Trend Persian Desk's exclusive interview with Ebrahim Yazdi, chief advisor of Iran's former Religious Leader Imam Khomeini and first Foreign Minister of Iran.
Question: The 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution was celebrated last week. How the goals of revolution were justified?
Answer: The revolution in Iran was held under three slogans: freedom, independence and establishment of Islamic Republic. Now we are independent, no foreign government can dictate its interests to us. The second purpose was freedom, but I say honestly, there is no freedom now. With regards to the third purpose, the Islamic Republic was built in accordance with the law. It is possible to determine to what extent the purposes of Islamic Revolution were justified on the basis of some facts. The first fact is the Constitution. The article 3 of the Constitution specifies the rights of people, but in practice these rights are violated.
Q: What is the most serious problem of Iran now and what is the influence of the international sanctions introduced with regards to Iran?
A: The largest problem of the Iranian Republic is the fact that the structures did not justify themselves. Even in 30 years the economic structures did not determine their place, the basis of Republic is weak. With regards to the international sanctions against Iran due to its nuclear program, the problems of Iran with the West will not be solved through introduction of sanctions. The oil revenues of Iran are huge, and therefore, it will resist to the West.
Q: What is your estimation of the fact that the most authoritative man in Iran is the Religious Leader?
A: The fact that the Religious Leader heads the State will bring the government into deadlock in the future. The only way to rescue from this is to return to the Constitution, adopted during the revolution. This Constitution was signed by Imam Khomeini himself. The first Constitution does not contain the understanding of "religious leader".
The basic differences between us and present Iranian government are connected with the Constitution, human rights and democracy. Within the law, we still attempt to combat the questions, which contradict the initial purposes of the revolution.
Q: What is your estimation of U.S. President Barack Obama's promises on changes? Is it possible to re-establish relations between the USA and Iran?
A: Obama is the result of changing of the American society. It seems that he is inclined to make changes. If to take into consideration that the USA and Iran expressed their preparedness for discussions, it is possible to hope for the melting of icy wall that exists between the two countries. Activization at the Embassy of Switzerland in Teheran - the office, which protects the interests of the USA, and also realization of consular services in this office can positively influence the views of both countries towards each other.