Interviewer: An English reporter of the Express magazine
Question: [You have announced in your book, as quoted by its translation by the US daily of Herald Tribune, that there would be no place for emotions and ideas in the future government. Do you think that your government would be different from the current government in respect to freedom? Do you not think that your regime would be a religious dictatorship?]
Answer: Our intended regime is the `Islamic Republic' regime. In Islam, freedom is all out and complete unless it is against the interests of the country and nation and may lead to a corruption.
Q: [The Shah's departure is definite during the coming few days. Do you think that you are going to achieve your objectives? Do you consider possible and acceptable the Procedural Monarchy Council or not?]
A: Our objective in these struggles was not the Shah's departure, but was to over throw the monarchy regime. Iranians proved once again in the Tasou`a and `Ashoura referendum that this regime is not legal and that it should be over thrown. And now, there is not law for the Shah or any one else who is going to take his place and we do not accept him. When they put an end to their illegal dominance, we will establish a government that is based on justice and is elected by the vote of the nation. Therefore, neither the monarchy system, nor the monarchy council has any basis and is considered null and void by the nation.
Q: [Do you think that the establishment of an Islamic government in the region will violate the balance of West and East in the region?]
A: The Islamic government is a liberal, independent government whose relations with the West and the East are equal, and if they maintain an amicable relation with our Islamic government, the Islamic government will also keep friendly relations with them. We do not let any one interfere in our domestic affairs.