Rajavi calls on dissident clergy to draw line with regime

In a message to the people of Iran, Mr. Massoud Rajavi, President of the National Council of Resistance, referred to the deepening crises within the regime and to the fact that many of Khamenei's closest associates, including the former President, Hashemi Rafsanjani, and the head and deputy head of the Assembly of Experts, Ali Meshkini and Ibrahim Amini, had rejected his religious credentials.

Mr. Rajavi said: Limiting the jurisdiction of the vali-e faqih (the supreme leader) and separating the leader's position from marja'iat (source of emulation) has undermined the credibility of the clerical regime even among its most zealous supporters.

The NCR President added: By delivering strategic political, social and military blows to the regime, the Iranian peopleÕs Resistance has brought about this deadly impasse. These crises will not end until the overthrow of the mullahs.

At this crucial juncture, Mr. Rajavi noted, I deem it my patriotic duty to call on all individuals and groups, particularly those clergymen who at one time or another cooperated with this theocratic regime but are now subject to its unbridled assault, to draw a clear line between themselves and the ruling mullahs, underscore the illegitimacy of the regime and all its factions, and apologize to the Iranian people. Needless to say, on the day of victory, the Iranian people and Resistance will take note of this demarcation.

Mr. Rajavi stressed: Continued cooperation with this regime, pinning hope on its internal factions, or legitimizing criminals like Khatami, under whatever pretext, will only prolong the regimeÕs rule.

With the backing of the people of Iran, the Iranian Resistance and the National Liberation Army will definitely overthrow the mullahs' decadent regime in its entirety and establish freedom and national sovereignty in Iran, Mr. Rajavi vowed.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
December 7, 1997

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