Letter [to A group of deputies of the Islamic Consultative Assembly]

[In His Most Exalted Name

To the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, His Holiness Imam Khomeini- may his benign presence endure:

With greeting, salutation and wish for your longivity, health and wellbeing as well as victory of Islam and Muslims and with apology for the disturbance, It has been for long time that, there are ambiguities on the manner of work of the esteemed Expediency Council for the deputies of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, for which we seek Your Eminence's guideline.

At the beginning of the establishment of the said council, the course of work was arranged such that the ratified bills of the Majlis, prior to the negative expression of the Guardian Council, is to be returned to the Majlis for revision. After revision, the Majlis would return the same to the Guardian Council. Then, that which was considered necessary for final revision would be referred to the Expediency Council. Yet, now, this council is also making laws. The most important of which is that presenting bills to this council is devoid of the whole prescribed regulations, which the bills have through common way: Drafting the bill in the cabinet, ratification of the same through the cabinet members,; signing of the Prime Minister and the concerned minister, presentation of the same to the Majlis and discussion in the commissions in an open session in the two councils. Naturally, given this process, anybody, even non-responsible positions, can make a new law for the country through putting forward the proposal to the Expediency Council, and can even abrogate ratified laws. Apart from rendering the Majlis impotent, this can also create ample contradictions in the laws of the country. Besides, the existence of numerous and parallel law-making centers in the country is itself a problematic issue and causes instability of the country's political system. Thus, it would be highly appreciated if you would enlighten the deputies of the Islamic Consultative Assembly whose honor is to follow the Supreme Leader.] «1»

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

With greetings, the issue you have raised is correct. God willing, I have the decision that in all aspects enactment is done in such a way that we act on the basis of the Constitution. What has been enacted during these years have something to do with the war. The interest of the system and Islam was demanding that the Gordian knots of the law be promptly untied at the interest of Islam and the people. I am grateful to all of you for your reminder and pray for you all.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini