Rising prices cannot be curbed by denying reality: grand ayatollah

TEHRAN,June 25(MNA) – Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi said on Friday that denying reality by the country’s officials does not help resolve the problem of high cost of living. Three factors have led to rising prices in the country, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi stated, noting, “The first one is the sanctions imposed by foreigners. And the global tyrants have implemented these sanctions so that we would not be able to defend our rights.” “The second cause is that some businessmen and merchants… unjustifiably increase prices of their goods when, for instance, the price of the dollar or gold goes up,” he said. Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi added, “The third and the most important reason concerns the government. And if there is good management and proper investment in the production (sector), rising prices will be curbed and jobs will be created for the youth. “Denying reality does not help resolve any problem, and if a problem exists, experienced politicians would acknowledge it immediately. And our statesmen should accept that the problem exists and refrain from denying it. The situation will not change through releasing inaccurate statistics. “Roots of the problem should be found, and the problem should be resolved. There are many people who may even become suspicious of the revolution if the situation persists, and this economic issue may become a political and decisive issue. “The people should be confident that we make their voice heard by officials and convey the people’s problems to the government. And we hope that the administration, the Majlis, and the Judiciary will work hand in hand to help resolve the problem.” In addition, Iran’s union of Islamic students associations has written an open letter to the ministers in charge of economic affairs, protesting the rising prices and calling for the measures necessary to be taken to improve the situation. The text of the letter was published on Sunday.