Interview [The future of Iran]

 Interviewer: Agence France-Presse reporter
Question: [What do you think of the changes in today's Iran? Do not you think it has reached a deadlock, and considering the Shah's apparent political flexibility, do not you believe a review on your strategies may be effective?]
Answer: It is the regime that has reached the deadlock. The regime wants to impose its own solution on the nation. The people are not at a deadlock; people do not want this regime. Any solution leading to the survival of this regime will face a deadlock because the people will not accept it.
Q: [You have said that you are not afraid of the communists and extreme leftists taking over the public uprising. Nevertheless, fifteen hundred students from Tehran University staged a demonstration using communist slogans on Sunday (October 22,1978). «1» This brings about the assumption that communism is not a myth, but it exists and is getting organized.]
A: If we suppose that all these fifteen hundred people, and even several times more, are real Marxists, they will not be considered as a power in comparison to the thirty million people who have risen up in the name of Islam. However, the important point is that, compared to the past, the Marxists have decreased dramatically in number. That is because Islam provides people with their needs in political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life, for real progress. The fact that we have been able to handle this very important task through gratifying the youth, regardless of having a regime which is against Islam and does nothing but frustrate people, shows that, if an Islamic government gets established and freedoms become extended and the facilities for real progress of people increase, those seeking the truth and justice can be brought back into the arms of Islam.
Q: [You have received Mr. Bazargan, «2» and Dr. Karim Sanjabi «3» is coming to Paris, too. It has been said that Ayatullah Shirazi «4» will also come. All these people are known to be pro peace-diplomacies. Will you join this diplomacy? Do you think that among the political oppositions, the National Front party and others, there will be some personalities reputable and credible enough to replace this current cabinet?]
A: I am and I have been against peace and intermediary diplomacies from the beginning because these diplomacies neither take the Shah out of the deadlock- because the reason for his getting into the deadlock was the plans that he himself was to carry out- nor does it lessen the pressure, strangulations and killings. If everybody takes up this strong and clear-cut position that the Shah has to go, then the regime will have to put aside its diplomacy of wearing people out by constant killings and by performing new methods of exerting pressure and strangulation, and so the victory of the people will become more imminent. Of course, those who can overthrow this regime will prove that, by doing so, they are also capable of running the country.
Q:[ You stated that the Shi`ah clerical authorities do not intend to rule. Do you think that the political oppositions will be able to handle the job without the risk of having a more critical situation?]
A: With the help of people and the clergy, the oppositions mentioned in the previous question will qualify for the job, if they acquire the above terms.
Q: [In the West, they think that the removal of the Shah will create a dangerous vacuum. Could you consider temporary peace with this dynasty, the Shah or his son, provided that he really reigns rather than rule?]
A:The vacuum you are talking about already exists; and the characteristic of a regime like the Shah's is to keep the country between a deadlock and a vacuum, and to drag the country toward demolition and corruption. To be released from this vacuum, this regime must be replaced by a regime appointed by the Muslim nation.
Q:[It is obvious that the regime is looking for peace and is indeed awaiting your return to Iran. «5» Do you absolutely consider this matter suspended as long as the Shah is still in Iran?]
A: I will not return to Iran while the Shah is still there.
Q:[You condemn the big powers. This has made you look stubborn and irreconcilable. Can you not, just for the sake of the West's public opinion, which is sympathizing with the uprising of your people, consider being somewhat easier?]
A: I condemn the big governments for violating our people's rights, not their people. I already have and will now express my gratitude to the people of the West who support the uprising of the people of Iran.
Q: [ Apparently, your preference is an Islamic republic. You are known to have said that monarchial regimes eventually turn into dictatorships, but there are Islamic republics that dictate more than monarchies. What is your opinion about that?]
A: These existing dictatorships could not be called Islamic governments; so you cannot make a comparison between a kingdom and an Islamic republic. An Islamic regime and a dictatorship will not go along together. Besides, those republics that dictate are only called republic, but in reality, they are kingdoms.
Q: [Do you always receive assistance from capable advisors when making a realistic policy in economic and political issues?]
A: There are many talented people in Iran. The present regime prevents these talents from building up the country. These talents provide me with their knowledge and viewpoints due to their Islamic obligation.
Q: [Would you agree to suggest some new and specific terms for formation of a temporary and transitional government?]
A: Such transitional government shall be formed upon the fall of the Shah, and its terms will of course be announced.