Interviewer: Arabic Al-Mustaqbal magazine reporter
Question: [How would you evaluate Iran's condition today?]
Answer: The Shah's corrupt regime made the country bankrupt by its wrong and destructive policies. It has ruined thousands of people by applying pressure, torture and inhumane methods, but our people have stood up against the Shah and his family, regardless of all the pressure, and the people's great Islamic movement will go on until the fall of the monarchial regime.
Q: [You have stated that you are for the establishment of an Islamic government like the government of `Ali's ('a) period. Does that mean that you will establish an Islamic caliphate government after the fall of Pahlavi dynasty?]
A: Our desired `Islamic republic' will be inspired by the trend of our great Prophet (s), and Imam `Ali (`a), and will rely on the people's votes, and the governing system will be determined by resorting to the people's votes.
Q: [The Shah has been accusing you of standing in the way of his reformatory measures since 1963, i.e. from the White Revolution all the way down to what he calls granting liberation. How would you deny these accusations? What is your political and reformatory plan which you will refer to, or you will carry out once you take over power?]
A: The Shah's intention of his claimed revolution was to cause more dependency on America. And about the land reforms, the foodstuffs' yearly import statistics show well that the farmer's poverty has reached a point that they have rushed to cities in scores, in order to make a living by settling in ghettos around the cities, and working in factories for little money. However, our plan is to bring the farmers life standards up to that up of others, so they can provide all their necessities, and to turn the colonialist assemble industries- which have resulted in a minimal living standard for the laborer, and unbelievable huge incomes for certain people- into independent industries, in accordance with the needs of the society, and regarding the underground resources, they shall be used in compliance with national interests and demands, with regard to the human interests on a global scale.
Q: [In the past you have had words with army officers and soldiers about their not obeying the Shah's orders, and the army's position is still unclear for all political parties in Iran. Do you still expect the army to take sides? Whose side? And how?]
A: The military forces are from these very people and we hope they will soon come to their senses and join the people's combat lines. But one thing is certain, and that is, that the Shah cannot continue his rule by merely relying on the army.
Q: [What will be your position in the case of a military coup d'etat against the Shah? There are two presumptions for military action: 1.Accompanied by the oppositionists' movement; 2.Turning into a dictatorship as it did in Chile. Therefore, which method is it that could enable you to prevent the formation of a dictatorship?]
A: The current deadlock is the result of the Shah's dictatorship and his colonialist plans relying on the army and police organizations; and a military coup d'etat that shall be forcibly pulled off by foreigners, won't do anything but to continue the current situation. Therefore, it won't solve any problems, and their fight will go on until the people themselves set up their own government.
Q: [The connection of the American president Carter to the Shah, and his assistance to the Shah on `Black Friday' «1» was an important factor for the Shah to once again gain confidence in his power. How long do you think the United States of America will support the Shah and his regime?]
A: Carter's support of the Shah will make matters worse, and will intensify the struggles of the people of Iran, and he needs to soon realize that his support of the Shah is not in the interest of the people of Iran, and as a result, not in the interest of Americans.
Q: [What will be the grounds of your negotiation if the doors of negotiations open? And what are the limits of this negotiation with the United States?]
A: Until the time that the freedom and independence of the country has not been established, Iranians will not hold talks with America or any other government which supports the Shah and his crimes.
Q: [You have stated in the past that if the current demonstrations in Iran do not lead to the fall of the Shah, you will encourage people to a civil armed movement. When do you think will be the time for the announcement of such an armed movement?]
A: We still hope that the way the struggles are currently being pursued, will end in the collapse of the Shah's regime.
Q: [Recently, you have received some opposition leaders in Iran and Dr. Sanjabi «2» has also been among them. And it has been said that, those you have talked to, have agreed with your opinion concerning the need for overthrowing the Shah and his family. Could this mutual understanding be a beginning to the formation of a joint front for the opposition? And will you accept the joining of the Marxist opposition groups, at the time of the formation of this front?]
A: Iran's current Islamic movement has embraced the whole society, and will continue on as it is. And I shall point out that we have not been and are not connected to any front or group, and we will not accept anybody or any group that does not accept our terms.
Q: [It has been said that because of your insistence on the overthrow of Pahlavi family, the violence of Iran's civil turmoil will surpass the limits of a political conflict. And that the aforesaid violence will actually be the struggles of the majority of people against the religious minorities. How true is that?]
A: The current movement of Iran with its already announced triple goals includes everybody in the society, and the just rights of anyone approving and following these triple goals will be protected.
Q: [How do you see your relations with Iran's Arab neighbors?]
A: The direction of our Islamic movement is pointed toward opposition to the Shah's regime, and any group cooperating with this regime will be opposed and hated by the people. Our interests and the interests of the neighboring and Muslim nations share certain Islamic characteristics; therefore, we seek as close ties with these nations as possible. It is colonialism and the foreigners that have and will create disputes among these Muslims.
Q: [The disappearance of Imam Mousa as-Sadr has raised concern among Lebanese citizens. Have you made any contacts in that regard? What are the results so far?]
A: Regarding Hujjat al-Islam Mr. Sayyid Mousa as-Sadr, which is the concern of many of the Muslims, we have taken some actions; however, unfortunately we are yet to get any results.
Q: [During your stay in France, has there been any contact between you and the French government?]
A: No.
Q: [It has been said that based on the evaluation of the situation in Lebanon, you have not accepted the offer to stay in that country. Have you chosen a place outside France for yourself yet? Where?]
A: My stay in France is temporary.