Mousavi’s Interview About Ayatollah Khomeini’s Character and His Era

Mousavi’s Interview About Ayatollah Khomeini’s Character and His Era
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 4:06am

Iranian opposition leader, Mir Hosein Mousavi says Islamic Republic rulers have turned into violent and oppressive “jailors” of the people, denying them their legitimate liberties, Kaleme website reported today. He also condemned the parliament for its inability to hold the government responsible for its “financial violations” regarding the use of the national budget. Reportedly the government has refused to report all its financial activities to the parliament.In reference to his stance regarding Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Mousavi maintained that he is faithful to the ideals set out by the late ruling cleric; however, he does not aim for a return to that time.While he admitted his great affection for Ayatollah Khomeini, he said that he also has criticisms of the time of the Leader of the Revolution. He added: “Our intention in looking back at that time does not mean that we want to return to that era but rather to remind ourselves of the roots and the main directions of the Revolution which were justice, freedom and spirituality.” Mousavi also condemned the official media for representing a “distorted” image of Ayatollah Khomeini to the public and maintained that if they continue in this manner, people will “deplore” the past more and more.

(English summary by Radio Zamaaned)

The full text of this interview is as follows:

Kaleme: 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.

Kaleme: 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.

Kaleme: 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.

Kaleme: 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

With special thanks to Khordaad88 for full English translation

Khordaad 88
http://khordaad88.com/?p=1623

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Mousavi Condemned Israel's Deadly Attack on Humanitarian Ships

Mousavi Condemned Israel's Deadly Attack on Humanitarian Ships
Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at 3:25am

Following the deadly attack by Israel in international waters on flotilla of humanitarian aid-carrying ships destined for Gaza, Mir Hossein Mousavi in a statement strongly condemned this horrendous act. The full text of this statement is as follows:

Once again in a new act of aggression, the occupying regime of Al-Quds raided the convoy of civilian flotilla ships carrying aid for the Muslim people of Gaza and unveiled its violence seeking nature. This attack that left many dead or injured, is the flagrant violation of international laws and basic human rights. I, along with the justice seeking Green Movement around the world and in a united voice with all those who seek freedom, condemn this international crime and while expressing sympathy with the oppressed people of Palestine and offering my condolences to the people of Turkey for the loss of a number of their fellow citizens, urge the international community to firmly confront the perpetrators of this inhumane act and the violators of human dignity.

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Joint Letter to Request Permit to Hold Rally

Joint Letter to Request Permit to Hold Rally
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 1:33pm

Date: 1389/3/10 (May 31, 2010)

Source: Saham News
http://www.sahamnews.org/?p=3149

Joint letter to request permit to hold rally by Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi:

In the name of God

Dear Mr. Tamaddon, the honourable Governor of Tehran

With greeting and respect,

Due to the rare and prideful attendance of the great nation of Iran, the tenth presidential election of Iran turned into another glorious event in Iran’s political history and now we are approaching the anniversary of this historic event that because of the serious doubts about its announced results caused some bitter events in the country.

Therefore, we hereby according to Article 27 * of the constitution and the citizens’ rights request to have permit for a peaceful rally on 1389/3/22 (June 12, 2010) from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square.

God willing, with the issue of permit for this rally, we will witness glorious presence of knowledgeable, spiritual and revolutionary groups to defend the virtue of the ideas of the Islamic Republic’s divine establishment.

Mehdi Karroubi / Mir Hossein Mousavi

* Article 27 of Islamic Republic's constitution [Freedom of Assembly] : Public gatherings and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.

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Mousavi’s Statement Regarding Recent Executions

Mousavi’s Statement Regarding Recent Executions
Monday, May 10, 2010 at 11:28am

Mir Hossein Mousavi released a statement regarding the executions of 5 Kurdish political prisoners yesterday

Yesterday morning, five political prisoners were executed at Evin prison. Tehran’s prosecutor accused them of attempting for bomb plots in government’s centers as well as being members of armed opposition groups. Farzad Kamangar, Ali Heydarian, Farhad Vakili, Shirin Alam-Holy, Mehdi Islamian, were hanged yesterday at Evin prison despite the fact that they had denied such allegations and there were no complete and fair trials of them for these serious charges. In reaction to these sudden executions so close to the anniversary of the rigged presidential election, Mir Hossein Mousavi issued the following statement

The full text of this statement is as follows:

The sudden execution of five of the citizens of this country without giving any clear explanations regarding their charges, prosecution procedure and trials to the people, is just similar to the unjust trend that in the recent months have led to the surprising sentences for a lot of caring women, men and citizens of our country.

