TEHRAN -- Iran's Welfare Islamic Party (IWIP) will press charges against the Zionist Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for committing brutal atrocities against the innocent and defenseless people of Palestine.

A statement issued on Tuesday by IWIP read, "One of the important issues concerning the world of Islam is our compassion toward the Palestinian cause and a coordinated move in line with the proud people of Palestine.

"The Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, as well as the noble Iranian nation have continuously expressed their concern and support for the Palestinian people. "We have decided to create a popular committee and file a criminal suit to have Ariel Sharon tried as an international criminal."

The statement added that after the file is completed it would be submitted to international bodies including The Hague Tribunal and the UN Human Rights Commission.

Meanwhile, during the annual Qods Day rallies a petition will be passed among the demonstrators to gather signatures that will then be submitted to the Judiciary to follow up the matter.

The statement noted that the outline of the complaint is to be published next week.