National dialogue about Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress necessary: IRNA chief

By: Zia Hashemi* Tehran, Oct 23, IRNA – The Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress is an ideal opportunity to reinforce the national dialog stream. Illustrating the 50-year long prospect of Iran in accordance with both the capacities of the country and national demands, the document includes numerous axes that can be delved into and criticized to pave the way for further exchange of ideas in the society. Dialogue about the axes of the document require the creation of a welcoming atmosphere that both provoke the authorities and gains the trust of public trust. Naturally, dialogue can make sense only if various opinions are given the chance of presentation, and in each case, the pros and cons are presented with no concrete or abstract barriers. A dialogue can be useful and troubleshooting if it includes serious criticisms so that it will be able to set the stage for defensive and supportive argumentations. Undoubtedly, in our society, as a dynamic and growing one, there exist different viewpoints and analyses regarding pivoting issues of the country; and it is not the case that only one idea or analysis is dominant in each single issue. Rather, the requisite for the country's growth and intellectual richness is that numerous Iranian authorities, analysts and theoreticians approach the issue from different angles. Taking the vast intellectual capabilities into consideration, it is appropriate that the axes of the Islamic-Iranian model of progress be regarded as a base for national dialogue and the intellectuals and scholars be invited to scrutinize it. The noteworthy point is that the unveiling of the document and invitation to participation in it was done in the highest level by the Islamic Republic Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Leader's emphasis on presenting complementary ideas to resolve the probable flaws and deficiencies and suggesting a two-year period for finalizing the document have provided a good chance for formation of a historic experience. It is appropriate that intellects voice their concerns about the national road map that aims at materializing ideals of the country in the long run; and the media should play their role in paving the path and set the grounds for 'national dialogue about the Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress.' Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on October 14 unveiled the draft document of the Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress. In the letter sent to all Iran's apparatuses, ministries, universities and research centers, Ayatollah Khamenei urged all officials, academics and experts and elites to review the draft document of the Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress and help development of the plan. According to the draft document of the Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress, Iran should be ranked among the fifth countries of the world in production of science and it should be among the ten big economies of the world till 1444 in the Iranian calendar (2065 in the Christian calendar) and Iran should be ranked among the four top countries of Asia and seven top countries of the world in terms of progress and justice. The Islamic-Iranian Model of Progress deals with the four realms of intellect, science, lifestyle and spirituality and is expected to serve as an upper-hand document for any future visions or planning. *Zia Hashemi is the Managing-Director of the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Translated by: Hossein Abolqasemi 9417**1771 Follow us on twitter @IrnaEnglish