Tehran, YJC. An Iranian intellectual, prominent journalist, pro-democracy activist has requested the former President of Iran to attend in the ceremony of Mandela's grandeur in South Africa.
Saeed Hajjarian wrote about Nelson Mandela in his editorial in Sharq "During his
campaign days he had fought his ego enough to be able to forgive enemies and
even tap their abilities in his government. For that I know him an accomplished
mystic who had polished his soul enough to reach a state of epiphany.”
He
adds "When he visited Iran, our Foreign Minister, who wanted to follow the
protocol, sent his deputy for greeting the old man (because Mandela was no more
President at that time). But he was so broad-minded not to care about these
issues. But when he departed Iran for Turkey the President of that country
greeted him in the pavilion. It was so that wherever he went that country’s
highest officials welcomed him with open arms.”
Hajjarian
continues "I believe that it is the Tehran City Council’s duty in honoring this
magnanimous man to do something and name a place after him. I would like also
to ask Mr. Khatami to prepare for visiting South Africa and attending the Mandela
celebration.”