A group of women at a state-sponsored rally to celebrate the 34th
anniversary of Iran's Revolution. Nearly 2,500 years of monarchy
under the shahs was over, and an Islamic theological dictatorship
had begun under the clerics.
Leader Hails 'Massive'
Public Turnout as Proof that 'Enemy' Plans are Doomed (Kayhan,
Islamic Republic of Iran)
Sunday was the 34th anniversary of the toppling of the shah of Iran, and the beginning of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to this news item from Iran's state-run Kayhan, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said that public turnout this year, in the face of sanctions and outside pressure from the 'enemies,' is proof that Western claims of a loss of public support for the regime are false.
TEHRAN: Leader Ayatollah Seyyed
Ali Khamenei on Monday hailed the Iranian nation,
saying, "Their massive turnout to mark the 34th anniversary of the Islamic
Revolution "has created a massive popular epic."
Millions of people here and in many other cities and towns
took to the streets on Sunday, to reaffirm their allegiance to the ideals of
the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini.
"The presence of the masses - elderly, the youth, women
and men - at Azadi Square, 34 years after the victory
of the Islamic Revolution, is the most divine blessing, and as such, calls for
a lifetime thanksgiving," the Leader said.
"A great and outstanding accomplishment of the Iranian
nation is that the people are themselves the proprietors of the revolution and
the country, and the task of organizing celebrations for the revolution is
regarded as their own responsibility."
A crowd swamps the car of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a
state-sponsored rally for the 34th anniversary of Iran's revolution.
"Hence, the people are protecting this great capital, the
source of dignity and independence, and showcase their presence whenever
needed," Ayatollah Khamenei added.
The Leader said he would like to thank the Iranians one by
one for their "timely presence on the scene."
“Just as the enemies of the independence and dignity of the
Iranian nation expected a non-response to the call of the revolution and the
Islamic Republic from the people, they disappointed the enemy with their
participation,” the Leader noted.
And he said that Iran’s enemies are trying to play down the
massive participation of the Iranian people. "However, they see,
understand and analyze the realities on the ground, realizing that they cannot
confront this nation,” the Leader added.
The Iranian nation toppled the U.S.-backed Pahlavi regime 34
years ago, ending 2,500 years of monarchic rule in the country. The Islamic
Revolution, under the guidance of Imam Khomeini, established a new political
system based on Islamic values and democracy.
