Islamic Republic News Agency, July 24, 2001.
Tehran, July 24, IRNA -- 'Tehran Times' in its opinion column on
Tuesday praising the current state visit of Hojjatoleslam Hassan Khomeini,
grandson of the late Imam, expressed its belief that this visit will help to
further cement the already good relationship between the two states and will
also prove to be instrumental in further solidifying the image of Imam Khomeini
amongst the Cuban people.
The invitation extended by Cuban President Fidel Castro, has of
course been due in great part, to the great respect and admiration the Cuban
president had declared for the father of the revolution, during his official
visit to the country last May, commended the paper, labeling Khomeini's
visit as a "symbolic gesture", for which the Iranians should be
very proud of.
Castro's "firm and steadfast" stand against all foreign
domination, since its revolution more than 40 years ago, "has come to
symbolize the great struggle of freedom loving peoples of the World,"
commended the article.
In fact, "this struggle for freedom and independence, which
culminated in the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been well
understood by the Cubans," whom, the paper believes, also fought for the
same ideals and objectives for creation of the independent Cuba of
today.
And "the great respect and regards shown by the Cuban leader
towards the great Founder of the Islamic Revolution bears testimony to the
shared ideals and hopes of the two countries for a world of peace, security
and freedom for all those nations which have for centuries suffered under
tyrannical and colonial domination of exploiting superpowers,"
pointed out the paper.
In view of these commonalties between the two countries, the paper
concluded with a belief that Khomeini's visit to Havana will further cement
the bonds of friendship and will also be instrumental in further solidifying
the image of Imam Khomeini amongst the people of Cuba.
FH/HM | 
