Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on the country’s officials to tolerate and respect opposing views about subjects of dispute, including those related to international conventions.
“When a certain convention or agreement is being discussed in the country and supporters and opponents express their views, the two sides should not accuse each other of collaborating with the enemy and constantly attack each other,” the Leader said in a meeting with the members of Experts Assembly in Tehran, his website reported.
His comments were an apparent reference to the legislation regarding international anti-money laundering and terrorism financing conventions, the ratification of which has long been demanded by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force.
If Iran fails to comply with FATF requirements by the extended June deadline, the global watchdog can blacklist the country, severely restricting its ability to have banking relations with the rest of the world.
Two out of the four bills have been approved, but the process has been slowed by those who oppose the passage of such legislation, arguing that it could hamper Tehran’s financial support for allies such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization.
Foreign businesses say conformity with FATF rules is essential if Iran wants to attract investors, especially now that the US has reimposed sanctions on the country after pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.
Ayatollah Khamenei said if the Islamic Republic pulls together its own resources, it will be able to “inflict the heaviest defeat on America in that country’s history”
Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks came one day after the Assembly of Experts warned about the potential danger of signing up to the conventions in question.
“Joining such international conventions … would be a strategic mistake if it is meant to take the excuse away from the enemy,” the deliberative body said in a statement.
Justified Bias
The Leader, who has not made his position on the issue known, said those loyal to the establishment should definitely separate themselves from the enemy but this “justified bias against the enemy” should not be used as a pretext to accuse opponents of supporting Iran’s ill-wishers.
He advised officials to avoid “internal conflicts”, saying that there is no point in engaging in “blame game”.
In addition, he said, “The enemy, namely the United States and Zionists, has today mobilized all their resources and capabilities against the Iranian nation, while westerners and Europeans are showing animosity against Iran from the sidelines.”
Europe has reiterated support for the Iran nuclear agreement but has also stepped up criticism of Iran’s ballistic missile program, its regional policies and human rights record in recent months.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted that if the Islamic Republic pulls together its own resources, it will be able to “inflict the heaviest defeat on America in that country’s history”.
