In his message, the Supreme Leader snubbed foreign media owners, who desired to discourage people from voting to no avail, and said: "The unwise enemy libeled the Iranian nation as well as the IRI system in a statement which was all but deceitful, trying aimlessly to faze the Iranian nation.

"The US president who has a black record and was pushed to office on the wave of funds provided by pillaging Zionist-affiliated companies, embarked on an absurd pre-judgment to denounce your choice as distorted and improper", the Leader said, condemning US President George W Bush's intrusive statement about the status of democracy in Mideast.

"He covers up US crimes in Abu Ghraib (prison in Iraq) and Guantanamo (base in Cuba), as well as US militaristic rule in Iraq and Afghanistan, but alleges to support democracy in the world", Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Supreme Leader expressed gratitude to God and praised the Iranian nation who 'kept adherence to their religious duties'.

Ayatollah Khamenei then noted a number of suggestions on the elections. He acknowledged the Iranian nation as the true winner of the elections who created this epic show, despite the smearing campaigns of the foreign media.He advised supporters of the failed not to feel loss.

The Supreme Leader expressed hope the sweetness of the current developments would not turn bitter.

He described the huge turnout of people as a crushing response to Bush's remarks.

"The vote, cast in a free atmosphere and with all inclinations and parties at present, was after all a vote to the Islamic Republic, to national independence, to the Constitution and to the Islamic causes", he said, demanding the elected one to adhere to them.

"The winner must promote social justice, remove corruption and discrimination, and stand against political, cultural and economic plots", he asserted.

He termed the winning hopeful as the representative of all of the Iranians and demanded the full-scale cooperation of all parties and figures with him.

He urged all those who have a political say to preserve the spirit of solidarity and cooperation and avoid anything which would harm them.

The Supreme Leader then thanked all walks of life who shared the creation of this political epic, especially the IRIB broadcasting body, which 'produced and relayed artful and colorful programs', and the Guardian Council and the Interior Ministry for their huge efforts to ensure people's vote and provide a trustworthy atmosphere.

The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution invited the nation to repeat the epic turnout in the second round run-off, set for June 24, 2005.

(IRIB)