RNA – The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, made the remarks in a meeting with a number of officials and activists in the field of the environment protection in Tehran on Sunday which took place on the occasion of Iran Natural Resources Week started on March 6.
This appearance occurred amid rumours about the Leader’s health, but a relative dismissed the claims as gossip meant to derail ongoing nuclear talks with world powers.
During the week, particularly on March 6, the Tree-Planting Day, the Iranians attend ceremonies in parks, gardens, and also plant trees in the private gardens of their house yards.
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that it was for the government to protect the living environment by compiling necessary documents and carrying out projects.
He said damaging the living environment should be regarded a grave offence.
Referring to living environment challenge as one which is inflicting the whole globe, he said the experience of different countries prove that much of the problem could be prevented in advance.
It is important to note that some foreign-based news websites in recent days have claimed that Ayatollah Khamenei has been recently hospitalized in critical condition, which they often allege when significant events occur. This recent appearance proves these claims as false.
Iran’s former deputy foreign minister Sadeq Kharrazi, whose sister is married to Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, said rumours spread about the Leader’s health were released by those seeking to undermine the ongoing P5+1 nuclear talks and weaken Iran’s position.
“The intention behind spreading such lies is to demoralize Iran’s [nuclear] negotiators and the Iranian people and overshadow Iran’s successful policy (in fighting the Islamic State group) in Iraq and Syria,” he said in comments widely published on Sunday in Iranian newspapers.
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