The following is the full text of the speech delivered on March 11, 2014 by
Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting
with officials, members of the business community, managers in charge of
scientific centers, media networks and supervisory organizations. The purpose of
the meeting was to illustrate and explain policies on the economy of resistance.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
I would like to welcome all the dear brothers and sisters and I thank you for
accepting this invitation and participating in this meeting. By Allah's favor,
your participation in this cooperative environment will help us do something for
the progress of the country and take a step forward in order to achieve the
lofty ideals of the country.
The purpose of asking you dear brothers and sisters to take the trouble to
attend this meeting is to discuss policies on the economy of resistance - which
have been formulated and announced recently - so that we can illustrate and
highlight the requirements of these policies and so that we can identify the
responsibilities which these important and fundamental policies entrust all of
us with.
Before these policies, many other different policies were introduced in economic
areas such as the policy on energy, the policy on national production, the
policy on the Article 44 of the Constitution, the policy on investment security,
policies on water and many other policies. In those policies, the focus was on
illustrating a roadmap. That is to say, we wanted to illustrate a roadmap - for
example on the issue of national production, water, energy and other such issues
- so that officials could carry out their responsibilities on the basis of this
roadmap. But in these policies, the issue is not only illustrating a roadmap,
but also setting the standards for taking the path in the right way.
The policies on the economy of resistance are exactly like traffic signs.
Certain responsibilities have been specified in the different articles of these
policies. In fact, these responsibilities guarantee that the path will be taken
in the right way. These policies - which are comprehensive and general - have
laid down certain criteria for all sectors. The tasks which should be carried
out are clear if we study the different articles of these policies.
The policies on the economy of resistance are in fact, a domestic and
research-based paradigm which originates in our revolutionary and Islamic
culture. They are compatible with our conditions in the present and in the
future.
Later on I will explain that these policies are not particular to the present
conditions of the country. These policies are long-term measures for the economy
of the country. They can help the Islamic Republic achieve its goals in the area
of economics and they can solve problems. Besides, they are flexible and dynamic
as well. That is to say, we have not formulated these policies in a strict and
inflexible way. They can be completed and improved in line with the different
conditions which may arise in any period of time. These policies will
practically bring about flexibility in the economy of the country. They will
prevent the economy from falling apart in the face of different fluctuations,
which I will refer to later on.
This paradigm has been prepared with the effort and cooperation of experts in
the Expediency Council and in the presence of the heads of the three branches of
government and the officials of the country. We have completely benefited from
the assistance of economic experts for developing this paradigm. In fact, one of
the advantages of this paradigm is that it has been developed through
consultation. That is to say, the different aspects of this paradigm have been
completely analyzed and studied in the Expediency Council. The heads of the
three branches of government are present in the Expediency Council. The same is
true of different officials. They have held certain discussions. This is a
well-considered and well-developed task.
Interest in an economy of resistance is not particular to us. Today - especially
in recent years - many countries have decided to make their economy resistant
because of the economic fluctuations which have occurred in the world.
Of course, any country has its own specific conditions. The problems arising
from capitalism spread from the west and America to many countries. In general,
the global economy is an interconnected entity. Naturally, many countries were
more or less influenced by these problems. This was why many countries decided
to make their economy resistant. In other words, they wanted to create an
economy of resistance which was best suited for their countries.
In my opinion, we need an economy of resistance more than other countries do. We
need to make our economy resistant more than other countries do. This is because
first, we are connected with the global economy due to the same factors which we
share with other countries. We want to preserve this connection. We do not at
all want to separate and step away from the global economy. We cannot have this
intention particularly in the present conditions. So, we are influenced by what
happens in the global economy.
