In the Name of God
Speech of H. E. Ambassador Ebrahimi Asl
At the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Pretoria – 2 February 2010



H. E. Geofry Doidge, Honorable Minister of Public Works,
H. E. Dr. Aboulhassani, Distinguished Iranian Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs,
H. E. Dr. Alzubaidi, Dean of Diplomatic Corps,
Dear Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honor to welcome you at the ceremony for the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a country with more than 5000 years of civilization and cultural background. On the first day of February 1979, the late Imam Khomeini after 15 years of exile returned to the country. Among the millions of the welcoming people Imam Khomeini had a historical speech and attacked to the foundations of government of Pahlavi dynasty and finally he put an end to the dictatorship of that regime as well as monarchy system in Iran. Consequently a referendum was held and as a result 99/8% of participating people voted for the Islamic Republic. Therefore, a new Islamic, Revolutionary and democratic system was founded in Iran.

During the last 31 year, in spite of sanctions, the 8 year imposed war as well as continuous soft war, terrors and propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, my country has been able to obtain very valuable achievements which I would like to highlight just a few of them. Undoubtedly these are reached with the wise leadership of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenie, with the participation of the Iranian people and with relying on our national capacities.

In the year 2009, with $876 billion, based purchase power parity, Iran’s GDP was 16th among the 225 economy of the world and while global recession was going on, the economy of Iran enjoyed 2/6% growth rate.

In the field of science and technology we can mention the achievements in nuclear energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology, micro electronics, aerospace, IT, ICT, new material, satellite and means of launch, pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, design and basic engineering, FEED for construction of refineries, power plants, industrial and petrochemical complexes, ports, airports, MRT, LRV, the capacity for annual production of 1.2 million automobiles which some models are totally designed and produced domestically, the annual capacity to build 1.5 million house and apartment in and outside of the country. Currently 3 million students are studying in the Iranian universities in various fields and at BA, BS, MA, Ph. D and Post Ph. D levels.

Also we can add the following to the long list of great victories of the Islamic republic of Iran. consolidation of the Islamic revolution against foreign and domestic threats, victory at the end of 8 years of the imposed war, rebuilding the shatters in the aftermath of the war, deepening level of political participation and strengthening the legitimacy of the system and advancing the regional and international position of the Islamic Republic of Iran as an important and effective actor.

In continuation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s developmental policy, it has set up “the perspective for 20 year development” within four plans of five year development. By realization of this strategic plan, the Islamic Republic of Iran will be a developed country with important economic, technical and scientific place at the regional level and with constructive interaction with the international system.

It is my honor to point out that the recent presidential election took place in Iran with 85 percent run out of the qualified persons in the country; an election which is very unique in the history of our nation. H. E. President Ahmadinejad was elected by this election for the second term. ````````````````
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nowadays, one of the sever security threats that we face is terrorism. Since the establishment of the Islamic republic of Iran, my country has been a victim of this dreadful phenomenon and has lost some of its top officials and citizens due to terrorist attacks. Therefore, my country has gone for elimination of this awful act in all its shapes and urges to coupe with its root causes as well as founders. It needs to emphasize that any selective approach in this regard is not acceptable.

Another international problem is drug trafficking and its use around the world. Due to geographical compulsion which bounds the Islamic republic of Iran with some main drug producers in the world (Afghanistan) my country has paid a lot of human and financial costs in the fight against drug traffickers. The international statistics show that while the foreign troops are based in Afghanistan, production of drug has increased from 200 metric tons in 2000 to 9000 metric tons in 2009. This trend itself intensifies the fight against drug and regardless of the increasing costs of this fight the Islamic Republic of Iran has not received proper support.

With respect to the nuclear energy, for the Islamic Republic of Iran the politicized controversy on peaceful uses of nuclear technology has now come to an end and the Iranian scientists are on a normal path to promote our indigenous capacities in promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear technology. We are of strong belief that peaceful use of nuclear technology is a right of all nations and should not be in control of monopolist countries. While we insist on peaceful nature of our nuclear technology, like in the past we are hosting the inspectors of the IAEA and we do not accept any obligation beyond our commitments based on the current regulations of the IAEA.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
After the collapse of the apartheid regime in South Africa, my country has established and strengthened very good relationship with the Republic of South Africa.

Exchange of many high ranking diplomatic and business delegations in 2009, joint economic commissions the 11th of which will be hold in the next month in Pretoria, more than $ 3 billion trade turnover, a range of more than 90 MOUs as well as cooperation in scientific and cultural areas are indicating a very promising perspective in the relation between the two countries.

This friendly relationship was continued with the successful visit of H. E. Sisilu, Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa to the Islamic Republic of Iran in January 2010. He had fruitful discussions with H. E. President Ahmadinejad and H.E. Larijani the Honorable Speaker of the Parliament and also ministers of Foreign Affairs, Oil, Economy and Energy.

We hope to witness gracious smile of the future as we are good aware of the lofty will of the two sides to strengthen this relationship in all aspects.
Thank you for your attention.