Supreme Leader urges unity among officials

TEHRAN, June 14 (MNA) – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called for increased unity and empathy among the country’s officials. The Leader made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with a number of newly-elected MPs. He described the promotion of unity and empathy as a necessity for the country and said, “It does not mean that all thoughts should be similar, and no one is afraid of expressing views, but it should be completely clear that although the officials have differing views and interests, they have hand in hand and are moving together on the path to the prosperity of the country and the realization of the goals of the revolution.” “In regard to disagreements, the authorities tasked with settling disagreements have been specified, and the reference to the law and the Guardian Council’s view will determine everyone’s obligations,” he added. Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei called the Majlis one of the pillars of the Islamic system and described the characteristics of an efficient parliament. He said that the vitality and dynamism are essential features of a parliament, adding, “A stagnant and inert Majlis with poor output is an incomplete Majlis.” “Drafting good laws and effective supervision are clear signs of the vitality of the Majlis,” he stated. The vitality of the Majlis also requires active presence of parliamentarians on the country’s political scene and the world stage, he added. In addition, the Leader said that the “political, ethical, and financial soundness” of lawmakers is another key feature of an efficient parliament. “Even if the smallest current that runs counter to the principles of the revolution emerges in the Majlis, it illustrates the political unhealthiness of the Majlis,” he noted. The Leader also highlighted the importance of the independence of the parliament and said that if the Majlis and the administration have differing views on a given subject, the Majlis should draft an appropriate law to help resolve the issue rather than engage in an unhelpful confrontation with the administration.