36th Islamic Revolution Anniversary: Commitment to Principles and Values
Elham Hashemi
22 Bahman had arrived, and millions of Iranians poured into the streets to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, in which the voice of the people was heard.
Starting the march from Enqelab square, the rallies look more like a vivid and colorful festival, with people from all walks of life either marching in the three-lane highway or taking part in the activities held at the different booths on the sidewalks. People were also waving banners with anti-US and anti-"Israel" slogans, while chanting support of the country's rights to peaceful use of nuclear power.
The sky was not only raining water drops, but also flowers, as helicopters were hovering in the skies of the city and scattering flowers over the rally lanes. Among the posters were photos of Hizbullah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Yemeni leader Abdel Malik al-Houthi, Sheikh Ali Salman and other figures of resistance.
The stands on the sidewalks varied, some of them had artists who were painting or portraying calligraphy art, others were singing and chanting, with choirs in the background, a zone for children activities, another on the concept of soft war, the revolution and other cultural matters.
Ken, a young man from Japan, who has converted to Islam said he was very happy to be at the celebrations. "I believe Iran is a good country, and Islam is a religion of love and mercy, and that is why I joined Islam."
According to Ken, who has been living in Iran for a year almost, he viewed that Iran has stood in the face of the world and still stands despite the sanctions, "if every country is brave and does what Iran did, the world would be a better place.
Marz, from Mexico who was present at the rallies said that Iran has given a good example of the notions of freedom, perseverance and resistance to every country in this world.
Mariam, an Iranian citizen from Shiraz said the revolution to her is everything. "The revolution taught us how to live, love and be at the same time disciplined, it made us a strong peoples."
Reaching Azadi Square, where the major event was, President of the Islamic Republic, Hassan Rouhani gave a speech in which he praised the people of Iran and touched on a few points.
Addressing the crowds, Rouhani said "We seek a win-win agreement, according to which Iran would [guarantee] the transparency of its peaceful nuclear activities within the framework of international law and [in return] the opposite side should put an end to inhumane and illegal sanctions against Iran. This will benefit both sides."
"That you say Iran has come to the negotiating table because of sanctions is a lie. Iran has not come to the negotiating table due to the pressure of sanctions, [but] on account of logic and to establish peace and stability in the region and the world," Rouhani went on to say.
"If you say that sanctions have forced Iran to negotiate, why don't you keep imposing sanctions [on Iran]? Stop telling lies and be honest with your nations," he said.
Rouhani said that the West has no option but to interact with the Islamic Republic, stressing that Iran is afraid of neither sanctions nor pressure.
The Iranian president also touched on the issue of terrorism in the Middle East and said peace will not be restored and terrorism will not be uprooted in the region without engaging Iran.
Rouhani underscored that the Islamic Republic is "the power" that helped Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and other regional countries in their fight against terrorist groups.
Rouhani said that the Iranian nation wants "constructive interaction" with the world, but stressed that the Islamic Republic will continue to protect its interests and remain committed to the Revolution's principles and ideals.
The 1979 revolution toppled the US-backed regime of Shah and brought the country under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Source: al-Ahed news
