[25 Oct 2013] UN envoy warns against growing anti Muslim sentiments in...
A UN envoy says the deadly violence against a Muslim minority in Myanmar poses a serious threat to the country\\\'s economic and political reforms....
A UN envoy says the deadly violence against a Muslim minority in Myanmar poses a serious threat to the country\\\'s economic and political reforms.
The U-N special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar has warned against anti-Muslim sentiments in the Southeast Asian nation. Tomas Ojea Quintana says Myanmar\\\'s military junta needs to do more to protect the vulnerable community. He says the underlying issue of discrimination against Muslims and particularly Rohingyas remains unaddressed. Hundreds of Rohingyas have been killed in sectarian violence in the western Rakhine state since last year. The continuing violence and rights abuses have forced hundreds of thousands to flee a country that does not even accept them as legitimate citizens.
0m:47s
6426
[03 Nov 2013] Iran and China look to increase cultural ties - English
Several government officials from China including its Deputy Min. of Culture, Dong Wei, are visiting Tehran. The aim of the visit is to increase...
Several government officials from China including its Deputy Min. of Culture, Dong Wei, are visiting Tehran. The aim of the visit is to increase bilateral and economic ties especially in the field of culture. Saturday the Chinese delegation visited the capital\\\'s Islamic Culture & Relations organization (ICRO). There they met the deputy of the ICRO, Masnur Ehtesami, to sign several agreements to enhance cultural ties between the two nations. Both officials explained how one way of increasing culture is through the historic Silk Road.
2m:20s
5347
[03 Nov 2013] Tunisia Ennahda, opposition at odds over new premier -...
At Tunisia\'s National Dialogue between Ennahda ruling party and the opposition, the mediation efforts of the Labor Union have failed as the...
At Tunisia\'s National Dialogue between Ennahda ruling party and the opposition, the mediation efforts of the Labor Union have failed as the Islamic party defended Ahmed Mestiri, an 88 year old candidate for the position of Prime Minister. But the Salvation Front nominated Mohamed Ennaceur, 79, to form the new Cabinet of independents tasked with ending the political, economic and security crisis
1m:32s
4368
[03 Nov 2013] Leader: Nuclear program just an excuse for US enmity...
The Leader of Iran\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Islamic Revolution says the country\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s nuclear program is just an excuse for the United States to...
The Leader of Iran\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s Islamic Revolution says the country\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s nuclear program is just an excuse for the United States to continue its enmity toward the Iranian nation.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei referred to the history of US hostility toward the Iranian nation. He said that the US officials had targeted Iran with various forms of plots, campaigns and schemes, before the nuclear issue even existed. The Leader rejected as simplistic or ill-intended those statements made by some elements who claim that if Iran gives up its nuclear rights, all economic and other problems facing the country will be resolved overnight. Ayatollah Khamenei defended the Iranian negotiating team against internal criticism. He said the Iranian negotiators-- who have held talks with the UN Security Council\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s permanent members plus Germany, are shouldering a tough responsibility. The Leader however reiterated his skepticism of US intentions, saying a smiling enemy cannot be trusted.
5m:14s
17897
[17 Nov 2013] The Debate - US Afghan Security Pact - English
Afghan president Hamid Karzai has given a thumbs up to extend the presence of US troops beyond 2014. However he has also said that the Loya Jirga...
Afghan president Hamid Karzai has given a thumbs up to extend the presence of US troops beyond 2014. However he has also said that the Loya Jirga or the assembly of elders must approve the security pact between Kabul and Washington. Many Afghan citizens want Washington to leave their country. The central issue for the assembly is the issue of immunity for American troops that will remain in the country after the withdrawal of its allies\' forces by the end of 2014. What will this do to Afghanistan? And why does the US want to stay in Afghanistan, when more and more Americans are dissatisfied with the deteriorating socio-economic conditions back home?
23m:33s
6710
[19 Nov 2013] Obama calls on Senate to delay imposing new sanctions on...
US President Barack Obama calls on Senate to delay imposing new sanctions on Iran, rejecting criticism by senators that Washington has not been...