When the Judiciary shifts its position from supporting the oppressed toward supporting authorities and those in power, it is hard to stop people from judging that the judiciary sentences are unjust. How is it that today the courts pass on those who ordered and committed the crimes of Kahrizak prison [1], University dormitories [2], Sobhan residence [3], the days of 15th and 20th of June [4] and Bloody Ashura [5], and closes the thick corruption cases before opening them [6] and then suddenly on the eve of the month of Khordaad [7] (June), the month of consciousness and seeking justice, hangs these five individuals with so many unanswered questions?! Is this the Alavi [8] justice that you were after?!

1-The prison that many of those who were arrested in the peaceful protests after the election were detained, tortured, raped and some even killed in it.

2-Referring to the attacks by Basij and plain clothes militia on University dormitories and brutal beating of students as well as destroying their belongings following the students protests to the rigged presidential elections.

3-Referring to the Sobhan residence that Basij and plain clothes militia attacked at night and vandalized people’s cars in the parking and damaged the building in the aftermath of the election.

4-Referring to the days that peaceful protestors were brutally attacked and some killed by security forces, Basij and plain clothes militia days after the rigged presidential election in June 2009

5-Referring to the religious day that marks the martyrdom of the Third Imam of Shias and the peaceful mourners were inhumanly attacked and butchered by security forces and plain clothes militia in December.

6-Referring to the massive corruption case of Ahmadinejad’s deputy which was raised in the parliament by some MPs but then according to informal reports was closed before even getting to the court by an order from the supreme leader and was never talked about again.

7-Khordaad is the third month of Persian calendar and the month that one year ago the tenth rigged presidential election was held which intrigued all the protests.

8-Alavi is the name affiliated with those who follow Imam Ali, the first Imam of Shias who is well known for his justice and fairness.

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Mousavi’s Condolence Message for the Martyrdom of a Veteran Commander

Mousavi’s Condolence Message for the Martyrdom of a Veteran Commander
Friday, April 23, 2010 at 4:31am

Mir Hossein Mousavi issued a condolence message for the martyrdom of one of the commanders of the Iran-Iraq war who after long and painful illness due to his exposure to chemical gas (used by Iraq during the war) passed away couple of days ago. In this message Mousavi praised the bravery and courage of this departed commander and expressed his deep sympathy with his family and fellow comrades. Mir Hossein Mousavi was the prime minister during the 8 year Iran-Iraq war.

The full text of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s condolence message is as follows:

In the name of Almighty God

The great and brave warrior, veteran Seyyed Mostafa Almousavi, after long time suffering from the injuries due to his long presence at the front lines during the holy defence ear (Iran-Iraq war) was honored with martyrdom.

I express my condolences for his martyrdom to all the warriors of the holy and honorable defence ear and to his respected family.

He formed the initial core of the Division of Ashura and was a close friend of many devoted commanders. May God return his and his fellow martyred comrades souls to heaven with the souls of martyrs of Karbala (Imam Hossein, Shia’s 3rd Imam and the Grandson of the prophet Mohammad and 72 of his close allies and family members who were martyred by the tyrant ruler of the time in a land called Karbala)

Mir Hossein Mousavi

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Mousavi’s Condolence Message for Departure of Ayatollah Montazeri's Wife

Mousavi’s Condolence Message for Departure of Ayatollah Montazeri's Wife
Monday, March 29, 2010 at 6:25am

Mir Hossein Mousavi in a letter to Ahmad Montazeri, the eldest son of late Grand Ayatollah Montazeri (the spiritual leader of the Green Movement), expressed his deepest condolences for the departure of Lady Rabbani, wife of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri. The condolence message of Mir Hossein Mousavi to Ahmad Montazeri is as follow:

Dear Hojjatol-Islam Ahmad Montazeri,

I express my condolences for the departure of your honorable, anguished and virtuous mother to you and your respected family. She was a righteous and patient lady in the path of Islam and Revolution and a loyal companion for her noble and combatant spouse during the ups and downs of their lives in the past decades; and sacrificed a valuable Marty like Mohammad Montazeri, her son, in God’s path.

