LATEST: Former President Khatami Criticizes Rouhani For Moving Too Slowly On “Openness” and Political Prisoners

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UPDATE 0900 GMT: The Supreme Leader has expanded on the importance of culture and freedom in society. Arguing that no country has absolute freedom, Ayatollah Khamenei cited — and questioned the veracity of — the holocaust as an example of European constraints on freedom of speech in order to justify the limitations on cultural freedoms inside Iran.

UPDATE 0700 GMT: The Supreme Leader is now speaking at the shrine of Shia’s 8th Imam, Reza, in Mashhad in northeastern Iran:

Ayatollah Khamenei turned February’s celebration of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution into an attack on foreign powers:

The Supreme Leader is also giving an extended explanation of the “Resistance Economy”:

But his most important domestic message may be on the cultural front:

The Supreme Leader celebrated Iranian New Year on Thursday with the declaration that it would be one of ““Economy and Culture with National Determination and Jihadi Management”.

In his speech to the nation, Ayatollah Khamenei said:

In my view, what we are faced with in the new year consists of an economy which will blossom with the help of officials and people and a culture which will determine, under the aegis of endeavors by officials and people, the direction of our country and nation in its great move.

While hailing the election of President Rouhani as one “done with tranquility and utmost security”, the Supreme Leader chided the Government and pressed it for signs of recovery:

But on the issue of economic valor, what should have been done and what was expected to be done was not done. Certain efforts were made which are appreciated, but the great task that should be carried out in the arena of economic valor is still ahead of us. We are responsible for achieving this epic.

Last month the Supreme Leader declared a “resistance economy” to overcome both Western sanctions and recent problems, and he repeated that call yesterday, saying this has set the stage for officials to restructure economy.

The objectives set out by Khamenei seek a “knowledge-based economy and (increase in) domestic production, especially in strategic products and services, with the subsequent reduction of dependence on imports”.

The Supreme Leader’s decree, based on the program of the Expediency Council, also envisages greater privatization, increased exports of goods and services through legal and administrative reform, and foreign investment for production of exports, both oil and non-oil.

Former President Khatami Criticizes Rouhani For Moving Too Slowly On “Openness” and Political Prisoners

In his Nowruz message, former President Mohammad Khatami has criticized the Rouhani Government for moving too slowly on campaign promises to open up political, social, and cultural spheres:

This amazing political achievement (of the 2013 Presidential Election]) could have become more glorious if the political environment would have opened up, if the environment of the country had transitioned from a security state to a political one, if political prisoners would have been freed, and if various restrictions and limitations on many individuals had lifted.

Unfortunately, however, such expectations did not come to fruition. Some attempts have been made, but they are not close to ideals.

There is still hope for us to create an environment in which hearts are closer to each other. Such an environment would be beneficial for the people, the country, and the regime. It can increase passion and enthusiasm for the country’s development and cooperation in enhancing the state affairs.