TEHRAN The Head of the Islamic Propagation Organization (IPO), Hojjatoleslam Mahmoud Mohammadi Araqi, said at a press conference yesterday that the Week of Imamate and Velayat, March 10-16, will be marked by celebrations throughout the country.

Araqi said that the IPO will hold special programs for the youth during the week, particularly on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Ghadir on March 14.

Furthermore, the IPO chief added, in order to help the poor and the needy, especially those imprisoned merely for financial reasons, a charity festival will be held to collect donations from people.

Araqi also said that a three-day congress on Imam Ali (AS) will open in Tehran and Mashhad on March 12. He noted that the congress will be inaugurated with a message from Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and a speech by President Mohammad Khatami.

"Some 250 articles have so far been sent to the secretariat of the congress. Also, some scholars from India, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Britain, Russia and Azerbaijan Republic will part in the three-day congress," he further said.

In conclusion, the IPO head said that on March 14, some 110 exemplary youngsters will be selected in Tehran from among nearly 1,200 candidates. IPO head said among 1200 successful youth 110 of them will be selected in Tehran on March 14.