Rajavi who is President-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iran’s largest opposition group, gave a New Year and Christmas address calling for unity among religions in the face of religious fundamentalism.

“I would like to greet you on Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ, which has coincided this year with the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad. I would also like to extend my greetings for the New Year.”

“When our world is under the attack of terror and extremism, we can find the light of freedom and tolerance and perseverance against fundamentalism and extremism in these births.”

“I wish that 2016 would be a year of unity and victory over Islamic extremism and especially the religious fascism ruling Iran and its evil allies in the Middle East who sow the seeds of enmity in the world.”

Rajavi said that “mercy for all mankind” is the message of all divine religions.

 “Fortunate are those who have found the essence of Christianity and Islam in love, compassion and freedom.”

 “And we salute Virgin Mary, the symbol of love and sacrifice who is described in the Bible as ‘loved by God’.”

“Muslims and Christians can rely on their common values to stand up to those who pervert their religions. So, in contrast to what the extremists want, we should make our hope and faith in humanity deeper than ever.”

Following on from her recent article in World Policy, Rajavi said she hoped for a “swift end to extremism” and for the freedom of the people of Syria from the dictatorships of Bashar Assad, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Daesh (ISIS or ISIL) terrorists.

 “Let us hope for end to displacement and homelessness of Christians throughout the Middle East. And let us hope for the relief of converted Christians in Iran from the oppression of the ruling mullahs and for freedom of the whole Iranian nation from this religious dictatorship.”

Rajavi added: “May the message of compassion, freedom and tolerance engulf the Middle East. May the world get relieved from tyranny and fundamentalism and have a new birth and revival. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.”