'Iranian nation ready for sacrifice'

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:24:18 Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei The Leader of the Islamic Revolution says the Iranian nation will make the sacrifice needed for their independence and freedom. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the statement at Hafeziyeh Stadium in Shiraz city Wednesday while delivering a key speech to thousands of enthusiastic people who had gathered to greet him. The Leader pointed out that there were adverse elements in the path of the Islamic Revolution. "Yet, the Iranian nation achieved independence and freedom by making great strides. And there's a price to pay for such achievements," Ayatollah Khamenei observed. "Honor and dignity will belong to a nation which enters the scene bravely and pays the price for it bravely. That is what the Iranians did," the Leader added. Ayatollah Khamenei stated that the eight-year Iraq-imposed war was the price the Iranian nation had to pay for its independence, freedom and dignity. "Arrogant powers have been threatening the Iranians with economic sanctions over the past two years. The capitalist powers resorted to their political and economic might to exert pressure on the Iranian people and make them relinquish their rights," the leader remarked. "They wish to deprive the Iranians of their right to independence, decision-making and scientific advancement. However, the Iranians people will stand their ground against pressure," the Leader noted. Ayatollah Khamenei recalled the economic sanctions imposed against the Iranian people since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, saying, "Sanctions could inflict no damage on the Iranian nation. We have used sanctions as an opportunity to prosper and grow." "We have no fear of Western sanctions. With the grace of God, the Iranian nation will remain firm against sanctions."