ISFAHAN Leader of Friday prayers of Isfahan Ayatollah Jalaleddin Taheri urged the Law Enforcement Forces and judicial and security officials to counter the corrupt and profiteering elements whom he said disturb country's security. The Persian daily Salam quoted Ayatollah Taheri as having made the remark in his Friday prayers sermons in this historical city. The ayatollah warned that if no action is taken, he will disclose names of those who collaborate with these ``corrupt individuals'' in his future sermons.

Ayatollah Taheri, who has been leading Friday prayers in Isfahan for the past 26 years, also said that protecting people's rights and respecting their legal freedom are duties of the government. Turning to his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on February 10, Ayatollah Taheri said he reported to the Leader in detail of the problems in Isfahan and asked for permission to resign as leader of prayers so that he can concentrate on his teaching and classes.

The Supreme Leader replied, ``You and I should resist the problems and hardship to our last breath,'' Salam quoted Taheri as saying. Elsewhere in his sermon, directing his remarks at government officials, Ayatollah Taheri asked them to praise the Iranian nation and do all in their power to settle problems and remove the existing obstacles. (IRNA)