Artículo No. 31 Leader warns of interference in Egypt 15.2.11

Press TV

Tue Feb 15, 2011

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R) and Turkish President Abdullah Gul meet in Tehran on February 15, 2011.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has warned against the interference of foreign powers in Egypt, saying the Egyptian nation should make decisions about the country.

“The US seeks to hijack the great movement of the Egyptians. The Islamic Republic of Iran is against the interference of foreign sides in Egypt and believes that this is the Egyptian nation that should be the main decision-maker,” said Ayatollah Khamenei in a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in the Iranian capital city of Tehran on Tuesday.

The Leader added that Iran and Turkey enjoy “close” stance on regional issues, particularly on Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.

“The recent developments in Egypt are also very important issues. Measures can be taken in line with the interests of people in Egypt and the region,” he stated.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that tens of years of the US and the Zionist regime's hegemony in Egypt and humiliation of people were the main reasons behind Egypt's protests, saying, “Egyptians are a Muslim nation which has strong Islamic motivation.”

The Leader stressed that whenever people enter the scene, the trend of developments will change, saying, “Common political and military means will lose their efficiency. The Egyptian people are currently present in the scene.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening unity in the Muslim world and warned Muslims to not fall into trap of foreign powers aimed at causing difference and discord.

“If the Muslim world becomes acquainted with its high capacities and capabilities, conditions will drastically change and the Muslim world can play a role in international developments as an influential power,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Leader emphasized that the British government is the main agent behind causing difference among Muslims and urged all Muslim countries to adopt their policies and strategies in line with strengthening unity in the Muslim world.

“The West has always humiliated the Muslim world. Each government and nation, which intends to move against this humiliation and to display its capabilities, will face the West's opposition and obstruction.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran and Turkey are two Muslim and friend countries and noted that the two countries enjoy “unique” relations in political and economic fields.

The Leader urged Iranian and Turkish officials to make use of the current historical chance and utilize great potential of the two countries.

He noted that Tehran and Ankara plan to triple the value of trade exchanges and highlighted the significance of bolstering political and economic cooperation among countries which enjoy close stance to achieve more results.

He added that independence from the West, separation from the Zionist regime and support for the Palestinian people are among important issues which brought Turkey close to the Muslim world.

“This is a proper policy. The more Turkey approaches the Muslim world, the more it will be in its own and the Muslim world's favor,” Ayatollah Khamenei concluded.