Second, we need an economy of resistance because of the characteristics that we
have. We are attacked by others and we are subject to malevolence because of our
independence, our dignity and our persistence in preventing ourselves from being
influenced by the policies of global powers. As you can see in the present time,
the motives, obstacles and problems which are directed against us are many more
than those which directed against any other country. Therefore, we should show
more diligence in order to strengthen the bases of our economy and make it
resistant. We should not allow different events, inevitable fluctuations and
malevolent plots to influence our economy. We should not allow these conditions
to arise. Therefore, we need an economy of resistance.
I would like to discuss a brief list of the characteristics of the economy of
resistance. I have divided my statements into three parts: the first part is
about this list. The second part is about why we consider the economy of
resistance to be a necessity today and why we should pursue it and the third
part is about the obligations which we should be committed to.
For the first part, I have written down 10 characteristics of the policies on
the economy of resistance which are in fact factors playing a role in this
issue. One factor is the issue of creating dynamism in the economy of the
country and improving the major standards such as achieving economic growth,
promoting national production, creating employment, reducing inflation,
increasing production and improving public welfare. The policies on the economy
of resistance have been formulated with the purpose of creating dynamism in the
economy of the country and improving these standards.
A standard which is more important than all these standards is the key and
fundamental standard of social justice. We do not at all believe in improving
the economy of the country without achieving social justice. There are a number
of countries whose standards are very good and desirable. For example, their
economic growth is at a high level. However, discrimination, social class
inequalities and lack of justice are visible in these countries. We do not at
all consider this to be compatible with the goal of Islam and the Islamic
Republic. Therefore, one of our most important standards is the standard of
social justice. Underprivileged classes should benefit from the progress of the
country's economy in the real sense of the word. This is the first factor.
The second factor is resistance against threatening elements. This has been
considered in these policies. As I said, one of the factors which influences the
economy of countries is economic fluctuations in the world such as the one which
occurred in recent years and those which occurred in previous decades. Such
fluctuations influence countries.
Once, I spoke about my meeting with the leader of one of the countries in
southeast -Asia during a time when the world experienced that astonishing
setback. He said to me, "You should know that we changed overnight, from being a
rich country to being a poor one." A weak economy is like this. Therefore, one
factor that influences economies is the different economic fluctuations which
flow into all countries.
Other factors include natural disasters and hostile moves such as sanctions and
the like. Imagine that decision-making centers in the world decide to lower the
price of oil to say, six dollars. This is what happened to us as well. Many such
events are not ordinary and they are not predictable. But they play a
significant role and they occur because of the clear decisions which are made by
a number of centers. Therefore, the second factor is showing the capability to
resist threatening elements the way I explained.
The third factor is reliance on domestic capacities. This has been specified in
these polices as well. Later on, I will provide a brief explanation about these
capacities. They include scientific, human, natural, financial, geographical and
other domestic capacities. We have important capacities. In the policies on the
economy of resistance, the main focus is on domestic capacities, which are very
broad in scope.
This does not mean that we should close our eyes to resources outside the
country. This is not what I mean. We will certainly benefit from these resources
and we will make maximum use of them. However, our focus and our reliance is on
domestic issues. Our trust is in domestic matters. Our main focus is on domestic
capacities and resources inside the country.
The fourth factor is adopting a jihadi outlook which has been considered in
these policies. We should promote jihadi determination and jihadi management. We
cannot move forward with ordinary moves. Great tasks cannot be carried out with
ordinary, careless and insensitive moves. We need a jihadi determination,
dynamism and management in order to carry out these tasks.
The move that is made in this regard should be scientific, powerful,
well-organized and jihadi. I discussed this issue in the meeting that I had with
the honorable heads of the three branches of government in previous weeks.
Fortunately, Mr. President confidently said to me that the administration would
follow up these tasks and that their decisions would be based on these serious
and jihadi moves. Well, this is very good and necessary. Without this, we cannot
move forward.
The fifth factor is making the people the pivot. This has been specified in
these policies as well. Experience shows us and Islamic hadiths and teachings
stress that whenever the people enter the arena, God's hands are with them:
"God's hands are with people" [Nahjul Balaghah, Sermon 127]. Wherever the
people exist, divine blessings, assistance and support exist as well.