US President Barack Obama calls on Senate to delay imposing new sanctions on Iran, rejecting criticism by senators that Washington has not been tough on Iran. White House spokesman Jay Carney says that Obama has met top Democrats and Republicans from the Senate Armed Services, Intelligence and Foreign Relations committees and urged them to delay any decision on new Iran sanctions. As Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany are slated to hold fresh round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Wednesday, Obama tell the senators that new sanctions should not be enacted during the current negotiations. Meanwhile, a group of senators wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry, calling on the administration to make a tougher line on anti-Iran sanctions. The senators warned that easing the sanctions would not force Iran to abandon its pursuit of an alleged nuclear weapon. Obama says the proposed deal would permit a modest lifting of the economic sanctions on Iran.
5m:24s
7754
[22 Nov 2013] Russian pres. accuses EU of pressuring, blackmailing...
Tensions between Ukraine, Europe and Russia are running high over Kiev\'s decision to suddenly scrap plans to sign a deal with the European Union....
Tensions between Ukraine, Europe and Russia are running high over Kiev\'s decision to suddenly scrap plans to sign a deal with the European Union. Russia is now accusing the Europeans of blackmailing Kiev to sign an association agreement with the EU.
The Russian president says the E-U is using threats and pressure to shift Ukraine out of Russia\'s orbit. Vladimir Putin has also criticized the E-U for supporting protests against scrapping the deal. Putin made the comments shortly after the E-U accused Kiev of bowing to Russian pressure. On Thursday, Ukraine suspended signing the association agreement with Europe, citing economic concerns and trade issues with Russia. The decision has sparked protests in Kiev. Demonstrators have taken to the streets to oppose the government move, with the opposition leaders joining the rallies.
2m:48s
4971
[27 Nov 2013] Pakistan anti-drone protesters block NATO supply route -...
These are activists from Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf or Justice Party which is now governing the country\'s northwestern province bordering with...
These are activists from Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf or Justice Party which is now governing the country\'s northwestern province bordering with Afghanistan. For several days, the provincial government has blocked land routes for trucks carrying war supplies for US-led foreign forces in Afghanistan.
The provincial government has avoided using police force to block the supply lines in order to prevent legal action because defense and foreign policies are the exclusive domains of the federal government.
Legally speaking the federal government in Islamabad can dismiss the provincial government in northwestern region for overstepping its authority to block the NATO supply line. But given the fact that the anti-US sentiment is rising alarmingly, the federal government is hard pressed to decide on a clear policy action that goes beyond routinely condemning U-S drone attacks.
The country\'s Interior Minister Chaudhar Nisar Khan says that it is time for Pakistan to choose between US economic assistance or self respect. The federal government is engaged in consultation process with major political parties to evolve consensus on how to bring an end to the US drone attacks that has effectively derailed the peace process with the pro-Taliban militants.
1m:56s
5958
[05 Dec 2013] Iraqi PM meets Iran Supreme Leader to discuss regional...
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has met with Leader of Iran\\\\\\\'s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss bilateral...
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has met with Leader of Iran\\\\\\\'s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss bilateral issues.
During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei laid emphasis on the importance of cooperation between the two neighbors. He said the two countries should take strides in expanding political, economic and scientific ties, arguing that there are no obstacles to this end. Ayatollah Khamenei praised the performance of the Iraqi government, but said Baghdad needs to do more to improve the welfare of Iraqis. Premier Maliki earlier held talks with President Rouhani during which both sides discussed Syria as well as bilateral ties. The top Iraqi official also held separate talks with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to discuss similar topics. Iran and Iraq have enjoyed growing ties ever since the overthrow of the former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein in 2003.
0m:55s
23422
[08 Dec 2013] President Rouhani: Iran opposed to presence of foreign...
Iran\'s president Hassan Rouhani says Tehran is opposed to the presence of foreign forces in the Middle East region.
Rouhani made the remark in...
Iran\'s president Hassan Rouhani says Tehran is opposed to the presence of foreign forces in the Middle East region.
