Interviewer: A reporter of the American CBS Television
Question: [What do you think about the Tehran's yesterday demonstrations, «1» how do you assess their result?]
Answer: Yesterday's demonstrations were held widely and as a result it was announced that they do not want the Shah. Although the valorous nation had already announced the issue several times, the Shah has no legitimacy at all and the entire nation has time and again announced across Iran that they do not want the Shah.
Q: [What is your feeling about yesterday's demonstrations; are you satisfied?]
A: I am absolutely satisfied. I believe that they have been successful. They have peacefully announced that they do not want the Shah. That is, the slogans were Islamic and were anti-Shah. Except the Muslims, no one else participated in the demonstrations.
Q: [Observers believe that if the Shah resigns, one of the two possibilities may occur: either an Islamic government in the true sense of the word will come to power; or, the army will take the government in its hands; finally both of these options will be in the interests of the Soviet Union. What will happen in your opinion?]
A: If the army comes to power the situation will remain as it is; the problem will not be solved and the people will not remain silent. If the Islamic government is formed- it will definitely be formed- the Soviet Union will not at all gain power in Iran and the Islamic government will not allow the Soviet Union to interfere in its affair, as it will not allow any other country to do so.
Q: [If your supporters come to power, what will happen to the foreigners? What will be your policy toward the Soviet Union and Israel?]
A: With regard to the foreigners who are in our country, if they do not interfere in our country, our government will treat them on the basis of its laws and will not create any problem for them. But Israel is rejected and we will never supply oil to it and will never recognize it under any circumstances. But the Soviet Union is like other countries. If it maintains the mutual respect, we will treat it on the principle of good neighborliness and will not allow it to interfere in our country.
Q: [How long do you predict that the Shah will remain in power?]
A: I cannot predict, but God willing he will go soon.
Q: [In your opinion, how long is left for the Shah to resign?]
A: I cannot predict. But I hope that he comes to his senses to resign. We hope that we arrest, try and punish him.