In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The honorable Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Muhammad Khatami, may his graces last long:
Considering the constructive role of the country's press in the development of the society, and in view of your competence and efficiency in managing such affairs, I hereby appoint you to assume overall responsibility of the Kayhan daily newspaper which belongs to the deprived people. You are, of course, aware that the press must always be in the service of dear Islam, the masses, and the country. The freedoms must be ensured within the limits of the sacred laws of Islam and the constitution in the best possible manner, and neutrality maintained. It is hoped that with the help of God and the cooperation of your dedicated employees, you will manage the newspaper for the cause of the realization of the Islamic Republic's aspirations. I ask God to give you and your colleagues' success in this cause
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini
25,1359 AHS