Iran Press/Iran news: "Iran has been confronting pressure and economic sanctions over the past 40 years," President Hassan Rouhani said, addressing flag-waving crowds on central Tehran’s Azadi (Freedom) Square.
Stressing that the path of the Islamic Revolution will continue as strong as in the past 40 years, President Rouhani said: “People’s strong presence in streets around the country, including Tehran means that the plots of the enemies in the past one year have been foiled,” Iran Press reported.
“This year, we are holding 11 February celebrations when the United States, the Zionists and the reactionaries in the region have put our people under the pressure of sanctions,” he continued.
Rouhani added, “People know it well that 205 years ago, a great part of Iran’s northern parts and Caucasus separated from Iran during the disloyal Qajar kings.”
Rouhani said that Iran is determined to expand its military power
Elsewhere in his remarks, Rouhani said that Iran is determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile program despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran’s defensive work.
“We have not asked and will not ask for permission to develop different types of ... missiles and will continue our path and our military power,” Iranian President noted.
He continued to emphasise that protecting territorial integrity of Iran has been the first achievement of the Islamic Revolution, saying, “Even one millimetre of the land and water of this country was not given to the enemies and the Iranian nation won over all conspiracies."
On the second achievement of the Islamic Revolution, Rouhani said: “Today, all authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, from the Leader to the President, members of the parliament, Assembly of Experts and all councils are chosen through people’s votes."
“We all need to keep this in mind that if we foiled all these plots in the past 40 years, it was because of Islam and our republic system,” Iranian President said.
Rouhani added: “Relying on God is the power that we have but our enemies don’t. We know that whether we win the battle or get killed in it, we are the victor.”
Stating that, “Our revolution was based on the principle that virtue must replace vice,” Iranian President continued: “Faith and spirituality were the basis of yesterday and today’s revolution and power.”
Referring to the importance of the ballot box, he said: “If it weren’t for this box, if we didn’t have long lines waiting to cast their ballot, the enemies would be successful in their conspiracies against our country.”
“Today, we have a true democracy in Iran. Parties, newspapers and the media are free in this country and all authorities must approach elections with an open mind. The more our mind is open, the readier we will be to prepare the groundwork for the presence of all thoughts, parties and factions,” Iranian President concluded.
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