BERLIN, Germany: On the sixteenth anniversary of death of Grand Ayatullah Seyyed Ruhollah Mosavi Al-Khomeini, late founder of Islamic Republic of Iran, on June 3, commemorative ceremonies were held in different countries.

Ayatullah Khomeini, born on 17 May 1900, was exiled from Iran in 1964 for his constant criticisms of the government of Shah Reza Pahlavi. He was sent initially to Turkey, before later being allowed to move to Iraq, where he stayed until being forced to leave in 1978, after which he went to Neaufle-le-Château in France. According to Alexandre de Marenches (then head of the French secret services) France suggested to the Shah that they could "arrange for Khomeini to have a lethal accident"; the Shah declined the assassination offer arguing that this would make him a martyr.

Great scholars, jurisprudents and political activists accord high esteem to Grand Ayatullah Khomeini's philosophy for social progress and evolution. His piety is well-known to the entire world.

Flocks of devotees from inside and outside Iran visited the tomb of the great spiritual leader in Tehran, recited Surah Al-Fatiha and laid the floral wreaths at the grave paying rich tributes to him.

Commemorative programs to honor Ayatullah Al-Khomeini were held in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Lebanon, Germany and Bahrain.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei said marking the occasion that Grand Ayatullah Khomeini set a precedent for lofty goals of the Iranian nation and the path will bring dignity and prosperity for the nation. Virtue of Imam Khomeini's personality should be explained to the generations to come to help them understand his philosophy for the survival of the mankind.

In holy Najaf, hundreds attended a memorial service held at Shaheed Al-Mehrab Seyyed Muhammad Baqer Al-Hakim (late) hall in the center of the city. Speakers threw light on different aspects of the life of late leader and lauded his services for Islam and the oppressed.

Hussein Idd and Sheikh Muhammad Habib Al-Meqdad addressed a ceremony organized at Sabanas Matam in Bahrain in remembrance of Great Leader while poets Muhammad Abdelkarim (Qateef, Saudi Arabia) and Sayyed Mostafa Al-Husseini offered poetic tributes.