A sign and example of this is the eight-year Sacred Defense. Other examples
include the victory of the Revolution and passing through the difficult
precipices during the past 35 years. Because the people were in the arena, tasks
were carried out. We have paid less attention to this issue in economic areas.
This was the reason why we passed and announced the policies on the Article 44
of the Constitution. Of course, these policies were not implemented the way they
should have. In those years, I spoke to officials about the policies on the
Article 44 of the Constitution. Everyone agreed with what I said and certain
things were done in practice for which we should be thankful. However, these
policies were not implemented the way they should have been.
We should rely on the people and we should attach significance to them. The
people should enter the middle of the economic arena with their resources.
Economic activists, entrepreneurs, innovators, competent individuals, investors
and the countless forces which exist in the country should be able to enter the
arena.
These forces are really countless. It is many years now that I have been
interacting with people from different social backgrounds. Sometimes, we come
across certain things and we realize that we have ignored them. There are so
many individuals in the country who are ready to work, who are skillful,
innovative and knowledgeable and who have capital. These individuals are thirsty
for working.
The administration should prepare the ground for them to work. It should show
them where they can utilize their capabilities and it should support them. This
is the main responsibility of the administration. Of course, the administration
has to be active in certain economic areas, but the people should be given the
opportunity to pursue economic activities as well. This has been specified in
the policies on the economy of resistance.
The sixth factor is providing security for strategic and fundamental goods.
Primarily, this security should be provided for food and medicine. The domestic
production of the country should be shaped in a way that the country will never
face any problem in the area of food and medicine. This is one of the main
factors in the policies that have been announced. We should be self-reliant.
Those areas which bring about this self-reliance should receive attention.
The seventh factor is reducing the country's dependence on oil. One of our most
serious losses is dependence on oil. This great and God-given blessing has
become a source of economic and political collapse over the course of tens of
years. We should find a fundamental solution for this. I am not saying that oil
should not be used. Rather, I am saying that we should reduce our dependence on
selling crude oil as much as we can. We can benefit from oil in the form of
products. This has also been specified in these policies. One of the important
and fundamental tasks that should be carried out is this. It requires lofty
determination. We have specified this in Article 13 of these policies and this
article should really be put into practice.
The eighth factor is the issue of reforming the norms of consumption,
economizing and avoiding extravagance and unnecessary expenses. Of course, this
is primarily addressed to officials. The officials should seriously avoid
extravagance not only in their personal lives - which is of secondary importance
- but also in their managerial sectors. This is of primary importance. If this
happens - that is to say, if we officials of the country are committed to this
principle - then this spirit, this characteristic and this behavior will be
promoted among the people.
Today, we witness that the people and those who are well-to-do have an
extravagant lifestyle. This extravagance exists in many cases. I would like to
address this issue to the people as well. But this is one of the issues which is
the manifestation of this hadith: "Invite people to religion with means other
than your tongues" [Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 67, page 309]. All the officials
of the country should pay attention to this issue in their managerial sectors.
There should not be any extravagance. The norms of consumption should be norms
which are reasonable, sensible and Islamic.
We are not saying to the people that they should lead an ascetic lifestyle. This
is an idea that some people promote. After the policies on the economy of
resistance were formulated, some people began to say, "They are inviting the
people to lead an ascetic lifestyle". They said this even before these policies
were implemented. But this is not what we want. Rather, it is the opposite of
our intentions.
We believe that if the policies on the economy of resistance are implemented,
the people will have better conditions and the problems of underprivileged
classes will be solved. People can have a comfortable and prosperous life in a
country where inflation is at an acceptable level and where employment is at a
high level. We are not at all saying that the people should lead a difficult and
ascetic lifestyle. What we are saying is that there should not be any
extravagance. It is one thing to consume, it is quite another to consume in an
extravagant way.