Rouhani made the remark in a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai in Tehran. He also expressed Tehran\'s concern about the tensions created by foreign forces in neighboring countries and said the security of Afghanistan must be provided by Afghan people. President Karzai praised Iran\'s cooperation with Afghanistan and urged closer economic and security ties with Tehran. Karzai has also had a separate meeting with foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Tehran and Kabul have announced plans to sign a long-term pact to boost cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
4m:29s
5977
[09 Dec 2013] Taxes main source of revenue in Iran next year draft...
Iran\'s Vice President for Strategic Planning, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, in a press conference answered questions about the country\'s draft budget...
Iran\'s Vice President for Strategic Planning, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, in a press conference answered questions about the country\'s draft budget bill. The document was presented to Iranian Parliament by Iran\'s president Hassan Rouhani on Sunday. The 315 billion dollar draft budget bill is 7.5 percent more than last year\'s budget. It is made up of general budget which is 7.3 percent less and company budget that is 9.6 percent more than last year\'s budget. Nobakht stated that the increase in company budget sends an economic message to the private sector. Iranian Vice President added that the budget is set based on revenues mostly from taxes and customs, then oil revenue and last but not least government companies\' earnings.
1m:48s
5573
[16 Dec 2013] The 6th Intl. Festival of Research And Innovation in Urban...
As cities are growing bigger and bigger and by emerging megacities, the traditional methods of urban management seem to be outdated. Cities are...
As cities are growing bigger and bigger and by emerging megacities, the traditional methods of urban management seem to be outdated. Cities are facing increasingly complex challenges, relating to social, economic, physical and environmental concerns. This makes the people in charge make better use of available resources manage and develop cities in a sustainable way.
2m:26s
5145
[22 Dec 2013] President Hassan Rouhani meets Italian FM Emma Bonino in...
Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino who is in Tehran on an official visit has met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
During the meeting,...
Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino who is in Tehran on an official visit has met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
During the meeting, President Rouhani said the level of relations between Iran and Italy is below expectation and all available capacities must be used to expand it. President Rouhani added that Italy has acted as an important partner in its relations with Iran and expressed happiness about Rome\'s willingness to expand ties with Tehran. He added that cooperation between the two sides can lay the foundation of mutual trust between Iran and Europe. Emma Bonino for her part said that Italy\'s interests lie in expanding and developing ties with Iran. She added that Rome is eager to expand relations with Tehran in economic, industrial, energy, tourism and scientific fields.
1m:17s
7094
[25 Dec 2013] Iran Today - Iran Afghanistan relations - English
Iran and Afghanistan, two countries with a shared language and similar cultures are now planning to sign an agreement that will solidify their...
Iran and Afghanistan, two countries with a shared language and similar cultures are now planning to sign an agreement that will solidify their friendship.
Two weeks ago US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was in Afghanistan but while he was there hoping to negotiate a security treaty, Afghan President Hamid Karzai flew to Iran to meet up with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.
According to the country\'s foreign ministry spokesman Karzai\'s brief visit to Iran on the 8th of December was aimed to strengthen economic ties, reviewing the state of Afghan refugees in Iran, and the trilateral cooperation of Iran, India and Afghanistan in expanding Iran\'s Chabahar port.
In this edition of the show we discuss the many dimensions of the relationship between Iran and Afghanistan.
24m:25s
6379
[15 Jan 2014] Iran FM ends regional tour in Syria - English
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Jawad Zarif in Damascus and discussed preparations made for the upcoming...
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Jawad Zarif in Damascus and discussed preparations made for the upcoming Geneva 2 conference on Syria.
During the meeting, Assad warned against the dangers of the Wahabi extremist ideology, saying it threatens the entire world. Zarif, on his part, expressed his country\'s support to the Syrian leadership and people. He also stressed that only the Syrians have the right to shape their future. Zarif also held talks with Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi. They discussed economic relations and means of developing them especially in the fields of oil, electricity, trade and health.
2m:12s
5775
[21 Jan 2014] The Debate - israeli Settlement (P.1) - English
Israel approves plans to build more than two thousand new settler units in Jerusalem al-Quds and the occupied West Bank. As Israeli soldiers hand...
