imam khomeini the symbol of grandeur, diginity of islamic revolution :
khatami
tehran (imam's shrine), june 4, irna -- president hojatoleslam seyyed
mohammad khatami here wednesday addressing people from different walks
of life at the mausoleum of the late imam khomeini, said "the great
iranian nation was not only a witness to, but also was its greatest
historical participant in welcoming imam khomeini home from his exile
on feb. 1, 1979."
"after a decade or so iran was a witness to and a participant of
yet the most splendid historical farewell on the departure of the
most beloved leader to the his eternal abote," hojjatoleslam khatami
said.
the president said "perhaps it can be said that in tehran no one
stayed at home at the time of the funeral procession the late imam
and from whose eyes tears would not roll to mourn for the demise of
the father of the islamic revolution and founder of the islamic
republic of iran."
"the tragic event took place at the turn of the end of the eight
years iraqi imposed war which took a toll of thousands of martyrs and
disabled of our beloved nation and not to talk of the vastness of
destruction due to enemy bombings and missile raids," khatami pointed
out.
he further elucidated that "it was a time when iran was under
severe economic pressure, sanctions and pressure of the enemies both
domestic and foreign-wise, adding such an occasion should have caused
a lot of dessension and dissatisfaction for the people to become
indifferent to the ceremony however, it was the contrary."
"our beloved people, muslims or otherwise, and honorable nation
want to see a dignified and respectable country, and that iran having
an absolute majority of a moslem population, the ummah desires to see
islamic ideals and values observed," stated khatami.
the president pointed out "islam is both cultural and historical
identity of the nation."