A few years ago, I spoke about this issue at length in the meeting that was held
in the beginning of the year. We officials should focus on this issue.
Extravagance in using water, bread and food in general, extravagance in the area
of medicine and extravagance in using the resources and luxuries of life waste
an important part of the live resources of the country. This is another issue
which should receive attention. Good and proper consumption is different from
extravagance, waste and excessiveness.
The ninth factor is combating corruption. If we want the people to be present on
the economic scene, we should make this scene secure. If we want security, we
should cut off the hands of those corrupt individuals who break, abuse and take
advantage of the law. This is combating corruption. It should be taken
seriously.
Fortunately today, officials have addressed this issue, but this is not enough.
All officials - whether executive, judiciary or legislative officials - are
responsible in this regard. If society and the economic condition of the country
is like a slum where anyone can come and go, do whatever they want and take
whatever they want, it is clear what will happen. In such conditions, a noble,
competent and respectable individual who wants to make a living with decent ways
and means will not naturally step forward.
Elucidation is the main condition for combating corruption. Things should be
elucidated and there should be a competitive and stable environment. It is in
these conditions that economic activists enter the arena and feel safe. If an
individual acquires wealth in such an environment with his creativity, with his
capital and with his entrepreneurship, then the Islamic government will support
and approve of him. If the environment is a healthy one, acquiring wealth and
receiving more income is acceptable from the viewpoint of the Islamic Republic
and it will be supported by it. This is the ninth factor.
And the tenth factor in the policies on the economy of resistance is the issue
of knowledge-based economy which is a very important factor. Fortunately, the
scientific condition of the country in the present time allows us to have the
ambition to build a knowledge-based economy. Later on, I will touch on this
issue again.
We have many scientists, experts, knowledge-based companies and innovative
individuals in the country. This is one of the most important infrastructures in
any country. The most important economic infrastructure for a country is the
existence of manpower. If we pay attention to this factor, which was the tenth
one, the cycle of turning knowledge into wealth - particularly in areas which
are beneficial - will naturally be set in motion.
By Allah's favor, this will be achieved through an economy of resistance. These
are the most important factors which have received attention in these policies.
Of course, there are other factors in the policies on the economy of resistance
as well. But these ten factors, which I referred to, were the most important
ones.
Well, the question is: does bringing up the issue of the economy of resistance
in the present time mean that we want to launch a temporary movement? Have we
formulated these policies because the country is faced with sanctions, pressures
and economic wars just like the think tanks which were formed in order to
confront economic wars? The answer is no. We do not at all want a temporary
movement. These policies are long-term policies.
They are beneficial for both the present time and for the time when there are
not any sanctions against us. These are long-term policies on which the economy
of the country is founded. They are not provisional measures. Rather, they are
long-term and strategic measures.
Our country is a big country. It is a deep-rooted country which has outstanding
privileges. In the present time, our country is a very dignified country
throughout the world. It has an advanced culture and an outstanding history. It
has lofty goals and it has promoted new ideas. A country with such
characteristics needs an economy with the same characteristics which have been
specified in the policies on the economy of resistance.
As I said, these policies are not fixed and inflexible. It is not at all the
case that they cannot ingest new ideas, plans and paths. They are flexible and
can be improved and developed. However, their main guidelines will not change.
In the introductory chapter of the text that we issued, we mentioned four
fundamental points as the main motives behind formulating these policies. I
would like to discuss these four points in this meeting: One was the many
material and spiritual capacities that the country enjoys. We pointed this out
in the introductory chapter of the text. This is a very important issue.
The capacities of the country are very broad in scope. Many of us are not aware
of or do not pay attention to this broad scope of astonishing capacities.
Statistics are available to us. A number of officials do not pay attention to
these capacities. These statistics are available to them, but they do not pay
attention to them.
