Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, continued his programs in Venezuela by attending the launching of the Spanish translation of the book “Cell No. 14”, while appreciating the enthusiastic presence of different sections of the great people of Venezuela at the ceremony, emphasizing: The relationship between Iran and Venezuela is a deep and strong relationship that the great leaders of the two nations have laid the foundations of this relationship.
Esmaeili pointed out that the great nation of Iran dominated America and its puppet regime about 45 years ago under the leadership of Imam Khomeini (RA), and that the message of the Islamic Revolution was justice, freedom, independence, and the salvation of all human beings from the bondage of tyranny.
In another part of his speech, Esmaeili said: At that time, Imam Khamenei was one of the young and militant leaders and one of the disciples of Imam Khomeini (RA), who was repeatedly imprisoned and exiled for the freedom and greatness of Iranians. Addressing the Venezuelan people, he said: I am talking to you about a leader who has spent more than 70 years of his fruitful life in freedom-seeking countries for justice, freedom, independence for Iran and the salvation of the people trapped in tyranny and colonialism.
He added: that Imam Khamenei was even assassinated in this way and sacrificed part of his health for the pride of Iranians and freedom-loving nations. On the other hand, despite being a veteran on the battlefield, they fought against one of the regimes with ties to the United States. During the time of the Holy Defence, he did not encourage people to attend the fronts orally and in the form of a sermon, but he dressed as a soldier and fought on the war fronts.
Esmaili continued: Our dear Khamenei has been the leader of the Iranian people and all justice seekers in the world for 33 years, fighting against arrogance and global imperialism and has disgraced the oppressors. Hugo Chávez, a brave and anti-colonial man, is one of Imam Khamenei’s favourites. Our leader is always ready to accept, help and support all those who seek freedom and justice.
The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance pointed to the book “Cell No. 14”, stated: “Cell No. 14” is a remarkable book about Imam Khamenei`s life during the years of struggle and imprisonment under the Pahlavi government, translated into Spanish for the first time. It is with great pride that this book is launched for the first time in this country, accompanied by Imam Khamenei’s epigram addressed to the Spanish-speaking nations in Venezuela.
Appreciating the enthusiastic reception of the Venezuelan people for the Iran-Venezuela culture and art exhibition, the Minister of Culture noted: This innovative and unique cultural act will serve as the basis for events that are valuable in developing cultural relations between the two countries.
Mr. Ernesto Vigas, Minister of Culture of Venezuela also expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Iran-Venezuela Culture and Friendship Exhibition and the launching ceremony of the Supreme Leader`s Memoirs, and said: “We are proud to host the launch of this book, and it`s certainly a precious act. It will pave the way for the greater unity of the two great nations of Iran and Venezuela.”
While thanking the Minister of Culture of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who personally attended the launch of this book in Venezuela, he said: This book can be a valuable guide for countries seeking independence.
In another part of his speech, the Minister of Culture of Venezuela said that the sanctions are like war and blockade and that the perpetrators of the sanctions are the perpetrators of crimes, adding: Iran and Venezuela are two sacred words and two great nations that cannot be sanctioned because we want independence and we certainly should not be sanctioned. But arrogance doesn’t recognize our culture and identity, and sanctions certainly will not break our resistance. Just as Commander Chávez stood up, we will stand up. This book is such a great book that by reading it, our nation will learn more about the fight against arrogance, especially in America.
Referring to the US sanctions against the two countries of Iran and Venezuela, he emphasized: There must be serious international laws to prevent these actions. Arrogance and America fear the closeness of two nations with rich and great cultures. But we continue this path with the determination of our leaders and nations.
Ernesto Vigas stated: Certainly, as the presidents of the two countries emphasize, the relationship between Iran and Venezuela is a model and an example. We are also looking for the development of relations with Iran in the cultural area.
According to the Public Relations and Information Center of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, in this ceremony, which was widely covered by the regional and Venezuelan media, the book “Cell No. 14” was officially released.
The Minister of Culture of Venezuela read the Spanish epigram and Dr. Esmaeili read its Persian text. Esmaeili then presented copies of it to Venezuelan officials and ambassadors from different countries during the ceremony. Also, in another part of this program, some Venezuelan figures gave explanations about the book and the hymn “Salam Farmandeh (= Salute Commander)” was also presented in Spanish, and at the end, a show based on this book was performed.
