Rafsanjani: Iran's political disputes are grave!

Ayatollah Rafsanjani

Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Chairman of Iran's Expediency Council spoke of Iran’s internal crisis today claiming: “Today there is no room to hide the matter. The difficulties presented by the political disputes are grave!,” ILNA reports.

The June presidential election has thrown Iran in a political crisis only second to the 1979 Revolution. The victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was disputed by the other opponents and millions of people streamed the streets to protest that their votes were stolen and the ballot was rigged.

While the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei rejected the popular demand for calling another election, the Islamic Republic establishment became divided into two visible factions of pro and anti Ahmadinejad.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani supported the protest and condemned government’s violent crackdown on protesters that caused dozens of death and thousands of arrests.

The protests continue while the government continues to arrests more dissidents and hands them heavy prison terms.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani declared today: “I believe there is no one other that the Leader of the Revolution who can bring about unity and we should all assist the leader to create a sympathetic atmosphere where people can be satisfied.”

He expressed deep concern over the rift rising between people and the clergy. He also cautioned against alienating the educated who are an undeniable influence on the public mind.

University students and student activists have been the repeated target of arrests and government pressure in the past months.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani claimed due to the persistence of political disputes, he has refrained from attending any officials programs or meetings outside the Expediency Council.

Ayatollah Rafsanjani did not attend the inauguration of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in July.