For example, we are in the best conditions in the area of manpower and young
forces. I have discussed this issue before. In the present time, more than 31
percent of the overall population is made up of individuals whose age range is
15-29 years. This is outstanding and extraordinary. Of course, if the advice
that I offered many times on the issue of birth and population is not acted on,
we will lose this privilege in the not too distant future. By Allah's favor, the
policies on the issue of population will be announced soon. These policies are
about to be formulated as well.
We are in such conditions in the present time. Our youth form more than 31
percent of the overall population. We have 25 times more students than we did in
the beginning of the Revolution. The population of the country has doubled from
the beginning of the Revolution until today. This is while the number of
students has increased by 25 times. That is to say, the number of our students
has increased from 120,000 to 4,100,000. This is a very important thing. This is
a great event. The growth that we have achieved and the wealth that we have
acquired in the present time are very important. We have 10,000,000 university
graduates. We have 65,000 university professors which is ten times more than the
number of professors in the beginning of the Revolution. We have 5,000
knowledge-based companies. In the present time, 17,000 experts are working in
these companies.
Notice how important these capacities are. The result is that we have come
fifteenth in the world in terms of our scientific rank. I am saying this on the
basis of the report which international centers in charge of these affairs have
released. One center said sixteenth and another said fifteenth. In any case, our
scientific rank is in the range of fifteen to sixteen.
Of course, these figures are related to last year - that is to say, the year
2013 of the Christian calendar. This is an important phenomenon. Our rank is
even higher in a number of fields. We are among the seven, eight best countries
in a number of fields. In certain fields, we are among the four, five best
countries in the world. So, this is the main infrastructure: manpower.
Another capacity is our mineral resources. As I said in the beginning of last
year, we are the top country in the area of oil and gas. In general, we are
first in the area of underground oil and gas resources combined. We are second
in the area of gas and we are second or third in the area of oil. Recently, Mr.
President delivered a report to me that shows we are first in the area of gas
and that we are undoubtedly second in the area of oil. This is a very important
issue.
No country in the world has as much oil and gas - combined - as we do. Oil and
gas are the vital artery of today's world. At least, this holds true in the
present time. I believe that they will continue to play this role until many
years in the future. It is not clear when humanity will be independent of oil
and gas. Your country has more of this vital and fundamental substance than any
other country does. Is this a minor capacity? Is this a minor blessing? This was
our capacity in the area of oil and gas.
The same is true of other mineral resources. We have gold and cement mines. We
have mines which contain rare and valuable metals. The reports which are
delivered to us are very astonishing in some areas. These are the mineral
capacities of the country. Our industrial and mineral capacities are various and
numerous. We are ranked seventeenth in terms of the economies in the world -
this is according to international statistics - with a gross domestic production
of 1,000 billion dollars.
We have made the same achievements in the area of infrastructural resources such
as roads and dams. Today, there are more than 600 dams, in different sizes,
throughout the country. The Islamic Revolution took over the country at a time
when there were only 15 dams throughout the country. Today, there are more than
600 dams in different sizes. Some of them are very important and large.
The same is true of the issue of roads. The statistics on roads are very good.
We have a geographical advantage, we have easy access to international waters,
we benefit from a crossroads location of north, south, east and west which
facilitates transportation for us. The issue of transportation is a very
important issue. Besides, we enjoy climatic variety. We have great capacities
for utilizing healthy energies such as the energy driven from water and sunlight
and the nuclear energy. These capacities exist in the country. Therefore, this
is the first point about things that motivated us to look for a special economic
paradigm which is called the economy of resistance.
The second point is about the serious and long-lasting problems that we are
faced with. It is not possible to solve these problems except with a
collaborative and significant move in the area of economy. One of these problems
is our dependence on oil which I referred to. Another one is our habit of
importing products, particularly those products which are not a priority.
Unfortunately, this is a habit that we suffer from and that we have not managed
to kick. We have pinned our hopes on foreign products.
