Iranian people, officials mourn Ayatollah Rafsanjani

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Spokesman for the Government Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, Prosecutor General Mohammad-Jafar Montazeri, Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan, Head of Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Mohammad Ali Shahidi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Reza Salehi-Amiri and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Mohammad Baqeri as well as other cabinet members and military officials in the country have expressed their condolencse over the sad event.

'It is with deep regret and sorrow that I have received the news on the passing away of an old friend, a comrade and companion during the struggles of the Islamic movement, who was also a close colleague in the Islamic Republic of Iran over the last several years—His Eminence Hujatol Islam wal Muslimeen, Sheikh Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani,' Ayatollah Khamenei said in his condolence message to the Iranian nation.

Also, President Rouhani reacted to this sad event saying Islam lost a valuable asset; Iran a great figure; Islamic Revolution a brave guide and the state a wise, unparalleled figure.

Moreover, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the views offered by the late Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani always opened new ways before the Iranian foreign policy.

Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani described Ayatollah Rafsanjani as a great man who closed his eyes to the world.

Brigadier General Baqeri said Ayatollah Rafsanjani held dangerous responsibilities for the progress of the Islamic Revolution and did play a leading role in the way of achieving the Revolution's goals.

'Iran lost a national hero, a worthy son, a leader, an old friend of the system, a unique asset and the government lost a brave supporter,' these were the remarks made by Vice President Jahangiri after the death of the former Iranian president who died due to heart attack at the age of 82 in a hospital in north of Tehran.

Minister of culture, on the sidelines of a ceremony to bid farewell to Rafsanjani, described him as a revolutionary father with great characteristics.

In a message to mark the demise of Ayatollah Rafsanjani, Tehran Mayor said that his valuable services before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution will not be faded away.

Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, in their message, wrote that Hashemi Rafsanjani played a leading role in strengthening the Islamic foundation and the pillars of the Islamic Republic.

Also, the Friday prayers leaders, Supreme Leader's representatives to the provinces and governors general of the provinces as well as municipalities across the country extended condolences to the nation over the death of Ayatollah Rafsanjani.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani's funeral service will be held on Tuesday at Tehran University and the Supreme Leader of the Islamci Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei will lead the prayers to the body of the deceased cleric.

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