Israel approves plans to build more than two thousand new settler units in Jerusalem al-Quds and the occupied West Bank. As Israeli soldiers hand out more eviction orders to Palestinian families, we\'re asking is Tel Aviv under enough international pressure to stop its settlement activities that the UN has called illegal? Are the US-brokered talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority doomed? I\'m Homa Lezgee and you\'re watching the Debate.
Guests:
- Political Activist & Commentator, Kevin Ovenden (London).
- Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute, Richard Weitz (Washington).
Subjects:
1- Some observers say Israel\'s settlement expansions at this point in time are in fact meant to undermine talks since Israel is not interested in a two-state solution...do you agree?
2- Is a two-state solution possible?
3- Israel\'s economy minister Naftali Benner has said a two-state solution will harm Tel Aviv and that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state will destroy Israel\'s economy...what does that say about Israel\'s willingness for talks to get anywhere?
4- There was some friction between Tel Aviv and Washington when an Israeli minister said John Kerry\'s proposal on the Jordan Valley wasn\'t worth the paper it was written on and suggested that Kerry was naïve. How have the settlement expansions effected US-Israeli relations?
5- Is the US going to put enough pressure on Israel to stop the settlement expansions?
6- \"Israel teaching the US a lesson since the Obama administration is being a bit too serious\"...
7- What do you think about the EU position against settlements? Will a growing boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign help?
8- Should Israel be taking the academic and economic sanctions more seriously?
9- Similarities between Israel and South African apartheid regime...
10- How long is this stalemate going to last? How long can Israel continue to defy international law?
12m:0s
6665
[21 Jan 2014] The Debate - israeli Settlement (P.2) - English
Israel approves plans to build more than two thousand new settler units in Jerusalem al-Quds and the occupied West Bank. As Israeli soldiers hand...
Israel approves plans to build more than two thousand new settler units in Jerusalem al-Quds and the occupied West Bank. As Israeli soldiers hand out more eviction orders to Palestinian families, we\'re asking is Tel Aviv under enough international pressure to stop its settlement activities that the UN has called illegal? Are the US-brokered talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority doomed? I\'m Homa Lezgee and you\'re watching the Debate.
Guests:
- Political Activist & Commentator, Kevin Ovenden (London).
- Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute, Richard Weitz (Washington).
Subjects:
1- Some observers say Israel\'s settlement expansions at this point in time are in fact meant to undermine talks since Israel is not interested in a two-state solution...do you agree?
2- Is a two-state solution possible?
3- Israel\'s economy minister Naftali Benner has said a two-state solution will harm Tel Aviv and that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state will destroy Israel\'s economy...what does that say about Israel\'s willingness for talks to get anywhere?
4- There was some friction between Tel Aviv and Washington when an Israeli minister said John Kerry\'s proposal on the Jordan Valley wasn\'t worth the paper it was written on and suggested that Kerry was naïve. How have the settlement expansions effected US-Israeli relations?
5- Is the US going to put enough pressure on Israel to stop the settlement expansions?
6- \"Israel teaching the US a lesson since the Obama administration is being a bit too serious\"...
7- What do you think about the EU position against settlements? Will a growing boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign help?
8- Should Israel be taking the academic and economic sanctions more seriously?
9- Similarities between Israel and South African apartheid regime...
10- How long is this stalemate going to last? How long can Israel continue to defy international law?
9m:54s
6598
[24 Jan 2014] Palestinian Authority FM meets Russian counterpart - English
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has hosted Palestinian Authority foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in Moscow. They talked about strengthening...
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has hosted Palestinian Authority foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki in Moscow. They talked about strengthening of bilateral and economic ties between Russia and Palestine and also Russia\'s support for the talks between Palestinian Authority and Israeli officials.
1m:41s
6161
[18 Feb 2014] China urges renewed effort to reach long-term Iran nuclear...
In Beijing, the Chinese government has called for a renewed effort to reach a long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
With agreement in...
