Interviewer: A British reporter of the Daily Telegraph newspaper
Question: [Your Eminence, in your opinion, what will happen in Iran in the next step?]
Answer: I cannot foresee. But our Islamic movement is gaining momentum. Some groups of the army and some government officials have joined the movement of the people. But I cannot predict anything for sure.
Q: [Mr. Shaykh Abou Turab `Ashouri has been killed in Boushehr. What is your comment?]
A: He was one of those who have been sacrificed for the cause of Islam. We have had many such devotees and will have in the future as well. These developments will exacerbate the Shah's situation.
Q: [Does Your Eminence think that the Shah would willingly abdicate as it was reported by the press yesterday?]
A: He has no other option. If he were wise, he should have done it.
Q: [What is the reason that the Ayatullah does not go back to Iran? Don't you think that you would be able to lead the movement better from inside the country?]
A: The people realize that what I tell them is in their interests. They act according to my advice, whether I am here or in Iran. Whenever I deem it appropriate, I will go to Iran.
Q: [If Your Eminence stays in France until January 3 when your visa expires, what measures will you take to extend your stay here?]
A: I have not envisaged now.
Q: [Has there been any change in your statements about the developments and situation after your meeting with Mr. Shayets, the representative of the French Foreign Ministry a few days ago?] «1»
A: No. I will never change my stance even for a moment. It is a divine duty and if I keep silent I will be accountable to God.
Q: [Your Eminence, what will be your reaction to any possible limitations imposed by the French government on your activities and how will you send your messages to the Iranian nation?]
A: If they impose limitations, I will not stay in France and I will go to another place. But it will not be good for France.
Q: [Your Eminence, what is your opinion about the developments of the past few days?]
A: Do you mean the developments in Iran, that is, the demonstrations and massacres of the past two, three days? Yes, these developments occur one after another after the introduction of the martial government and military cabinet. The people utilize every opportunity to vindicate their own rights. The root-cause of the problems is the same, that is, so long as the Shah is there, such problems will be there as well.