TEHRAN The Commander of the Islamic Revolution's Guards Corps (IRGC) here on Tuesday stated that Basij (volunteer) Forces are integral part of the force needed to guarantee the country's internal as well as border security. Speaking at the ceremony to introduce the new commander of the Basij, Major General Yahya Safavi referred to Basij as a strategic force needed to ensure the political success of the Islamic Republic in the regional and international arena.

Stating that the 21st century would witness a multipolar world, the IRGC commander expressed hope that the Muslim world would emerge as a powerful pole in the future world order. Safavi stressed that IRGC is intent on consolidating the Basij Forces, adding that the Basij membership is expected to grow to 5 million in a one year span. Turning to the recent changes in IRGC, Safavi said that the changes are in line with efforts to make IRGC a more proficient force in confronting ``internal and external mischiefs.'' The Brigadier General Mahmoud Hejazi has been appointed the new commander of the Basij, replacing Brigadier General Ali Reza Afshar who was just appointed as the new head of the IRGC-affiliated Imam Hossein (AS) University. Also addressing the audience, Hejazi called for a general mobilization to help realize the principle goals of establishing the popular force.

(IRNA)