In Beijing, the Chinese government has called for a renewed effort to reach a long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
With agreement in Vienna a real possibility, Chinese policymakers are busy thinking about what that might mean. Western politicians say the economic damage inflicted by the sanctions they have imposed has forced Iran to the negotiating table. Many Chinese analysts, however, say the main impetus towards a deal could now be coming from America. The US, Chinese experts say, needs better relations with Iran to wind down its commitments in southwest Asia.
2m:6s
4466
[25 Feb 2014] The Debate - Israeli Apartheid Week (P.1) - English
The Tenth Annual Israeli Apartheid Week has kicked off: an international event that raises awareness about Israel\'s apartheid policies towards the...
The Tenth Annual Israeli Apartheid Week has kicked off: an international event that raises awareness about Israel\'s apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss why this event has gained popularity around the world, and why perhaps at no other juncture in time, today Israel has become more isolated than ever before. Does the threat of economic boycotts will affect Israel\'s continued occupation of Palestinian territories? What should be done to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands?
Guests
- Political Commentator, Randy Short (Washington).
- President, Middle East Research Center, Richard Hellman (Washington).
11m:0s
6556
[25 Feb 2014] The Debate - Israeli Apartheid Week (P.2) - English
The Tenth Annual Israeli Apartheid Week has kicked off: an international event that raises awareness about Israel\'s apartheid policies towards the...
The Tenth Annual Israeli Apartheid Week has kicked off: an international event that raises awareness about Israel\'s apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign. In this edition of the debate, we\'ll discuss why this event has gained popularity around the world, and why perhaps at no other juncture in time, today Israel has become more isolated than ever before. Does the threat of economic boycotts will affect Israel\'s continued occupation of Palestinian territories? What should be done to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands?
Guests
- Political Commentator, Randy Short (Washington).
- President, Middle East Research Center, Richard Hellman (Washington).
11m:53s
5496
[26 Feb 2014] Iran parliamentary delegation concludes Syria visit - English
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received in Damascus an Iranian delegation headed by top Iranian lawmaker Alaedin Boroujerdi.The Syrian president...
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad received in Damascus an Iranian delegation headed by top Iranian lawmaker Alaedin Boroujerdi.The Syrian president underlined the necessity of cooperation among regional countries to deal with the menace of terrorism and extremism. He also noted the importance of coordination among parliaments in a way that unites stances in fighting the Wahhabi ideology. Boroujerdi, on his part, asserted that only the Syrians have the right to determine their future.
The Iranian parliamentary delegation also met with Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi. The two sides discussed bilateral economic ties and means to boost it further.Boroujerdi, in a separate meeting with foreign minister Waleed al-Moallem, exchanged views on Geneva 2 peace conference.
2m:13s
5860
[09 Aug 13] Sermons on Eid ul Fitr - Sayed Ali Khamenei - [English]
The following is the full text of the sermons delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution,...
The following is the full text of the sermons delivered on August 9, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, during Eid ul-Fitr prayers in Tehran.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Creator of all creatures, Whom we praise, from Whom we seek help, to Whom we repent, and Whom we rely on, and peace and greetings be upon His beloved and noble one, the best among His servants, the protector of His secret, the promoter of His message, the harbinger of His mercy, the warner of His chastisement, our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem al-Mustafa Muhammad, upon his immaculate, pure and chosen household, and upon those who guide the guided, and who are immaculate and respected, especially the one remaining with Allah on earth.
I advise myself and all of you dear brothers and sisters, who said your prayers in this magnificent meeting, to fear God and engage in piety which is the source of happiness and victory in this world and in the hereafter. I would like to congratulate all of you, all the people of Iran and all Muslims throughout the world on the occasion of the auspicious Eid ul-Fitr.
The month of Ramadan, which is full of divine blessings for our nation and other Muslims, is over and many happy people benefited from the blessings of this month. These people spent the day obeying God while they were fasting and while they felt hungry and thirsty in such hot weather and on such hot days and they avoided carnal desires and curbed their human passions.
