News / Interviews

Ayatollah Rafsanjani giant pillar of Islamic Revolution: Pundit

Tuesday, 10 January 2017 5:08 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 10 January 2017 5:52 PM ]

Iranian mourners take part in a funeral procession for Ayatollah Rafsanjani in Tehran, January 10, 2017. (Photo by IRNA)

The demise of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a former Iranian president and chairman of the Expediency Council, has shocked the Iranian nation. Top figures from around the world have underlined that the late ayatollah was a symbol of moderation and wisdom in the Islamic Republic. He played a key role before and after the victory of the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Massoud Shadjareh, a political commentator from London, says that Ayatollah Rafsanjani was one of the main pillars of the Islamic Revolution and spared no effort to preserve the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“He (Ayatollah Rafsanjani) was a very special figure and he indeed was one of the giants of the Revolution,” Shadjareh told Press TV’s Top 5.

He went on to say that several politicians around the world “are identifying him (late cleric) as one of the main pillars of the Revolution.”

“He was really so much committed to the structure of the Revolution,” the analyst noted, adding that the former president “gave everything of his life to encourage others to preserve that (the Islamic Revolution) and to make sure that the system will survive.”

Ruling out speculations that Iran may face “vacuum” after the death of Ayatollah Rafsanjani, the commentator noted that the Islamic Republic was now so “established” and “stable” that the establishment will run beyond anyone’s life.”

He also touched on the charismatic character of the late ayatollah, noting that Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s legacy teaches politicians and people to be “patient” and tolerant in order to make sure that the Revolution will survive.

Top officials from India, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Lebanon and other nations have expressed condolences over Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s demise.

On Tuesday morning, mass funeral was held for the late cleric at Tehran University and his body was laid to rest at the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, south of Tehran.

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