May almighty God have his great mercy on her soul and give you and your dear family patience and bless you and your family.

Mir Hossein Mousavi
29 March 2010

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Mousavi: We Attend the Rally With the Spirit of Togetherness

Mousavi: We Attend the Rally With the Spirit of Togetherness
Monday, February 8, 2010 at 8:10am

Mousavi: We should attend the rally with the spirit of togetherness while maintaining our identity / The Green Movement is friend even with those who don’t agree with us

Mir Hossein Mousavi in a meeting with a group of students and youth said: Disgracing and insulting people and the freedom of thought has nothing to do with Islam / I believe that the nation knows what is best for it and the collective wisdom is the superior wisdom and that is why the Islamic Revolution happened / If we want to save Islam as an asset for the nation, our own interests should not endanger the interests of Islam / The main concern of the founder of the revolution was that there would be any damage to Islam / The only demand of the force that has come to the scene today is to return to the main laws and values of the Islamic Revolution, but is being falsely accused / The Green Movement of the nation of Iran is independent, rational and peaceful / We are not opposed to Basij, the Revolutionary Guards or the police; but rather we are opposed to violence, beating and killing / The Green Movement of Iran is independent and does not let any foreign interference in its affairs / The events that happened after the election might help us to find a new and fresh interpretation from the constitution again, an interpretation that can solve countries problem / Unfortunately it is for the benefit of some to polarise the society / The Green movement is friend with anyone even those who don’t agree with our views because they are part of our nation / Investigating and meddling in people’s private affairs and reading people’s emails and text messages are against the principles of our religion and constitution / Lets give people the chance to listen to all sides and chose the best.

According to Kalame, Mir Hosein Mousavi, the Prime Minister beloved of Imam Khomeini (May God be pleased with him!) continued his speech as follows:

We salute the dear students and the youth for the Ten Days of the Dawn [the days leading up to 22 Bahman]. These ten days are a commemoration of a great revolution. When we say ‘a great revolution,’ it is not in judgment of a group, either a broad one or a faction of our system. This revolution was an astonishing phenomenon of our era, which left a very profound effect throughout the world.

An extraordinarily important point is that the revolution itself was the result of twenty years of the nation’s toil, and it is not as if a small number of people in one year or in a small circle came on the scene and acted with courage and this revolution triumphed. This revolution was the result of countless efforts and vast experience. From the intellectual perspective, it was a matter of more than several decades. In the end, events in the country around the revolution’s victory occurred which hastened the revolution and broadened it and gave it breadth and we witnessed a vast revolution.

There were various reasons mentioned for the revolution’s victory in 1978—political, economic, and, above all, the brilliant leadership of His Holiness the Imam (May God be pleased with him!) who played a very fundamental role in this regard. But none of these reasons must allow us to neglect the roots. One must consider all factors together.

An analysis of the slogans which the people raised at the time the revolution triumphed and those which arose in its aftermath is important for us. “Independence, freedom, Islamic republic” is one of the key slogans of the time, one whose essence must be elucidated and the historical reasons which led the people to these slogans should be considered. But other slogans existed which have been overshadowed, and these slogans, too, complement the primary slogan.

Overshadowed Revolutionary Slogans

One of the slogans which were raised in the processions after the Islamic revolution’s victory in the period between 22 Bahman to about a year later, since there was one just about every few days, especially in the spring of 1979, was, “In the spring of freedom, we miss our martyrs.” No one taught the people this slogan, but they themselves felt that a number of people had stood up for freedom and fought, and since one of the primary goals of the Islamic revolution was the acquisition of freedom, they mourned their friends who did not see the “dawn of freedom” and did not experience its pleasure and vastness. Since in those days, the people would congratulate a family when it gave a martyr, I recall that they would put a flag on top of the houses of the families of martyrs. This began from the start of the revolution’s victory and continued until the Sacred Defense [the Iran-Iraq war]. But at the same time, this sorrow existed, that a number of their friends did not live to see those times.

What Were the Constitution’s Ratifiers Thinking?