At night, many people engaged in prayer and dhikr and they kept a vigil for God. Those who carried out their responsibility by worshiping God and fulfilling divine obligations in this month feel satisfied and happy. Engaging in spiritual deeds and fighting against human passions in this month gives a feeling of joy and spiritual happiness to you dear people who are the masters of determination and willpower and who exercised patience in fasting. One of the characteristics of carrying out responsibilities for the sake of God and making efforts and engaging in jihad for the sake of God is that one feels happy although one endures hardships and difficulties. And God has connected this happiness with the happiness that we feel on the day of Eid ul-Fitr. In order to show the greatness of this day, I should merely say that, during the nine qunuts of the auspicious prayers of Eid ul-Fitr, you swear by the blessedness of this day: \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"By the blessedness of this day I ask you...\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [Mafatih al-Jinan, Eid ul-Fitr]
I hope that Allah the Exalted accepts your prayers, bestows and showers His mercy and blessings on the people of Iran and bestows abundant rewards on you for the efforts that you made in this month. One of the great efforts that the people made in this month was the Quds Day rallies. One cannot describe in any way, how significant what you did is. Throughout the country, you marched on the streets in such hot weather and while you were fasting in order to prove the resistance of the Iranian nation on this important issue of the world of Islam and the history of Islam. This is the meaning of a living nation. I deem it necessary to express my gratitude, from the bottom of my heart, to the Iranian nation for this effort.
This year, more than previous years, a good tradition was witnessed. It is good to pay attention to this issue which is the act of providing the people with simple and unadorned iftar meals in our mosques and on the streets of many cities of the country. Unlike the act of offering extravagant iftar meals which we heard a number of people did, this is a very appropriate act. Under the pretext of offering iftar meals, these people engaged in extravagant acts. Instead of becoming an instrument for establishing a psychological relationship with the poor and the deprived in the month of Ramadan, they indulged themselves in carnal desires by doing this.
We do not want to say that if somebody eats a delicious food during iftar, this is forbidden. No, according to Sharia, these things are not forbidden. But extravagance and overindulgence are forbidden. The extravagance which is sometimes witnessed in such occasions is forbidden. It is so much better for those who want to offer iftar meals to do this by cherishing the tradition which has become common. In such traditions, a number of individuals offer free iftar meals - with great generosity - to people and passers-by and those who like to benefit from these iftar meals on the streets and in different Hussayniyyahs.
I hope that Allah the Exalted bestows His blessings on all of you people of Iran and accepts your actions. I hope that He bestows on you the blessing to preserve the achievements of the auspicious month of Ramadan until next year.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I swear by the time,
Most surely man is in loss,
Except those who believe and do good, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 103]
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master and Prophet, Ab-al-Qassem al-Mustafa Muhammad and upon his immaculate, pure and chosen household, especially upon the Commander of the Faithful, the Mistress of all Women, Hassan and Hussein- the children of mercy and the Imams of the guided, Ali ibn al-Hussein Zayn al-Abidin, Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir, Ja\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq, Musa ibn Ja\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'far al-Kadhim, Ali ibn Musa ar-Ridha, Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad, Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi, Hassan ibn Ali al-Askari and Hujjat al-Qaem al-Mahdi. Greetings be upon them all and upon the Imams of Muslims, supporters of the oppressed, and those who guide the faithful. We ask for Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s forgiveness and we turn repentant to Him.
I advise all the brothers and sisters to observe piety in their speech, behavior and positions and in different social, economic and political arenas.
These days, many events are taking place in West Asia, North Africa and, generally, in Islamic regions. I will briefly refer to a number of these events. In our own country, the important event is the formation of the new administration. Thankfully, with the determination and all-out efforts of the people, this legal request was granted and this national tradition was preserved in the best way possible. By Allah\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s favor, after the Majlis carries out its responsibility of choosing competent ministers, the administration will be formed and it will start to fulfill the great and important tasks which it is in charge of although it has already started to fulfill many of the tasks. I hope that the honorable president and the executive officials of the country will benefit from divine blessings. I hope that the people\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s support and assistance will help them carry out the great responsibilities - great responsibilities have great advantages as well as great difficulties - which they have in the best way possible.
