TEHRAN A Chinese political sciences researcher and professor at Chinese universities called the role of Imam Khomeini in depreciating the world powers as significant. "Ayatollah Khomeini started a new move in the world's political arena," said Lio Ding to IRNA. "He managed to disparage the hegemonic and interfering powers of the world," he added. He added among the world's religious leaders during the recent century, rarely did anyone attain such a status as he did "and that's why there has been a new inclination among the nations of the world toward religion." He said: "Political thoughts and outlooks of Ayatollah Khomeini should be assessed in the world's political and scientific bodies." Meanwhile, a member of Iraq's Central Council and Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution of Iraq (SAIRI) in Lebanon and Syria said on Tuesday Imam Khomeini was one of the most prominent leaders in the 20th century.

"The late Imam played a vital role in awakening the world's Muslims vis-a-vis the plans of the enemies of Islam," IRNA quoted Bayan Jabr as saying. Indicating the effects of the culmination of Iran's Islamic Revolution on the international and regional political plan, he said the revolution under the leadership of Imam Khomeini could create a new balance in the world and the region to the benefit of the Muslims. He said: "Supporting the downtrodden was one of the principles the late Imam always underscored."