If we examine this slogan and feel how far-reaching it is, both in drafting and interpreting the Constitution and interpreting the slogan “Independence, freedom, Islamic republic,” it could play an important role.

When we return to the Constitution, it is very important that we consider the atmosphere which led to its drafting. An examination of that atmosphere will lead us to ponder whether or not can we comprehend the inner connections of this Constitution’s articles if we do not have precise knowledge about this slogan’s meaning.

In any case, these antecedents have great importance. In particular, the slogans and the atmosphere of that time are very important. For just this reason, I must say that we are always faced with this problem, that when they distort the Koran due to the passage of time and the growing remoteness of its source and origins and out of various motivations, such as personal or party interests, it is natural that they also distort humanity’s national heritage. But in order to reach these sources, we must have a reconstruction of those conditions in hand, and yet must not forget to take a fresh and contemporary look in these interpretations.

The fact is, if one were to review the composition of the Assembly of Experts and its members’ speeches therein, there was a commotion, some of which, apparently, still exists, and it posed important principles which concerned the people’s fundamental rights, economic issues, etc. Very prolonged discussions were held over them, and not pointlessly. These discussions themselves, it seems to me, were the fruits of a broad and prolonged historical discussion among our people. It was not as if a limited few experts discussed and wrote this Constitution. These issues were under the influence of historical conditions, there were existing discourses in society and discussions among the parties and groups.

Such discussions were also current after the Constitutional Period. If you were to consider the economic principles, the people’s rights, and not snooping on private matters in the Constitution, they were in fact the result of a lifetime of bitter experiences under the former regime in which such deeds were done. Therefore, in order to have a proper understanding of the Constitution and the revolution, the conditions of those times must be completely understood.

They Distort the Revolution and the Constitution out of Enmity or Their Private Interests

This situation has come about because in the current circumstances and the special political atmosphere, so many groups and individuals, given their unhappiness with the revolution or the revolution’s problem with them, try to distort this matter and we see that the truths are not told, rather, a kind of doubt has arisen concerning the foundations of the Islamic revolution. But this is not the only problem which threatens the Islamic revolution’s true face; rather, in this matter there are those who came to control wealth, resources, and interests and present their own interpretation of the Constitution based on their own special interests.

For just this reason, we see that some principles become prominent and some have faded, while the Constitution is an integral whole and the voiding of part of it can result in other parts being voided and rendering them ineffectual and eliminate the human support for it.

There Is No Reason for Us to Neglect the Implementation of Some Parts of the Constitution; One Must See Who Benefits from Closing Newspapers and Limiting the Media

For just this reason, in my opinion, it is very important that these issues be seen as a whole. One must see who benefits from closing newspapers and media outlets or annulling other articles of the Constitution which must be considered. When the Constitution returns to issues of ethnic groups, women, the people’s rights, I think that it has a moderating effect on difficulties which had arisen in the country resulting from the events of the Islamic revolution’s first decades, and for precisely this reason there is no cause for us to be content to overlook some of these articles.

I will cite an example in this regard. Of course, there are other discussions which must be raised, and it is appropriate to raise issues during these days which seem to be of little importance. One of the Islamic revolution’s first discussions was the establishment of a system of councils.

Everyone talked about it: councils must be used. This issue resulted in, I believe, seven articles concerning councils being written into the Constitution, but as far as these seven articles, about which there had been such extensive deliberations, aside from the deliberations of the Assembly of Experts I recall discussions in mosques, from the pulpits, in the universities, these seven articles have not yet been adequately used and their great potential, which could have solved many of the country’s difficulties and driven away the shadow of dictatorship, oppression, government by personal opinion and group interests, was squandered.

At the beginning of the revolution, there was a discussion about how our country, with its variety of ethnicities and cultures, could not succeed in the framework of a federal government, and decentralization was considered under the articles relating to councils, and indeed these councils possess such a potential.

Perhaps the time was not ripe to implement this owing to inexperience and war conditions and for other reasons. On three occasions, if my memory serves me correctly, during the revolution’s first decade, we raised issues about councils in the Majlis, but, unfortunately, their scope gradually narrowed and they ended up as these city and village councils, although even these councils are precious and, in my opinion, one of our good laws is precisely the law on councils. But why do we not devote ourselves to these articles? This is worth pondering. I believe that it must be pondered by all of us. I do not want to say that there was ill intention involved, but one of the common crises and issues which have arisen in the country is in a way the result of this idea, that many of these articles of the Constitution which have vast potential have been shunted aside.