Other problems include high inflation, unemployment, ineffectiveness of some of
our economic structures and the problems which exist in our financial systems -
including monetary, banking and customs systems - in our norms of consumption,
in our production and in our utilization of products. These are the problems
which exist in the country in the present time. These problems should be
challenged. The existence of these problems is one of the things which should
motivate any sympathetic individual and any determined official to make certain
moves such as promoting the economy of resistance. These problems will not be
solved except with a jihadi, collaborative, concerned and permanent move. Of
course, this has certain requirements which I will refer to.
The third point is about foreign economic threats. Well, sanctions have been
there since a long time ago. However, they have turned into an economic war
since the winter of the year 1390. They are not called "targeted sanctions"
anymore. In fact, this is an all-out war which has been waged against our
people.
The reason why these sanctions are imposed is not the nuclear issue, human
rights and other such issues. They themselves know the reason. We too know why
they impose these sanctions. The reason is the desire of the people of Iran for
achieving independence. The reason is that the Islamic Republic has new ideas on
the basis of Islamic principles. They know that these ideas will be a model for
other countries and other Muslim peoples.
They know that if the Islamic Republic achieves victory in these arenas, this
movement cannot be prevented from growing all over the world. They know that
this is an important movement. This is the main issue. One day, their excuse is
the nuclear issue and another day, it is the issue of the enrichment. One day,
it is human rights and another day, it is other such issues. Sanctions existed
against us even before the nuclear issue was brought up and they will continue
to exist.
Even if the nuclear issue and these negotiations are resolved, you will see that
these pressures will continue to exist. We should build up immunity against
these pressures and we should strengthen domestic structures. We should
strengthen our economy so that the enemy becomes disappointed at influencing
this area. When the enemy is disappointed, the people and the officials of the
country will feel at ease.
The fourth point is about global economic crises. As I said before, such crises
result from the west's and America's economies. In fact, the economic crisis
which arose in Europe was an overflow of the problems which existed in America
although the ground was prepared for this crisis to arise even before such
problems occurred in America. The same is true of other areas in the world.
Of course, we do not want to build a wall around ourselves. We cannot and we do
not want to break off our relationship with the world in economic areas. It is
neither possible nor desirable. So, we are influenced by the events which occur
in the world. This is the reason why we should make our economy resistant. These
were four reasons and motives for the necessity of the economy of resistance.
This was also the second part of my speech.
The third part is about requirements and expectations. Simply given that this
great plan and this comprehensive and broad roadmap is formulated, this does not
solve any problem. This is only the beginning of the path. Certain tasks should
be carried out.
The first task that officials, high-ranking managers and activists from among
the people should carry out is to show strong determination. The officials of
the country - primarily executive, legislative and judiciary officials and
officials in those organizations which are in charge of economic issues - should
make firm decisions. They should definitely show serious and firm determination
on this issue. Without making serious and firm decisions, the task will not be
carried out.
The second task is entering the arena of action. The actions that are taken in
this arena are righteous and valuable actions. Such actions are the
manifestation of this ayah:
﴾Except those who believe and do good﴿
[The Holy Quran, 103: 3]. This general outline and this great roadmap should
turn into a plan or many plans.
If this happens, economic valor will be achieved in the real sense of the word.
We named this year "The Year of Political and Economic Valor". Political valor
was thankfully achieved. Unfortunately, economic valor was delayed. However, in
the present time - that is to say, the end of the year - this can be a beginning
for achieving economic valor. By Allah's favor, this issue should definitely be
followed up by officials in the year 1393 and it should begin in practice.
The third task is turning this roadmap into practical plans. An edict in this
regard has been issued by the heads of the three branches of government. The
honorable President and the honorable heads of legislative and judiciary
branches have commanded their subordinate organizations to prepare practical
plans for all sectors.
