President urges Armed Forces' support for economic development

Tehran, Nov 23, IRNA - President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday urged the Armed Forces to support country's economic development. He made the remarks in a meeting with the cabinet members on the occasion of Basij Week (starting on November 25). The government is responsible to support Basij (volunteer) forces, the Armed Forces and boost national unity, the president added, noting that the government will not hesitate to fulfill its responsibility. Rouhani referred to Basij sacrifices during the eight years of Iraqi imposed war and said without Basij help, the country would not gain its big victories. Up to 10 million Basij forces prepared to for defend Iran guarantees the country's security, he added. The President said that the Armed Forces should attend the frontline of economic development and help promotion of national production during the peace era. Enemy has attacked country's economy and everybody should help resolve the economic problems, he noted. Rouhani said many Islamic countries including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan are using the Basij approach in fighting the enemy. No country dares to attack Iran and if they make the mistake, they will be given a crushing response, he added. 1378/IRNA