Sr. Cleric Commemorates Army Day

Tehran, April 20, IRNA – Tehranˈs substitute Friday Prayers Leader Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami commemorated Army Day saying that the Army is popular among nation because they have created honor during the 8-year war with Iraq. Ayatollah Khatami, in the second sermon of this week Friday Prayers, said that Iranˈs Armed Forces are the sole one in the world that are not supporting or protecting one person, or one family or regime, but are protecting Islam and the thought of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), so its distinction from the other armed forces in the world is their obligation to the ideology. The senior cleric added that Iranˈs armed forces are now in the best situation of readiness and whoever thinks about attacking against Iran will face a strong reaction. Concerning recent blasts in Boston and Texas, USA, he said that killing innocent people is condemned wherever it happens either in the USA or Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq or Pakistan. The ayatollah continued that human beings are respectful regardless of their religion, ethnicity, race and nationality every where in the world, not just in the United States of America. He said that dual standard behaviors are seen in the USA and Western Europe, while they express sorrow for killings in the US, they dispatch weapons to Syria to kill innocent children and women. Concerning the upcoming presidential elections in Iran, the ayatollah said that slogans might be attractive, but people should have insight to recognize candidatesˈ background and abilities and although criticizing others is something acceptable in election competitions, it is highly recommended that they be fair./end