TEHRAN -- Ahmad Jalali, the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO, is convinced that any tribute to Molana Rumi also commemorates the Persian language, Iran, and Iranian civilization.

The fact that UNESCO approved the proposal to celebrate the 800th birthday anniversary of Persian mystic and poet Molana Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273) in 2007 does not mean that UNESCO will do something, the Mehr News Agency quoted him as saying on Friday.

“It means that the interested countries can celebrate under the international moniker of UNESCO.

“When UNESCO agrees to commemorate the anniversary of a world personality, it means that the influence of that individual crosses borders and he belongs to the whole world. Of course, all UNESCO members can hold ceremonies for Molana, but the three selected countries are Egypt, Afghanistan, and Turkey.

“Of course, Iran, which is the cradle of masters like Molana, is interested in introducing the works of Molana to the world. All the works by Molana are in Persian and find their glory in the Persian language.

“The ceremony can be held in every corner of the world, and UNESCO aims to honor Rumi for his internationalism. Wherever the commemoration ceremony is held, it is praising the Persian language and culture.

“The fact that international organizations are paying tribute to Molana is a great honor for Iranians.”