Interviewer: A reporter of the English The Observer newspaper
Question: [Your Eminence Ayatullah has recently stated that he hopes these struggles will succeed without the need of armed confrontation, and it is not yet the time for people to resort to arms. In the recent events would led to the military taking over power, hasn't the risk of a civil war increased? Or has it decreased?]
Answer: Although the army has entered the scene very violently, this very increase may bring victory closer. And a nation that has risen up altogether, cannot be quieted down by such violence. There is now a greater hope.
Q: [What mistakes has the Shah made that are to be quickly eliminated?]
A: The Shah's mistakes are not just one or two for me to mention right now. However, to make it short, from the day the Shah came to power and the Pahlavi dynasty took over reign, they have not been legitimate and everything has been against the text of the constitutional law, and whatever they have so far done, are betrayals and crimes. Therefore, they must go. The Shah has dragged us into political, economic, cultural and military bankruptcy. Isn't any of these a good enough reason for the nation to dismiss him?!
Q: [What is Your Eminence's position and opinion concerning modernization of the country?]
A: This is a matter to be handled by experts once the Islamic country has been established. But of course, not the type that the Shah claims.
Q: [Have your negotiations with Mr. Sanjabi, as the leader of the National Front, been successful?]
A: Dr. Sanjabi agreed with everything I said. And he was supposed to announce them. However, based on what I've heard, he's been arrested. «1»