Statements [Martyrdom in Islam; the question of establishment of justice; conflicts in the world of Islam]

I would like to thank you for the communication of condolences on behalf of the President, government and the people of your country with regard to this great tragedy that has befallen us and our country- rather to the nation of Islam. Nevertheless, we must give such martyrs, for the cause of Islam. From day one when Islam was born, it has propagated this righteous religion with martyrdom. Islam has had great martyrs and it is honored to have given great martyrs in the way of God and in the path of its objective. We too are honored to give martyrs in the cause of Islam and in the path of our objective- and this man is not the last of our martyrs. We may again have to give martyrs; and for us the life of this world is inconsequential. The objective is important and we shall strive in the path of the objective. And whatever happens in this regard we welcome it because it is for the attainment of the objective.

[Interpreter: In the second stage, he announced his government and nation's endorsements of you.]

And regarding the endorsement of this movement. Of course, all Muslims had a share in this movement, this movement was for an Islamic objective, and not only for Iran; however, the starting point is from Iran and Muslims share in this objective. And the movement is for the establishment of justice, that I must say all mankind have a shared interest in it. And because it is for the establishment of justice, all Muslims participate in it. Therefore, it is necessary that all Muslims together, with one voice participate in this great Islamic movement and God willing, that objective which was realized in Iran- which is the reality of self-sacrifice for the cause of Islam and the unity of all sections of the nation for the advancement of the objectives of Islam- these should be achieved in all nations. And if such a unity of expression with such a great aim which is the establishment of justice- is achieved in these countries and in the large countries of Islam, it will become such a great power that no power and superpower can withstand opposing it.

[Interpreter: With regard to your endorsement of the Palestinian government and wanting to secure their rights.]

However, concerning our endorsement of Palestine and our aversion of Israel; this is not something new. Since about twenty years ago up to the present, we have discussed and debated on this issue and have advised the Arab governments and the rest of the Muslims to co-operate on this issue. If the Arab governments- who have a large population and large number of groups- were in agreement with each other, these tragedies would not have occurred for Palestine and Quds. However, unfortunately the Arab governments did not listen to our admonitions and paid no attention to the differences that the hands of foreigners created among them, and even now, these differences exist and are increasing daily. In addition to the difference that arose because of the treaty between Egypt and Israel at the hands of foreigners, «1» it fanned the differences among Muslims and among governments of Islam. And because there is no political maturity among them, they could not solve the problem and thus submitted to such an important affair; such a treason that pursuant to that, the differences among Muslims and among Islamic governments increased and it caused our deep regret.

But with regard to Mr. Sadr (Leader of the Shi`ah of Lebanon); from the time I was in Najaf and this incident took place, until I left for Paris and then arrived in Iran, I was in touch with this issue. Mr. Sadr was born in Iran, and he is originally an Iranian. We were together for a long time and then he went to Lebanon as an Iranian. And we are interested both because he is an Iranian, and because he was the Leader of the Shi`ah Council of Lebanon. We are interested in solving this puzzle and repeatedly got in touch with Libya.

Moreover, we sent our Foreign minister, Mr. Qutbzadeh «2» once to Libya to pursue this matter. And after I came here, I spoke with the Ambassador of Libya who had come over to meet with me about this problem as well as I asked the Prime Minister of Libya who came here, to solve this mysterious puzzle. But unfortunately, this puzzle has not been solved for us until now. I hope that with the efforts of the government of Iran and the rest of individuals who are interested in Islam, this puzzle be resolved.

However, with regard to our relations with Islamic governments- rather with all governments- there is a special relationship. Nevertheless, with all governments there is a political relationship that, of course, our government either establishes or strengthens. Moreover, our relations with Islamic governments must always be strong. Islamic governments must be like a single government; as if they are a single society, they have a single flag; they have a single holy book; they have a single prophet. They must always be united; they should have multilateral interests together. In addition, if these aspirations are fulfilled and among the Islamic governments, and there is unity from all aspects, then there will be hope that they can overcome their problems and become a bigger power than the other powers in relation to the rest of the powers.

At this moment, I thank your President, government and your people; and I hope that all Muslims achieve happiness and health and be delivered from the evil of outsiders.

May God's peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.