Iran Press/Iran news: Speaking at the final award ceremony of 36th Iran National Award for the Book of the Year on Tuesday, President Rouhani said: "The era of blocking and imprisoning intellectuals is over. Questions which are put to us must be answered intelligently, using knowledge, science, by using books and dialogue. We must reason and answer questions with reasoning, to the best of our abilities."
Speaking to an audience of writers, academics, artists and cultural figures, president Rouhani added: "We must strive to answer people's questions, through reasoning, logic, knowledge, and science. Undoubtedly, our revolution was primarily a cultural revolution, more than it was a political revolution. Our revolution started with leaflets and statements issued by great religious scholars and sources of emulation, particularly the late Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace)."
Imam Khomeini's popularity unparalleled
Turning to the role of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, President Rouhani said: "With a simple cassette tape of Imam Khomeini's speech, we took on all the powerful media outlets controlled by the Shah's regime. A cassette recording of Imam Khomeini's speech in Najaf, Iraq or Paris, France, was enough to bring virtually the entire nation onto the streets. This tells you the immense popularity and charisma of the late Imam. His power and influence were so enormous that millions of Iranians came out onto the streets with a single statement or cry from Imam Khomeini."
Turning to United States president Rouhani said: "If you (the Americans) want to turn the clock back and take Iran to 40 years ago, then I say this is an impossible task. You cannot do it. It cannot be done." 211/103
