IRNA � International figures have congratulated the 39th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution lauding the positive role of the revolution in world's developments.


Ammar al-Hakim, the leader of Iraq's National Wisdom Movement, told the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that Iran's Islamic Revolution led by late Imam Khomeini has kept Quds cause alive.

Reminding the deep effects of Iran's revolution at the international, Islamic and regional levels as well as its resistance to 'evil powers', he also hailed Imam Khomeini's endeavors for fighting against the bullying of hegemonic powers.

The 10-day period from the Imam Khomeini's return on February 1, 1979 until the revolution�s victory on February 11 is celebrated in Iran annually and is dubbed as the Ten-Day Fajr (Dawn).

In the meantime, Iraq's Sunni Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Sumaidaie appreciated Iran's status in the region and the world.

Iran is the biggest supporter of Palestine and Palestinians, al-Sumaidaie told IRNA.

In spite of sanctions imposed by foreigners and arrogant powers' attempts to interfere in Iran's internal affairs, the country has taken major strides in development path, al-Sumaidaie said.

Also, Vladimir Galchkin, head of Latvia-Iran Friendship Association said that Islamic Revolution introduced a new model of the government to the world.

He said Islamic Revolution under leadership of late Imam Khomeini was the most important event of the 20th Century, which was as a determining element in international equations.

Gerald Horne, professor of history at the Houston University, Texas said that the fall of Shah, who was a supporter of the suppressive regimes, like Apartheid of South Africa, was an important opportunity for the oppressed people of Africa.

'After the overthrow of the Shah, there was shift with regards to the new regime in terms of cutting off petroleum supplies to apartheid South Africa', which 'paved the way for the ultimate demise of the apartheid regime', he said in comments to IRNA.

Horne said Iran has diverted considerable energy of the US imperialism and Israeli colonialism that might otherwise have been directed to support the oppressive regimes.

'I think the Iranian people did the world a favor when they overthrew the bloody shah, because his oppressive policies were not only against Iranians, but worldwide,' he said.

Rade Bojovi? a Serbian orientalist described the Islamic Revolution as an example of cohesion, unity and solidarity between the people and the establishment.

'Despite obstacles created in the way of the revolution, it had numerous achievements inside and outside the country and the nation feels the achievements well.'

Noting that the world has understood Iran's political power and admires Tehran's peaceful policies in the settlement of issues through dialogue, Bojovic said, 'As far as I know, 40 elections have so far been held in Iran after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and this reveals that the nation decide their fate independently.'

Moreover, State Minister for Presidency Affairs of Lebanon Pierre Raffoul said that the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran has strengthened the country in all fields.

'Since the beginning of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been regarded as a big country and strong in political, economic and military fields,' Raffoul said. 'The country has always been standing by oppressed people.'

While dark shadow of terrorism has fallen on the region, Iran has supported people of the region, he added.

Also, Secretary General of Pakistan�s Jamaat-e-Islami said that Islamic Revolution is a role model for entire Muslim world adding that success of the revolution lies in the sincerity of the Iranian nation with the Islamic Revolution.

Liaqat Baloch said that the Islamic Revolution is the outcome of the struggle of the late Imam Khomeini against the western powers.

The Jamaat-e-Islami leader went on to say that affection of the Iranian nation with Islam is another reason for the success of the Islamic Revolution.

Islamic Revolution is flourishing in Iran despite all conspiracies, said the political leader.