Supreme Leader: US stoking tension in region

Source: alalam.ir, 08-05-2008
Iran-Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei said Thursday US presence in the Persian Gulf was the source of insecurity and instability in this region.
In a speech in southern Iranian town of Lar, in Fars Province, Ayatollah Khamenei said: "The Iraqi people today know very well what the real reasons behind the occupation of the country are."
"The US occupation forces entered Iraq to spread democracy" but they committed most heinous crimes after the invasion in 2003, the Leader said.
He also warned major powers in the world against efforts to create rifts between Iran and Persian Gulf littoral states, stressing Tehran would "extend a hand of friendship and brotherhood to the countries in the region, and is willing to expand cooperation based on mutual interests."
Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday received members of cabinet to review development projects of Fars province.
In the southern province, he visited various provincial cities, met with local residents, families of martyrs and war veterans, officials, elites, university students and clerics.
During the meeting, the Leader underscored the need for following up development projects of the province seriously and speedily.