Ayatollah Rafsanjani expresses condolences over Kiarostami's demise

'I was saddened by demise of the renowned and popular artist of our country late Abbas Kiarostami,' Ayatollah Rafsanjani said in his message.

'I extend my condolences to our country's artistic community, his colleagues, friends and especially his relatives on the occasion of the death of this famous movie director who conveyed the message of peace and friendship of the Iranian people to the entire world,' he added.

Abbas Kiarostami, distinguished Iranian film director passed away in a Paris hospital on July 4. He was 76. Kiarostami had been suffering from cancer for a while.

2050**2050