However in countries which are located around us - countries in West Asia and North Africa - the events that are taking place are not happy events. Rather, they are worrying events. One event is the event of the oppressed Palestine. After the passage of 65 years since the official occupation of Palestine, this oppressed nation continues to suffer from oppression and cruelty on a daily basis. Houses are destroyed, innocent people are arrested, children are separated from their parents and prisons are filled with people who are innocent or who have served their prison terms. What is distressing is that western powers support these criminals with all their power. One of the disasters of today\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s world is that an act of clear oppression, which is a combination of tens and hundreds of oppressive acts, is supported by those who claim they support human rights and democracy and who chant beautiful and colorful slogans, but who support criminals in practice.
Now, a number of negotiations have begun again between the self-governing government of Palestine and the Zionists. These negotiations will definitely not produce any results other than what happened during previous negotiations in which Palestinians gave up their rights and encouraged the transgressors to transgress more and stop the lawful political activities of the people of Palestine. They destroy houses, build unlawful buildings for the people who have occupied Palestine and then they say that they are negotiating. Now, they have announced that negotiations will be conducted in secret. The way global arrogance cooks these negotiations will definitely be to the disadvantage of the Palestinians.
We believe that the world of Islam should not back down on the issue of Palestine and it should condemn the usurping act of the predatory and wolf-like Zionists and their international supporters. It should not let these negotiations which are conducted with the so-called mediation of America lead to more oppression against the people of Palestine and to the isolation of Muslim Palestinian fighters. In fact, America is not a mediator. Rather, the Americans themselves are one side of these negotiations and they are on the side of the usurpers of Palestine, the Zionists.
Another issue is the issue of Egypt. We are concerned about what is happening in Egypt. Considering the things that are being done in this country, the idea that a civil war may break out in Egypt is gaining strength on a daily basis and this is a disaster. It is necessary for the great people of Egypt and political, scientific and religious personalities in this country to take a look at the current situation and see what catastrophic consequences this situation may have. They should see the current situation in Syria. They should see the consequences of the presence of western and Zionist mercenaries and terrorists wherever they are active. They should see these dangers. Democracy should receive attention. The killing of people is vigorously condemned by Muslims. Using the language of violence and bullying by different groups of people is absolutely useless and it will cause great harm.
The intervention of foreign powers - the way it is witnessed in the present time - will produce nothing except for loss and harm. The problems of Egypt should be solved by the people of Egypt and the outstanding personalities of Egypt. They should think about the catastrophic and dangerous consequences of this situation. If, God forbid, there is mayhem and if, God forbid, a civil war breaks out, what can then preclude this? In such conditions, there will be excuse for the intervention of superpowers which are the greatest disaster for any country and nation. We are concerned. We would like to offer a brotherly piece of advice to outstanding Egyptian personalities, the people of Egypt, political and religious groups and religious scholars. They should think of a solution on their own and adopt this solution on their own. They should not allow foreigners and powers - whose intelligence services have, most likely, played a role in creating this situation - to make more interventions.
Another issue is the issue of Iraq. In Iraq, a democratic administration and government has come to power with the votes of the people. Because superpowers and the reactionary forces of the region are unhappy about this situation, they do not want to let the people of Iraq feel comfort. These explosions, these killings and these criminal and terrorist activities results from the assistance and financial, political and arms support of a number of regional and ultra-regional powers which do not want to let the Iraqi nation live its life the way it wants. It is necessary for Iraqi politicians and officials, Iraqi groups, Shia and Sunni Muslims, Arabs and Kurds to take a look at the situation which exists in a number of other countries. They should notice that the consequences of civil wars and domestic conflicts, which destroy the infrastructures of any country, ruin the future of any nation. In all these events, the Zionist regime and usurpers sit and watch this situation with satisfaction and they feel comfort. Should this be allowed to continue?
Dear God, by the blessedness of Muhammad (s.w.a.) and his household (a.s.), awaken us from ignorance. Dear God, cut off the hands of malicious people and transgressors in Islamic nations and countries. Dear God, by the blessedness of Muhammad (s.w.a.) and his household (a.s.), make Islam and Muslims achieve victory wherever they are.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
To you, have We granted the Fount (of Abundance),
Therefore to your Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice,
For he who hates you, he will be cut off.\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" [The Holy Quran, 108]
15m:34s
39900