"Active presence of people in Ilam has always being regarded as a fatal blow to our opponents, ill-wishers and enemies," he said during a provincial cabinet session in Ilam.



During the eight years of sacred defense, the people of Ilam never left their homes despite heavy artillery shells and bombardments, underlined the president.



"We are here to serve the nation," pointed out the president.



The president arrived in the provincial capital city of Ilam Wednesday morning beginning his third provincial tour.



Ahmadinejad started the second round of his provincial tours on November 7 aimed at following up the implementation of the projects which had been approved during the first round of his visits to different provinces last year.



During his three-day stay in this western province, the chief executive is scheduled to chair a cabinet session and attend various working groups.



The president took the initiative to visit different provinces since he took office in 2005 in order to bring closer the government to ordinary people.

Ilam, Dec 6, IRNA