| Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, praised Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election on Saturday, saying his landslide victory was a "real feast". "The participation rate of 80 percent and the 24 million votes for the president-elect is a real feast which can guarantee the country's progress, national security and lasting joy," he said in a statement read on state television. "I congratulate ... the people on this massive success and urge everyone to be grateful for this divine blessing," the television quoted him as saying as it showed a picture of a smiling Khamenei. He said Friday's high voter turnout was a proof that Iran "after 30 years is immune and unwavering against political and psychological assault". Khamenei warned the people that "the enemies (of Iran) may want to spoil the sweetness of this event ... with some kind of ill-intentioned provocations". He said the young must stay alert and urged the supporters of presidential candidates from avoiding provocative acts and words. "The president elect is the president of the entire Iranian nation and ... all should support and help him," he said. |