Int'l Quds Day symbol of Muslim world unity: Iran envoy

Speaking in a ceremony held on the occasion of the International Quds Day, Mehdi Honardoost said founder of Islamic Revolution the late Imam Khomeini has named last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan as the Quds Day to expose the support of imperialist forces and criminal silence of international organizations to the atrocities of Zionist Regime on innocent Palestinians.

“Quds Day is not only related to Palestinian people but it is a global Islamic day,” he said.

Noting that the occasion is a day for the unity of Muslims, the ambassador said, “It is observed to express solidarity with the freedom movement of Palestine and show hatred against illegal and usurper Zionist Regime.”

He added that it is obligatory on all nations, societies, especially Muslim countries to encourage international organizations in protecting the rights of oppressed Palestinians.

He said Quds is the first Qibla of followers of Islam and important place after Kaaba. It is home to millions of displaced Palestinians and still under illegal occupation of Zionist forces.

Honardoost noted that by declaring the International Quds Day, the late Imam Khomeini in the historical message of 1979 made the freedom movement of Palestine as integral part of Iranian nation’s wishes.
The ambassador said that Beit ul-Moqaddas holds very important status for Muslims because the Al-Aqsa mosque the first Qibla of Muslims is located in that city.

Honardoost recalled the late Imam’s message in which the founder of the Islamic Republic had said, “For many years I have been warning Muslims of the menace posed by the usurper Israel. I call on the Muslims of the world as well as all Muslim governments to join forces to cut down this usurper and its supporters. I invite Muslims all over the globe to observe last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan as `Quds Day' to proclaim the international solidarity of Muslims in support of the legitimate rights of the Muslim people of Palestine.”

Honardoost added that one of the main problems of the Zionists is their racism on which they are proud of.

He expressed hope that problems of Muslim world would be solved through mutual understanding and we could witness the unity among all Islamic nations and governments.

272**1723**1394