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Dissident Iranian Cleric gives pro-US speech in Europe?
EFL from RFE/RL. Me thinks he wasted his breath. I expect that he neither convinced his Italian audience nor will he gain coverage in the Reuters or theAP for his message. Maybe he was just hoping for a spot on Hannity and Colmes.DISSIDENT IRANIAN CLERIC DEPLORES RULING SYSTEM Ayatollah Hussein Ali-Montazeri-Najafabadi offered a harsh criticism of Iranâs theocratic system in an interview that appeared in the 22 June issue of Italyâs "Liberal Risk." Vilayat-i Faqih (Guardianship of the Supreme Jurisconsult), he said, "respects neither Islamic law nor grassroots wisdom." Montazeri said that according to the Prophet Muhammadâs sayings, the clergy rules over kings and kings rule over the people, but the current Iranian regime has cancelled this. Moreover, the Marja-yi Taqlid (source of emulation) no longer exists. "The current regime views all those who obey in a positive light. Anyone who does not obey is relegated to the sidelines of society." Montazeri said that the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, let other religious authorities answer questions, but this situation no longer holds true. Montazeri added, "The Iranian parliament does not represent the will of the people today." He said the Iranian people want Islam, but not the type that is being forced on them. BS ...AND SAYS RELATIONS WITH U.S. SHOULD BE NORMALIZED Montazeri spoke about Iran-U.S. relations in his interview with "Liberal Risk." "Relations with the United States should return to normal, on condition that the United States does not threaten to colonize us." He noted that young Iranians want good relations with the United States. Montazeri added that the 1979-81 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was a mistake and said that the current Iranian government must provide compensation. Posted by: Super Hose 2004-06-24 |
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