Iraq's Top Shiite Cleric Offers Condolences over Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Demise
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, extended his condolences to Iran over the demise of Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.
In his message, Ayatollah Sistani expressed grief over the loss of Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani and sent his deep condolences to his family and loved ones, Iraq's al-Sumaria news website reported on Wednesday.
He further wished patience for the bereaved family of Iran’s ex-president.
A large number of foreign officials and dignitaries have expressed condolences over the demise of the iconic Iranian cleric, who died at the age of 82 on Sunday.
Ayatollah Rafsanjani was laid to rest in the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini in southern Tehran on Tuesday after a funeral attended by top officials and a big crowd of people.
The top cleric was an influential figure in a campaign led by Imam Khomeini that resulted in the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The deceased became president for two terms and was the chairman of the Expediency Council for some 20 years.
