Iran's ambassador to Lebanon on Friday said that Iranians, honor-bound to follow the path set by the late Imam Khomeini, extend a hand of friendship to all nations, especially Arab and Islamic countries, and Lebanon in particular.
Mohammad Fathali made the remarks in a ceremony held on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the sad demise of the Founder of the Islamic Revolution, the late Imam Khomeini (June 4).
The ceremony was organized by the Iranian embassy and held in the UNESCO conference hall in Beirut, with the presence of civil and military authorities, cultural and religious figures, and many of lovers of the late Imam’s ideas.
“Imam Khomeini’s ideas and approaches have put down roots in the minds and hearts of the oppressed all over the world and have become a token of liberty and freedom from the talons of the oppressors,” said the ambassador.
He added that the late Imam took in hand the flag of Islam and freed Iranians from foreign captivity and gave them back their honor and confidence in a way that his freedom-seeking cry resonated throughout the world.
Fathali noted that Imam Khomeini gave hope to the oppressed, and in an era when the oppressive and arrogant powers were trying to suppress and isolate religion, he established a religion-based government.
The Iranian ambassador added, “The Islamic Republic has continued his path based on people’s will that has epitomized through referendums and elections.”
“The May 19 presidential election in Iran is the newest revelation of the people’s will, freedom and patriotism,” Fathali said also noting that using their democratic rights, “the Iranians chose a president who is supportive of the late Imam’s approaches.”
The ambassador stressed that under the intellectual leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and a venerable president, Iran has changed from an obedient and satellite state to an independent country that no one can dictate his desire to it.
Fathali emphasized the unchangeable principles of the revolution, i.e. combating the world arrogance and supporting all the downtrodden of the world, in particular Palestine and the cause of Palestine that is a pivotal issue for the Islamic Umma (Nations).
The ambassador further referred to the arrogant powers and their regional mercenaries’ support for the takfiri groups.
In order to serve enemies of religion, especially the Zionist regime and its regional and international supporters, the Takfiri groups are trying to tarnish Islam, which is a manifestation of affection, tolerance, justice and blessing, the ambassador regretted adding that a number of regional supporters of the Zionist regime are even proud of their relations with the Zionist entity.
The ceremony to commemorate the late Imam’s memory was also participated by president of Lebanon Michel Aoun and the speaker of the Lebanese parliament who attended the gathering as the special guests.
Many members of different political parties, and many Muslim, Christian, and cultural figures also attended the ceremony.
(IRNA)
