Rallies mark anniversary in Iran of 1979 Islamic revolution

Feb 11, 2012, 9:33 GMT

Tehran - Millions of people were Saturday attending rallies across Iran, state-run media reported, to mark the 33rd anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The state-organized rallies were being held in more than 850 cities and towns.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered a speech at the end of the rally in Tehran's Azadi Square and praised Iran for its development and self-sufficiency in the last 33 years.

Referring to the transitions in the Middle East, he called on Arab leaders to be aware of 'plots' by the United States.

'All the US wants is saving the Zionist regime (Israel) and all (Arab) leaders should know that the US is no loyal friend,' the president said.

'The Zionist regime is the source of all world problems and Iran is proud to be the only country to have shown courage and wisdom and broken the Western taboo of Holocaust,' he added, referring to the massacre of Jews during World War II.

Ahmadinejad has frequently called for the eradication of Israel and questioned the Holocaust, which he has said was a lie. His comments have provoked sharp international condemnation.

Referring to Syria, Ahmadinejad warned leaders in the Arab world about the motivations of the Western powers. 'They (Arab leaders) should know that tomorrow (after Syria) it will be their turn and they will be thrown away like used handkerchiefs,' he said.

'The interference of imperialistic powers will not bring you any freedom and the only way to gain this freedom is return to your nations and to Islam,' he added, adressing the Arab leaders.

The state-run rally was broadcast on all Iranian television channels. Participants shouted slogans such as 'Death to Israel' and 'Death to America,' and vowed to resist all Western pressures related to Iran's nuclear dispute with the international community.