MER - Washington - 29 December:
             One need not be Muslim, nor Arab, nor even religious for that matter, to appreciate the potential importance of this month's Tehran Islamic Summit -- MER's EVENT OF THE YEAR.
             And one need not be any of these to further appreciate the thought-provoking and profound words of Iran's leader, Ali Khamenie, is his opening address to the summit.
             Key quotes from his speech follow.  The entire speech on video is available from MERTV, Programs #136 and #137 -- for all details email to INFOMERTV@MiddleEast.Org.
 

   "The majority of people of the world are poor, while a small number hold the major part of the assets and wealth upon the earth. Most nations are deprived of scientific progress while certain groups use their science and knowledge as a means to mete out oppression on others.  Wars flare in nooks and corners of the world while others live in constant fear of wars breaking out.
   "The Western materialistic civilization is directing everyone toward materiality, while money, gluttony and carnal desires are made the greatest aspirations.
   "Finally sincerity, truthfulness, altruism, and self-sacrifice have been replaced in many parts of the world by deception, conspiracy, avarice, jealousy, and other despicable motives....
 

   "Today we take the initiative.  so far the enemy has always held the initiative.  We have at the best only made some complaints.
    "Palestine has been turned into the personal belonging of the Zionists.  First some Palestinian lands were purchased.  Then the immigrant Zionists were armed.  Afterwards civil war raged and Palestinian dismemberment was declared.  Then new parts of Palestine and Arab countries were conquered and occupied.
   "This condition is incompatible with Islamic dignity.  And the world of Islam should also proceed from passivity to a state of holding the initiative.
   "Our opposition to the so-called "Middle East peace process" is because it is unjust, arrogant, contemptuous and finally illogical... Isn't it time for the world of Islam to respond to this spirit of arrogance?  Something has been done to us that at present we fear each other more than the enemy...  Political dignity and power are of greatest importance."