In this meeting, The Leader of the Islamic Revolution reiterated a quote of Imam Khomeini, stating: “Imam (r.a.) stated: “Majlis (Islamic Consultative Assembly) is the essence of all virtues of the nation.”
Ayatollah Khamenei added, "Notice, he didn’t say, the essence of all characteristics of the nation. The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) must not be a symbol of hesitation, self-distrust, despair, and lack of attention to the country’s problems.”
Ayatollah Khamenei urged the parliament to promote hopefulness and confidence in national potentials, stating that: “The Islamic Consultative Assembly must not have a pessimistic view toward the national capabilities and capacities. This nation has been a symbol of belief, knowledge, confidence, pride in its possessions and resistance, throughout history.”
Touching on the youth of Iran and their negligence of Iranian history the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: "Unfortunately, our youth do not give enough attention to the study of history. When Seljuqs attacked Iran, not only did they join the Iranian civilization, but also, they became missionaries for promoting the Iranian culture. The Mongols could not impose their culture, civilization, and requirements on us. The same is true of our era; during the past forty years, the Iranian nation has been the target of the harshest animosities, including wars, sanctions, security conspiracies.
Now you compare this nation’s present situation to its situation before the revolution and see its sovereignty, importance, progress and knowledge, as well as its presence in international arenas. You are the essence of the virtues of this nation: know what you need to do."
He additionally stated: "The proposals to be enacted as laws, must not be contrary to the interests of the country. Of course, this never happens deliberately in the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The conventions, or international agreements between states, are indeed created in one place."
Ayatollah Khamenei slammed global powers for making conventions that would only serve their own interests and held: "The country members of these conventions have no role in creating them. The global powers prepare these conventions based on their own interests and benefits. Then, allied, submissive, compliance countries enact these conventions in their, countries.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that Iran has no problem accepting conventions that bring about laws of stability and fighting corruptions while preserving its own independence. His Eminence added: When an independent state, like the Islamic Republic of Iran, rejects them, it is reproached by saying, ‘150 other countries have accepted the agreement, why wouldn’t you accept it?’ Some of these conventions have useful articles; no problem.
The solution is that the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) itself enact these articles as laws. For instance, a law for combating money laundering or a law for combating terrorism can be enacted. We should not accept things when we don’t know their eventual consequences, while we know the potential problems, for the sake of some positive aspects."
"Today the country needs to strengthen the internal structure of the nation and the Islamic Republic’s pillars. You see who your enemies are and how cruelly they stand before, not only the Iranian nation but the whole of humanity. The matter of separating thousands of children from their mothers [in the US] is a serious issue. One cannot even stand to see these children cry on television. How can they commit such a crime of separating children from their mothers for the excuse of some policy? This shows how evil they really are."He continued: "They are the same people who gathered a number of big states to confront the Yemeni people, to take away their port--which is their only way to receive aids. They, undoubtedly, kill humans: this shows how cruel they are.Elaborating further on the oppressive nature of Western powers Ayatollah Khamenei said, "They are not only opposed to the Islamic Republic: they are inherent oppressors. They oppose the Islamic Republic, because it seeks justice, and stands for Islam, and defends the oppressed."
The Leader expressed his concern for humanity stating: "Laws must be enacted to solve the problems of the people: elevate problems of the neglected classes primarily. Of course, in law making all the people must be considered. But helping the poor must be prioritized. Laws must not become a tool in the hands of the powerful and rich individuals.Laws must be enforced to solve real problems of the people. Some laws relating to family which are discussed in the Assembly (Majlis), appear to be influenced by Western cultures: avoid this."On that note he added: "The western countries pay no attention to family values. The western lifestyle is truly in contradiction to family values. They confess this and are looking for solutions to resolve it. So we must not follow their traditions regarding women, youth, and parents.We must enact laws that solve the problems of families."Recognizing a need to address economical issues Ayatollah Khamenei said:"Laws must solve economic problems.A meeting is going to be held with the heads and leaders of the three branches (the Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Legislative Branch) present to solve economic issues.The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) must take a serious step in this direction.Today economic problems of the country must be primarily focused on."
