Interviewer: A reporter of the Express magazine
Question: [What will be your stance vis-a-vis the Western and Eastern camps?]
Answer: Our Islamic government will be free and independent and the balance of power in this region of the world must not be disturbed at all. We will neither tilt towards the West nor lean towards the East; we want to be a neutral and non-aligned republic. We want to have friendly relations with all the countries so long as they do not interfere in our internal affairs.
Q: [Despite this, your intention to cut your oil supply to Israel and South Africa shows that you have already chosen a political option.]
A: No, we react to the countries that have trampled upon right and justice. With regard to Israel, we are not taking stance in its dispute with the Arab governments through our measures; we only punish a country whose advisors assisted the police and the Shah's army to torture and harass our nation. The sale of our oil to other countries will be normal. We will spend the oil income for the exigency of the country, not for the destructive military equipment.
Q: [What is your judgment about the US policy?]
A: During the recent events, the US government and president have acted as the enemy of the Iranian nation. The presence of the American military bases and advisors has rendered our country poorer. The US has supported the Shah's regime in the tragic massacre of the nation and is recognized as an accomplice in the crime. Now it is the duty of the American nation to pressure its administration.
Q: [Have you received any help from Libya?]
A: It is absolutely absurd! We have not received any assistance from any country. Our nation has encountered the tanks and machineguns with bare hands. If the colonial powers continue to support the criminal figures of Iran, spearheaded by the Shah, we will choose another way.
Q: [In a collection of your ideas published in English in 1970 entitled, Islamic Government, «1» you have explained an idea about the establishment of a rigid and strict regime based on the observance of the Qur'anic rules and you have added that in this system there will be no place for beliefs and feelings and the Qur'anic teachings will be the only criteria for action and the people will only obey God and His law. Will the people be ready for the limitation of their freedoms to that extent?]
A: In an Islamic regime, the freedoms will be clear and complete. Only those freedoms which are harmful for the nation or damage the dignity of the individuals will not be granted. The great support of the people for us expressed since several months ago indicates that they have adequately understood our thought and have realized the future. Meanwhile the same support proves that despite the attempts made to separate the nation from religion through materialistic temptations, this nation is happy to once again tread in the divine path and regain its real spirit. We will struggle against squandering, will return the wealth that a limited number of utilitarian people have stolen, will improve the life condition of the dispossessed, and will lead the nation towards the path of dignity and devotion and the construction of a modern free society.