Addressing a meeting of the Sacred Defense state officials, the Iranian President called for unity, abnegation and coordination as only possible ways to continue the path of martyrs as well as to preserve the Islamic Revolution; “great victories will be achieved for the country as soon as all Revolutionary forces work in collaboration hence the need to remain united under the supervision of the Leader.”
“One big achievement is that, unlike the past, Iran’s nuclear activities can be pursued and the technological movement is globally recognized as the nation’s legitimate right,” Rouhani told the meeting which was held in Tehran on Saturday to commemorate perseverance and excellent management of state official during the Imposed War.
The removal of cruel sanction which has paved the path for economic activities remains as yet another valuable accomplishment for the Iranian nation, he continued.
Hassan Rouhani further voiced satisfaction towards the presence of Chairman of Iran’s Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani at the meeting and enumerated a number important positions taken by him during the Sacred Defense years.
He outlined defense and war as significant turning points in history of countries which affect the future of not only war-stricken states but also the whole world.
“Many intrusions have exerted influences on turbulent conditions of the present times and the widespread terrorism in the regional and world is rooted in occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Rouhani went on to add that “the Soviet Union and the US must be held accountable for the emergence of Al-Qaeda for their invasion of Afghanistan and likewise, the scourge of ISIL can be traced down in regional occupations.”
He further touched upon the difficulties faced by the country during early years of the Imposed War saying “the Islamic Revolution was in its early days and supplying equipment and ammunitions for armed forces was a tough task since diplomatic relations with the West had been cut off.”
“Army officials could not have handled the situation in early days of the Sacred Defense in the absence of revolutionary elements, state officials or IRGC who all complemented each other,” underlined the official stressing “in addition to the government, people also made an active presence to form a popular defense though the leadership of Imam Khomeini cannot be ignored.”
President Rouhani, once again, named a number of major difficulties faced by the government during the Iran-Iraq war including budget management as well as oil sales and exports in particular.
He further appreciated the support given by Iranian industries then as well as the Iranian nation who would pay taxes to meet the demands for weapons and military equipment.
The Iranian President commemorated memories of all martyrs, war-disabled veterans and those who were assassinated by brutal actions of enemies explaining “in their absence, victory could not have been achieved in an unbalanced war in which all world powers were backing Saddam.”
He emphasized that Iran gained the upper hand in the Sacred Defense as a result of efforts made by brave Iranian warriors and diplomats; “efforts were made by Iranian politicians then to apply proper changes to the United Nations Security Council resolution 598 which ended the war in Iran’s favor.”
At the beginning of his remarks, President Hassan Rouhani hailed families of notable martyrs who held responsibilities during the imposed war including Mohammad Ali Rajaei, Mohmmad Javad Bahonar, Mousa Kalantari, Mohammadali Fayazbakhsh, Mosa Namjou, Javad Fakouri, Hassan Abbaspour, Mahmoud Ghandi, Tondgooyan as well as Mostafa Chamran.
Also at the meeting, a number of other government and military officials delivered speeches recalling memories of the Sacred Defense while emphasizing the role of warriors, government members as well as Imam Khomeini’s leadership in achieving victory.
HA/3753805