Thursday, September 17, 2009

International Green Qods Day

In a speech I made last year,in an international conference in Tehran, on Global Leadership and Sustainable Development, among other points I mentioned the fact that the world is suffering from an acute case of mismanagement, injustice and double standards. The Palestinian situation is a standing symbol of that injustice and a reason for global public opinion to doubt the credibility of world leaders and international policies.
The 30th anniversary of Qods Day is around the corner.Imam Khomeini proclaimed the final Friday of Holy Ramazan as International Qods Day during the early months of the Revolution. This was the manifestation of the resolve of a nation that had resisted tyranny and oppression and gained victory through the Islamic Revolution had announced its support for the oppressed and subjugated nations worldwide particularly the Palestinian nation. On that day all freedom-seekers in the world were to protest against those who by relying on their wealth, power and deception, had undermined the rights of others by destroying their livelihoods, properties and right to development and advancement. The idea was to protest oppression and occupation in any form and anywhere. Every year irrespective of political or social denominations millions of Iranians and Muslims throughout the world marched in support of the Palestinian cause .
This year Qods day is different.The supporters of the Green Movement have issued an announcement and major reformist leaders have invited the people to join the demonstrations. As a deterring measure, the government has replaced moderate Hashemi Rafsanjani with the radical Ahmad Khatami and Mr. Ahmadinejad will also speak at the prayers. Hashemi had led the Qods Friday Prayers for at least two decades. The rally will be attended by the majority who voted for Mousavi and Karrobi and it will be a manifestation of their resolve despite 90 days of detainment, suppression, censorship and pressures to silence the truth-seeking campaign. Excerpts from this announcement are as follows:
This year Qods Day will be “Green”, so that all shall know that assault is appalling, no matter where or by whom; on land, wealth or honour. This year the Iranian nation, a nation as old as human civilization, invites the world and especially the oppressed Palestinian nation, who not only has suffered the bitter taste of assault but also every year and always has had the support of the people and the government of Iran, to be “Green”, to wear “Green” and to think “Green” in solidarity with us, the “Green Movement of Iran”. We have been victimised in a full scale assault not by strangers, not by disbelievers and not only in our rights, but by claiming to be Muslims and our fellow citizens. We invite them to join our voice, our colour, and our message as we are and have always been joining their voice and message.

1 comment:

Ben said...

It is indeed spectacular that is no matter where injustice surface, people will always band together to fight oppression. Be it in Africa, China or Iran.