Iranian President Mohammad Khatami lashed out Sunday night against foes of the republic's reform movement, warning the opponents of democracy were defying the vision of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic.
"The rejection of democracy and the defense of dictatorship are threats to the Islamic Republic and such points of view are in contradiction with the aspirations of the Imam (Khomeini)," Khatami told government officials at a planning meeting for the anniversary of Khomeini's death on June 4, 1989, AFP reported.
"Those who think democracy imperils religion could harm (the Islamic) system by encouraging a dictatorship," Khatami warned in a veiled jab at the conservative clerics who hold the reigns of power in Iran and have brought parliament members, journalists and democracy activists to court.
But, in the same breath, Khatami also denounced those who argue democracy cannot be achieved without a separation between state and religion. Furthermore, he criticized perceived threats to Iran from "foreign powers," an apparent reference to Washington's labeling Iran part of an "axis of evil".
It was Khatami's second tough speech in four days against the powerful conservatives. Khatami had ripped out at conservatives Thursday for "insulting" parliament, saying the democratically-elected body reflects the will of the people and must not be weakened. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
