Tehran, 2006/09/20, IRNA 
 
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Wednesday attended graduation ceremony held for cadets of Imam Khomeini Navy Academy in Nowshahr on Wednesday.

The Supreme Leader said in his address to the rank and file of the Armed Forces that experience has proved that a nation advocating peace needs defense capability in the face of aggressors and international bullying powers in order to proceed with its construction, welfare, dignity and humanitarian goals.

"On the basis of this logic, the Iranian nation sees military strength as a great goal," Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces said.

The Supreme Leader said that service in the armed forces is a religious duty adding that the brave nation and especially the faithful youth have not allowed the enemies to threaten the country in the past 27 years.

"The Armed Forces are expected to maintain their preparedness to stand against any threat of the enemy," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Supreme Leader recommended the young cadets to appreciate invaluable experience of the Armed Forces, adding, "You are expected to enjoy the invaluable experience and follow the example set by the honorable martyrs."

Elsewhere in his address, the Supreme Leader said that Iran has bright prospects on the horizon.

Referring to the vigilance of the nation and its high spirit, the Supreme Leader said that the officials have exemplary determination to render service to the people.

"Today, both the friends and enemies of the Iranian nation admit national dignity of Iranians. Under such a circumstances, military services for the conscripts and service in the Armed Forces is a sacred action," the Supreme Leader said.

Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces reviewed parades of the cadets and decorated the top graduates of the academy with epaulets.

Prior to the Supreme Leader's address, General Commander of the Armed Forces Major General Ataollah Salehi renewed allegiance of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Supreme Leader.

Salehi briefed the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces on programs of the Armed Forces and the progress it has made in attaining self-sufficiency.

Khamenei-Navy Academy