Posted on 03/03/2004 6:46:43 PM PST by Land_of_Lincoln_John
TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in a message of condolence for the martyrdom of Shiite Muslims in Karbala and Baghdad stressed that the U.S.-led occupation forces are to be held responsible for the massive disaster no matter who caused it.
The Supreme Leader sent condolences to the three nations of Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, stressing that the people of Iraq should shun ethnic disputes and demand their inalienable human rights under the banner of religious leaders.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the deadly attacks in Iraq and the Pakistani city of Quetta disgraced the criminals who are full of animosity, ignorance, vengeance and superstition.
“The victims of the heinous terrorist attacks were martyred because their hearts were full of love for Imam Hussein (AS) to whom Islam is indebted for its renaissance,” he said.
“Imam Hussein (AS) has inspired the Islamic world over the centuries and his martyrdom and that of his companions in the most important period of Islamic history has raised the flag of freedom,” he said.
The Supreme Leader said the innocent pilgrims who rolled in blood on the day of Ashura in Karbala, Kazimayn and Quetta were faithful Muslims.
He added that the responsibility for the tragic death of Ashura mourners and the desecration of the holy shrines in Kazimayn and Karbala lies with the occupiers of Iraq no matter which terrorist group perpetrated the attack.
“Those who conspired to stir up sectarian violence among Islamic groups cannot purify themselves of the guilt of this abominable terrorist attack,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Leader added that today the innocent Iraqi nation is being trampled underfoot by the occupying forces, which have deprived it of the right to establish an efficient and worthy government.
“Even if the occupiers are proven innocent in the terrorist attack, they cannot ignore the heavy responsibility of their negligence in maintaining public security in the country,” he said.
Ayatollah Khamenei further warned the faithful Iraqi nation to thwart the enemies’ intrigues.
“Iraq’s political and cultural scholars should make every effort to oust the occupiers and establish a national, Islamic government in Iraq,” he said.
He conveniently left out the part about the "religious police" not letting the American infidels anywhere near the shrines to help provide security.
Note to Khamenei: President Bush has got a couple of armored infantry divisions parked next to your southern border, and he ain't afraid to use 'em. ;-)
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