Khamenei: The Key to Solving Economic Problems is Not in Lausanne, Geneva, or New York

The Leader of the Islamic Republic acknowledged on Wednesday that Western sanctions have caused "problems" in the country, emphasizing that "the key to solving economic problems is not in Lausanne, Geneva, or New York" while referring to the ongoing nuclear negotiations in New York. He stressed that "sanctions and pressure undoubtedly cannot stop organized and planned efforts to boost domestic production." According to the state news agency IRNA, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made these remarks on Wednesday, April 9, during a meeting with a group of workers, criticizing the officials of the Islamic Republic for their "repeated talk and inaction in combating corruption," stating that talking about corruption "is of no benefit" and that "officials are not newspapers that constantly talk about corruption." Khamenei said, "Some say that in conditions of sanctions and pressure, boosting domestic production is impossible; undoubtedly, the oppressive sanctions have had an impact on the emergence of problems, but sanctions and pressure cannot stop organized and planned public efforts to boost domestic production." He added, "It should not be said that production is hard under sanctions; it is possible. Whatever you decide to do, strive to bring your forces to the scene and seek help from God, it is achievable." The Leader of the Islamic Republic emphasized, "The key to solving economic problems is not in Lausanne, Geneva, or New York; it is inside the country, and everyone must fulfill their different responsibilities in strengthening domestic production as the only remedy for economic problems." A day before these remarks, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, mentioned that solving the "problem" of Iran's nuclear file is the "first step to solving fundamental problems" in the country. Ali Rabiei, Iran's Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, also stated that workers know that sanctions are "not just paper" and said, "Workers want the factories and centrifuges to operate simultaneously." Meanwhile, the lifting of sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program immediately after a potential final agreement with world powers is one of the main emphases of both the Leader of the Islamic Republic and the President of Iran. On Wednesday, the Leader also said, "Telling a thief he is a thief does not stop him from stealing; he must be stopped." He added, "Officials are not newspapers that constantly talk about corruption; they must take action and genuinely prevent corruption." During Rouhani's presidency, his government officials have repeatedly criticized what they describe as "widespread" corruption in the administration of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. For instance, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, Rouhani's government spokesman, said on Thursday, February 19, 2015, that $700 billion of the country's assets have been "eaten and swallowed" over five to six years. Meanwhile, Es'hagh Jahangiri, Iran's First Vice President, emphasized on Monday, February 2, 2015, that "in the previous period," the most slogans in the country's history were given for fighting corruption, but "the most corruption and the largest corruption of the century" occurred during that time. However, Khamenei warned on September 5 during a meeting with members of the government delegation that criticism of past governments "should not take on an exaggerated and destructive tone" as it negatively affects the people's spirit and makes them uncertain about the future. In his remarks on Wednesday, the Leader also referred to existing problems in labor areas, such as the dismissal of workers, unemployment, delays, and livelihood issues, adding, "These problems cannot be solved with words; they require action and initiative." A day before the Leader's remarks, a statement from seven independent labor organizations in Iran was officially delivered to the parliament officials after being read at a gathering of about 100 workers in Tehran. The demands of these seven labor organizations include the freedom to strike, march, payment of overdue wages, job security, the elimination of temporary and blank-signed contracts, and placing all workers under labor law coverage. They also called for an end to the dismissal of workers, the abolition of all discriminatory laws against women, ensuring a decent life for retirees, banning child labor, eliminating discrimination against Afghan migrant workers and other nationalities in Iran, and declaring International Workers' Day as an official holiday.