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Khatami: Constitution, yardstick for national progress |
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| Tehran, Sept 10, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami said on Tuesday that nation's progress depends on working within the framework of the Constitution. In a meeting with members of the Assembly of Experts, President Khatami said that abiding by the constitution which stipulates religious tenets, people rights and defines the limits of various branches of the government system, will serve to disappoint the Islamic republic's ill-wishers, the president stated. Only by following such a path we can eliminate the problems facing the country Khatami said, adding "the nation faces a bright prospect." He characterized the nations domestic and foreign situation as excellent, but, also, "dangerous" and "complex." Iran will thread the pass of progress in all areas while safeguarding its national identity, the president remarked. He alluded to the educated youth's desire for a new paradigms and their discouragement with nationalism, socialism and liberalism on one hand, and extremist and reactionary movements on the other. "This is why we stress a religious-oriented democracy," Khatami said. Imam Khomeini rejected establishment of an Islamic rule and instead urged an Islamic Republic, which only proves the late Imam's wisdom and understanding of the need for a system which, while, preserves the Islamic tenets it also put forth the republic to meet the human needs and aspirations. He pointed to Iran's young population composition, level of literacy and inter-connections of today world. "We will not succeed unless we become cognizant of today's realities and issues and in turn adapt our political, economic, social and religious programs to the new realities. Our clergy should put forth innovative and suitable answers to questions posed in our world, notably by the youth," Khatami underlined. He said that the Society expects the clergy to churn out new responses to the political, social and economic issues, in addition to matter of science, beliefs and schools of thoughts. He drew attention to the differences between power and strength saying that the latter hinges on strong ties between the people and the ruling system. "In fact there is a direct correlation between the strength and national security," Khatami said. He said that to defend our identity and independence there is no other solution than bolstering scientific and economic affairs. Defense of our ideals, values, independence and even religion cannot be successful, "with a weak economy and outbreak of poverty," Khatami said. Elsewhere, he said the present threats facing the Islamic Revolution should be turned to real opportunities and not mere slogans. He also chided those people "who do draw a dark picture of the state of religion and economy," saying that such views will only benefit the enemies of the nation. He said all the officials strive for the progress of the nation and have tried to reign in injustice while working for the progress and advancement of the nation. He referred to the religious propagation budget as increasing by average of 60 percent annually in the last decade and praised the Ministry of Culture and the Islamic Guidance for promoting religious values. He said that the economic prospect of the nations is bright. Citing figures on the sectoral affairs Khatami said with the government reimbursement of its debt to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) which makes available higher borrowing for the private sector continuation of present positive trend in the implementation of the 'emergency employment plan,' the unemployment rate will be reduced in the future. |
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