A large number of people and officials have converged at Imam Khomeinis mausoleum in the Iranian capital, Tehran, to mark the passing away of the late founder of the Islamic Republic.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei is addressing the gathering of mourners at the shrine. Imam Khomeinis grandson, Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Hassan Khomeini, will also deliver a speech during the ceremony.
Ayatollah Khamenei said Imam Khomeini favored and emphasized the participation of people in different areas, including in military, political, and economic issues.
Imam Khomeini had real belief in the people, and respected peoples viewpoints even if he disagreed with them, the Leader said.
Imam was openly in the front against world bullies, Ayatollah Khamenei said, adding that the late founder of the Islamic Republic championed the cause of the oppressed.
According to Press TV's correspondent at the mausoleum, nearly 1,000 guests from various countries are attending the mourning ceremony. Four hundred of the foreign attendees are scholars and researchers, who have been conducting studies on the thoughts and life of Imam Khomeini.
Every year, millions of Iranians from across the country travel to Tehran to pay homage to the late founder of the Islamic Republic.
Rouhollah Mousavi Khomeini, better known as Imam Khomeini, was born in the central Iranian city of Khomein on September 24, 1902 to a family of scholars.
He led Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution, which culminated in the overthrow of the US-backed Mohammad Reza Pahlavis monarchy. Pahlavi was Irans last monarch.
Imam Khomeini passed away on June 4, 1989 at the age of 87.
By Press TV