What has happened in this country after the tenth presidential elections and has resulted in this vast movement and fresh ideas being born in it is important because from this perspective, perhaps it will help us to be able once more to rethink anew and bring something living from the Constitution, an interpretation which might be able to solve the country’s problems.

The Gap between Social Change and Governmental Change Is One of the Country’s Most Important Problems, a Problem Which Must Be Solved through Discussion and Argument and a Free Atmosphere and not with Guns and the Problems Which Have Arisen These Days in the Streets

Bear in mind that in any case, our society has undergone a momentous change and the international community and our environment, too, has changed, and it follows that, owing to the change in the international atmosphere, changes would arise in the country as well. The collapse of the Soviet Union must not be underestimated. Its impact on our country has been profound. Let us recall that events which arose to our north had an extraordinary effect inside our country and these effects were reflected in our country and its politics until the Easter Bloc collapsed.

These are the events which occurred outside our country. But this is not all. Economic and technological progress and the spread of the internet, and satellites, which in practice spread news between nations—in fact, all these factors compounded the issues which arose in out country due to the above-mentioned factors, transforming them into deep changes among the people.

One of the country’s most important difficulties is the gap which has appeared between these changes and the changes of government. In other words, the change in government has not kept up with the speed with which culture, economics, and society’s perspective has changed, in my opinion, and this is a vast problem. For just this reason, we sense a backwardness which will end in an extremely profound difficulty. The way to resolve the problems which have arisen in the streets is not to use artillery and rifles; rather, it is solvable through creating a free atmosphere, an atmosphere of dialogue, argument, and sense, through the Voice and Vision [the government-run media] and the rest of the Iranian media, for these issues are rooted in our Constitution and our faith.

In fact, the media must act like courts whose jury is the great Iranian nation. We trust in this nation and I believe that that the nation wants what is in its interests and that it will have its wits about it and show its superior sense in the field. It is precisely for this reason that the Islamic revolution arose and the Constitution, too, was written, so that the people could determine their own destiny. Let it happen in this time that discussion and dialogue among the people take a free form and the government submit to playing by these principles.

Moreover, let us turn our attention towards the international conditions, the astonishing changes in the spread of technology and utilize these connections and media to their utmost. But we see that we have had difficulties in this connection and it has resulted in their tolerating not even one or two debates and their sensing danger. They cut programs and otherwise went backwards. But if we take notice, we will see that not only would these two debates, but their increase could be of great importance.

Sometimes things go backwards. The discussion in the Majlis is now over how to intercept messages or control the news. This discussion is good in its place, but if the outlook is not reformed, it will not end in the reform of affairs.

Let Us Allow the People to Hear Everything and Choose the Best

That perspective will prove fateful and bring the country to peace which is based on our faith and allows the people to hear everything and choose the best. We are certain that the people will chose correctly.

Perhaps We Will Benefit Two Days from the Imam’s Words Taken out of Context, but...

There are other points which could help us see the Constitution more clearly. Unfortunately, words were taken out of context, words of the Imam (May God be pleased with him!) quoted on Voice and Vision and other places which were objected to by His Holiness the Imam’s dear grandson. But the fact is that if we are not able to have a living, vigorous atmosphere, full of spirit and light which existed at the beginning of the revolution and listen to interpretation of the Imam’s words, the result will be that we will present a dark and mangled image of the revolution today and this could result not only in the people becoming alienated from the revolution, but indeed from Islam itself, since our system is in the name of the faith and Islam and the most important concern for the Islamic Republic’s founders was that Islam not be damaged.

Of course, it is possible that we might get two day’s profit and proof from the words of the Imam (May God be pleased with him!) and use it against other groups, but when we look at this from our own interests and do not return to its source, it could result in the mouths of those who had been enemies of the revolution from the start and are still enemies with it being opened and all the revolution’s accomplishments being brought under question.