I want to stress the issue of timetable. You should set out a timetable. I took
a look at the directive which the First Vice President had issued to different
organizations. There should be a timetable. It should be specified to what
extent the task has been carried out and when we should expect these plans to be
prepared and put into practice.
There should be a rapid acceleration in carrying out different tasks and the
responsibility of each branch should be determined. The responsibility of each
branch - particularly the executive branch - should be determined. All factors -
particularly time factors - should be determined so that supervision can be
exercised and so that we can know to what extent the task has progressed and how
properly it has been carried out.
The fourth task is cooperation between different sectors. Of course, the rules
and regulations for this cooperation should be established by the heads of the
three branches of government. Cooperation will be helpful. There should be
cooperation between the Majlis and the administration and between the Majlis,
the administration and the judiciary branch. In certain areas, it is not
possible to move forward without cooperation and in certain areas, cooperation
is efficient, but not very much. In any case, cooperation is necessary. By
Allah's favor, the rules and regulations for cooperation should be established
by the heads of the three branches of government.
The fifth task is supervision at all levels. There should be supervision. The
heads of the three branches of government should supervise over their affiliate
organizations and the Expediency Council should carry out its responsibility
towards supervision in a complete way so that it can see what is happening. God
willing, the Leadership and our organization will exercise supervision as well.
Therefore, supervision is one of the main requirements.
The sixth task is removing obstacles. There are certain obstacles which can be
removed. There are certain legal obstacles. In a meeting with the honorable
heads of the three branches of government, I said that passing laws on top of
the existing ones will make the task difficult. Problematic laws should be
repealed. This can be done by the Majlis.
We have certain laws. If we pass new laws on the existing ones, they will be
open to interpretation. If we do this, we are creating a problem for ourselves.
We should be careful and we should find problematic laws. There are certain
legal and judicial obstacles. They should be identified and removed. Economic
activists, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and scientists should feel that
they are not faced with unreasonable obstacles so that they can move forward.
The seventh obligation and task is creating a discourse. The economy of
resistance should be portrayed in a proper way. The IRIB and the media networks
of the country are responsible in this regard, but this is not particular to
them.
The propaganda networks which are opposed to the country, the Revolution and our
national progress have many cards up their sleeves and they have begun to show
them. We have seen their cards. They will continue to play more cards on the
issue of the economy of resistance. They will continue to create problems and
obstacles. Sometimes, they will ridicule these policies and sometimes, they will
play down the importance of what is extremely important. They will adopt such
measures. We should act the opposite of what they plan to do. Officials,
intellectuals and sympathetic personalities should present a proper picture of
this great and public movement. You should create a discourse so that the people
know about, believe in and want the economy of resistance. It is only in this
way that the task will be carried out.
The last point that I would like to discuss in this regard is gathering and
circulating information. There should be a competent and vigilant center in
charge of observing the progress of the work, gathering and organizing
information and determining what move should be made at any stage and level. It
should carry out these tasks in a careful way. It should set evaluation
standards for any sector. Finally, this information should be circulated among
the people. The people like to know about this. This was all the things which I
wanted to discuss with you dear brothers and sisters.
A great task has begun. By Allah's favor and by showing determination and
relying on Allah the Exalted, we can move this task forward step by step and at
an acceptable pace. In my opinion, this task is one whose results will not
become clear in the distant future. The plans are long-term ones, but God
willing, the results will be achieved in the foreseeable future. By Allah's
favor, the sweet results of this task and the general feeling of the people
about this sweetness will not be achieved in the distant future. I hope that, by
Allah's favor, the people will get this feeling and taste the sweet fruits of
this public and great movement with the progress that will be made and with the
measures that will be adopted.
I ask Allah the Exalted to help and guide all of us, to show us our weaknesses,
to enlighten us about our weak points and flaws, to inspire us to do what He
pleases and to make us succeed in doing it. I thank all you dear brothers and
sisters for sitting and listening. I expect that, God willing, this listening
will be an introduction to a public movement.
Greetings be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings