Addressees: Reporters of the German Television
Question: [Does it mean a conservative government based on the religious ideals? Does it mean a progressive regime, open to the world and the world influence? Or, is it a communist or capitalist system? And what is your opinion about social efforts made during the Shah's rule?]
Answer: Islam is a progressive religion enshrining democracy in its true sense. The system that we intend to establish is such a system, which is different from the current regimes. The Islamic commandments are very progressive, ensuring freedoms, independence and progress. But what the Shah has done has mostly been against the interests of the nation. The Shah has not taken any step, and whatever he has done, or most of what he has done, caused the deterioration and bankruptcy of the nation.
Q: [Will you be able to materialize the establishment of the Islamic Republic in the attempts of Shapour Bakhtiyar to establish a new government in Iran and begin your task? Or, is there any other politician you prefer? Of course, all these choices will be possible with the understanding that the Shah leaves the country?]
A: We have trustable figures in Iran who are politicians and our government will be formed by the trustees of the nation and experts. Of course, we are aware that we will face numerous economic, political, and military problems, but we have pinned our hopes on the nation's great unity to solve all of these problems.
Q: [Your Eminence, what is the sphere of your influence, particularly among the mullahs, other Ayatullahs and other religious leaders? Do you not fear that the current unity and solidarity that exist among the opponents of the Shah will be broken after capturing the power? Do you intend to go back to Iran to be directly involved in the movement? Do you or did you intend to call the people to launch an armed struggle?]
A: I am a brother of the Iranian nation and consider myself their servant and soldier, for I want their good and what I ask for is the demand of the Iranian nation, hence, in this regard they accept my advice. But the differences among the political groups after the victory are inevitable, but the differences among the groups are negligible vis-a-vis the nation- whose absolute majority is united.
Q: [What is the opinion of the Ayatullah about the foreigners living in Iran, particularly the Americans? Also what is your opinion about the influence of the soviets in Iran? What is your opinion about the export of oil to the European countries and West Germany? After your people assume power, what will happen to the participation of Germany in Iranian industries?]
A: With regard to the foreigners, those engaged in ordinary jobs will continue their jobs, but those who intend to interfere in our country- like the American advisors, we cannot tolerate them.
Q: [Have the Palestinians had any contact with you? If so, what has been the kind of this contact? What kind of assistance has been rendered?]
A: There has been no political contact and no assistance has been rendered to us.