And this, while the Islamic Revolution is in fact the collective fruit of all these movements which sprung up since the Constitutional Revolution, like the Constitutional Revolution, the Oil Nationalization movement, 15 Khordad [the 1963 uprising against the Shah’s White Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini], and other currents and experiences which the nation had. Moreover, these issues must be put in context. In addition, on the basis of such a record, one might look at the nation alongside the Islamic revolution. Otherwise, making religion or the sanctified into a tool places religion in question and this in itself is a great danger.

Out of Our Sensitivity, the People Even Take Advantage of the Slogan “Independence”

A subsequent question is, if we exam the slogan “Independence, Freedom, Islamic Republic”, the subject is independence. The nation of Iran has constantly been in danger of foreign invasion since the war between Iran and Russia. Great parts of our country were even severed from it and this continued up until the time of the Shah, but in practice, all this amounts to our nation being sensitive about foreign interference and even being terrified of it, so that the roots of many of the discourses in our country concern the people’s feelings towards foreign influence, particularly that of the Russians and the British and later the Americans, etc. These issues exist in our country and for just this reason, the position of independence in the slogan “Independence, Freedom, Islamic Republic” enjoys great importance.

A Great Force Has Entered the Field with the Slogan of Returning to the Revolution’s Values and Has Been Accused

Now these emotions of the people and this slogan itself have been abused. In other words, the force which has come into the field today and whose only point was that we return to the law and the Islamic Revolution’s principle values, one of which is independence, has had the accusatory question, do you have connections with foreigners or are you under their influence or not, leveled at it. I want to say that in order to be free of foreign domination, one must advance the country and must look at the world in a new way. Considering the changes which have arisen domestically and abroad, we must change ourselves while protecting values. Then we can have our true independence. When we use these slogans as a mere tool, the result is a series of contradictions which we now see. On the one hand, we [the Iranian government] send repeated letters advising various heads of state and invite them to Islam in the name of “international administration” and try to establish relations with them. On the other hand, in the real world, we cannot even have one close and sincere friend in the region or the world.

Suppose that America as a great power in the world wanted to implement a policy towards us. Although this country is a great power and has a vast military and intelligence force and huge propaganda and financial institutions, consider the American annual budget and compare it to ours. With this comparison, we will get an appreciation for that country’s economic bulk. Yet even that country does not consider itself without the need to attract Britain, France, Germany, China, or Russia to execute a policy towards our country. For example, regarding nuclear technology, do we actually have a few countries or nations allied with us which are effective in countering this movement against us?

Neither Adventurism or Offensiveness towards Others, nor Letters of “At Your Service”

When we write letters to them [the Iranian government], they tell us, “Come, insult these countries and confront them.” We say that the issue of the elections is a domestic dispute and has nothing to do with foreigners and our nation is absolutely not prepared to work under the influence of others’ interests, but we will never accept having an adventurist policy like yours, one day insulting, one day smiling, one day writing a letter saying, “At your service.”

The Green Movement Will not Fall into Adventurism or Extremism in Either Direction

The Green Movement came into being with the slogan that we want to have constructive cooperation with the world and will not neglect this issue and fall into adventurism and will not go to extremes in either direction. We follow a sensible policy in our connection with foreigners and the nation. We must operate on the basis of our long-range interests. If we return to the slogan of “Independence” in this sense, in no way will foreign interests play a decisive role in our movement, and we have and will continue to have a firm belief in this position.

The Green Movement of Iran Is Independent; An Important Quotation from Ayatollah Khorasani

The Green Movement of the Iranian nation is independent and will in no way permit foreign intervention into its affairs, but we will not be passive and do everything to fit into such a pattern that it will please one side and upset the other; this, too, we will not do. Our nation is following its long term goals and a nation must be sensitive in this connection. We learned from Akhund Khorasani [one of the three constitutionalist mojtaheds in Najaf] that when he raised the issue of Russia and Britain and in reply to a few who asked why some of the constitutionalists were taking refuge in the British consulate, which is itself a long story, he said that if it were established that we not do such-and-such since it is in Britain’s interests and that we not do something else because it is in Russia’s interests, we would not be able to get anything accomplished, since no matter what is done, some countries will benefit or will get rid of some difficulty through it, but the strategy of an independent system and an independent movement is based on the movement’s long-term interests and is not effected by foreigners.

