, iron rods, and ...) and sometimes firearms. They attack the lines of protestors before the law-enforcement forces and while provoking gatherings, they also destroy people's property and vehicles. I remind that council that this ominous phenomenon, those in charge of establishing security and public order using plain-clothes forces among their lines, only shows that the law-enforcement force is completely aware of the discrepancy of its actions with its lawful status and responsibility, in a way that it does not want the disgrace of these acts to be attributed to its uniform. Liberty, order, and security are among the basic and conjoined rights of citizens, but in the recent period, all three have been invaded by the plain-clothes forces.

While condemning this method, I emphatically request the concerned officials to stop the interference of these individuals, in order to help preserve the peace and avoid provoking the people's spontaneous and non-violent gatherings.

Mir-Hossein Mousavi

Source: Ghalam News, available from http://ghalamnews.ir/news-21154.aspx

Iranian Presidential Election News
http://elections.7rooz.com/englishnews/Mousavi%27s_open_letter_to_Security_Council_of_the_Country

"Stand by Me" - Andy, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora & Friends

2009-07-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Stand by Me" - Andy, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora & Friends
06-27-2009

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RASKaZFZtS8

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"Stand by Me"

On June 24, Iranian Superstar Andy Madadian went into an LA recording studio with Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and American record producers Don Was and John Shanks to record a musical message of worldwide solidarity with the people of Iran. This version of the old Ben E. King classic is not for sale - it was not meant to be on the Billboard charts or even manufactured as a CD.....it's intended to be downloaded and shared by the Iranian people...to give voice to the sentiment that all people of the world stand together....the handwritten Farsi sign in the video translates to "we are one". If you know someone in Iran - or someone who knows someone in Iran - please share this link

CREDITS:
STAND BY ME

Andy - Vocals
Jon Bon Jovi - Vocals
Richie Sambora - Electric Guitar and Vocals
John Shanks - Acoustic Guitar
Don Was - Bass
Patrick Leonard - Keyboards
Jeff Rothchild - Drums
Tiffany Madadian and Nikki Lund - Background Vocals

Produced by Don Was & John Shanks
Recorded and Mixed by Jeff Rothchild at Henson Studio C, Hollywood, CA
June 24, 2009

Thanks to Faryal Ganjehei

Written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller
Farsi lyric by Paksima Zakipour
Video Edited by Gemma Corfield
Mastered by Stephen Marcussen

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http://www.youtube.com/Mousavi1388