RNA – In a letter to members of Iran’s parliament, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi advised them not to delay their final decision on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) any longer but at the same time to think about the weaknesses of the deal as well.
The revered source of emulation also stressed that public interest should not be sacrificed to partisan interests.
The text of Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi’s statement published by Rasa News is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Peace and greetings,
Recently, our office has received many letters and telephone calls from people who have recommended to the honourable members of the parliament that they do not delay the JCPOA any longer and to finalize it. The people are very concerned and it is deserving that these dear people are thinking about the next important programs. It is possible that the JCPOA has some weaknesses that some of the dear people are concerned about, thus the [members of parliament] must think wisely and correctly interpret [the agreement].
In addition to adding my approval of their demands, our country is an island of security which is located in the middle of a stormy sea. All of our neighbours are engulfed in storms of insecurity. If we do not do anything this island of security will become insecure due to internal disputes. Look at what is happening in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and even in Afghanistan!
God forbid if the country’s general interests are sacrificed for partisan interests. Informants say that every day that passes with doubt [over the JCPOA], huge sums of money enter into the country in order to endanger it.
We have a lot of economic problems and political and cultural issues and if we do not deal with these issues with greater sympathy, we cannot solve these problems and the future will be worrisome.
I am sincerely praying for your success and honour in solving the problems of the people and country.
May God’s peace mercy and blessings be upon you.
Naser Makarem-Shirazi
October 3, 2015
111/112