Their Attacks against the Green Movement and the Greens’ Calm and Balance

The reason these issues are posed so sharply is to affect the Sources of Emulation and the clergy and the pious, but I clearly declare that the Green Movement will in no way be dependent on foreigners and is opposed to this issue, nor will it come under the influence of these issues, but will act based on the national interest. Our actions have no connection with foreigners. At the same time, this attack which has been launched against the Green Movement will not lead us to fall into raising immoderate slogans. Our advice to the government is that it pursue a moderate policy and find friends in the world and have allies and use the region’s potential and spread our country’s influence through friendship and make firm connections so that no harm befall our country. I give this advice to everyone. It springs from the heart of everyone in our nation and so it is with the Green Movement itself and so it will ever be.

Under the current circumstances, that which the youth will be able to accomplish is to use the vast potential of the changes in our country in the best manner under the principles for which we have given so many martyrs.

The Green Movement Was Peaceful and Must Firmly Continue This Policy

The Green Movement is a movement of the youth in which the youth have a very lofty share. But fortunately, the movement does not have an emotional aspect, but wisdom is very powerful in it.

We must maintain wisdom alongside the enthusiasm of the youth, both of men and women, since it is a great treasure for our country, the Islamic revolution, and the Islamic Republic, Understand that the changes and developments, despite their bitterness and difficulties, should be considered a treasure for the country’s future to enter into a new atmosphere appropriate for the international changes. We should tolerate our problems with these difficulties and advance matters through wisdom.

The Interests of a Number Lies in Polarizing Society to Better Repress the People

We must not lose our position of giving counsel, compassion, and concern for the system. From its first stirring, the Green Movement was peaceful and it must firmly continue this policy. Unfortunately, the interests of a few lie in polarizing society in order to suppress the people better and so achieve their goals better.

The Green Movement Is Friends with All, Even Those Who Do not Share Our Ideas

The Green Movement is friends with all. It is friends with the workers, the teachers, and the women’s movement. It is even friends with those who do not share our ideas, since they are part of our nation and are brothers, family, to us. They are part of our nation and we are friends with all of them.

The Country’s Institutions Are Worthy of Respect, but…

There are institutions in our country which are worthy of respect, but we are opposed to violence, beating, repression, and killing. We are not opposed to the Basij, the Revolutionary Guards, or the security forces. They are institutions which a system will naturally have and we have brothers there who are part of the nation and for whom we are concerned, and so we must enter the field in that spirit. Fanaticism and bitterness must not get the better of us. 22 Bahman is ahead.

22 Bahman Is a Day of God; Participate Alongside All the People but Maintain Your Identity

Indeed, it is one of the days which must be called a day of unity and a day of the Uniter. It is one of the days of God. One could gather various special qualities about it. They all relate to this issue. I feel that we must be present in this movement in a spirit of unity while maintaining our character and try to leave an impact through our behavior so that it would leave a good effect on the national level.

An Insult to the People Is an Insult to Freedom and Has Nothing to Do with Islam

The final note is that a confrontation with the people’s peaceful movements in the name of Islam will have the effect of driving people away from Islam. Those who believe in the faith, especially the clergy, must realize that the damage done by imprisoning, beating, and seizing and arresting, since they are occurring in the name of Islam and the Islamic government, will fall back on Islam and we must all strive to not let this happen.

If we want to preserve Islam as a treasure for our country, we must not allow the interests of Islam to be effected by our interests.

What do beating and arresting have to do with Islam? What do stopping arguments and discussions have to do with Islam? What does snooping on the people’s personal affairs have to do with Islam? What does examining the people’s email have to do with Islam? These matters negate religious beliefs and the Constitution’s articles.

An insult to the people is an insult to freedom of thought and has nothing to do with Islam. God willing, they will all notice that they should not do anything in which we will witness a falling away from Islam.

Let Us not Fear Different Ethnicities and Languages

No country has progressed except by passing through periods in which these problems have arisen. I am very optimistic that God will allow the results of these efforts to bear fruit and we will have a better situation for the nation not to fear different ideas, ethnic groups, or languages.

India, with hundreds of languages and religions and a variety of ethnicities is the biggest democracy and has undergone such experiences. Will language be such a problem for this country as we have made it out.

Mir Hossein Mousavi on Facebook
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