Interview [The military government; the arrest of Hoveyda; Palestine]

 Interviewer: A reporter of the Lebanese An-Nihar newspaper
Question: [Does Your Eminence Ayatullah think that there is going to be some changes in Iran after the appointment of the new military government and the arrest of Hoveyda? Would these clashes lead to a civil war or will they not?]
Answer: The appointment of a military government will not effect the affairs, though it would intensifies the movement and makes it harder on the Shah, and would expedite his departure. Arresting Hoveyda and others who have been the Shah's partners in theft and corruption, is to mislead the people and will do no good. «1»
Q: [Are you planning to upgrade your struggles to armed battle?]
A: For the time being, we hope that everything works out by the nation's uprising. However, if it was not resolved, we would give it a second thought.
Q: [How do you explain and interpret Moscow's and Washington's approval of the Shah?]
A: It's clear that they can't find a better servant than the Shah who would allow them full use of Iran, and would betray Iran in serving them. At any rate, they need a servant and there's no one better than the Shah.
Q: [What is Your Eminence's opinion about the Palestinian movement and the people of Palestine in general, and Jerusalem in particular? What kind of relation exist between you and the PLO?]
A: We have always been talking about Israel and her usurpation for many years now. It has always been our intention to stand next to our Palestinian brothers, and whenever we gain power, to fight along with them like brothers and fighters alike, while they fight for their rights. Jerusalem must return to the Muslims. The Israeli's are usurpers. Nevertheless, I don't understand why Arab countries cannot regain their rights and territories and defend their country considering their great population and all the materialistic means they possess. And that's because of the disputes they have among themselves. And I hope they work out their disputes and that the governments pay more attention to Islamic matters, and God willing, they cut off this cancerous matter «2» from their lands.
Q: [In Your Eminence Ayatullah's opinion, who has been involved in the hiding of Imam Mousa Sadr? Does Your Eminence believe that Imam Mousa Sadr is still alive? Do you think he will return to Lebanon or not? What connection is there between you and the Shi`ah grand parliament of Lebanon?]
A: I have no idea in regard to who has hidden him? But about his being alive and returning to Lebanon, I hope that he is alive and shall return. I am fond of him and I hope that he would return safely and continue his work.
Q: [What is the nature of your desired Islamic republic? And what are its features?]
A: The nature of the Islamic republic is such that it will be established under the conditions set forth by Islam for government, relying on the public votes of the nation and enforcing the Islamic laws.
Q: [What message does Your Eminence Ayatullah have for Muslims in general, and the Muslims of Lebanon and Palestine in particular, especially after Lebanon's recent events?]
A: My message for all Muslims is that, considering all the facilities and vast populations that the Muslims have, and the numerous countries they have under their control and power, they unite. If they should unite, none of the superpowers can have the power to encroach upon them. All the miseries of the Muslims are because of their disunity. Muslim nations must get together and force the governments to stop their disunity as well as their protection of the foreigners' interests. But regarding Lebanon, I feel sorry about the situation there and the oppression that the Muslims are going through, and may God assist them and liberate them from the control of foreigners, particularly America.