Violent acts in Africa, Asia aimed at distorting image of Islam: Ayatollah Rafsanjani

Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said Saturday that violent acts across Asia and Africa are aimed at distorting the image of Islam in a bid to justify atrocities being perpetrated by the Zionist regime.
Violent acts in Africa, Asia aimed at distorting image of Islam: EC chairman
Speaking in a meeting with Iranˈs Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Hossein Sadeqi, Ayatollah Rafsanjani said that the insurgents are pursuing their goals under the pretext of opposition to some governments.

Referring to political status of Iran and Saudi Arabia in the region and the international arena, Rafsanjani called for further cooperation between the two countries in the fields of politics, economy and culture.

Terrorist acts in the region have increased in light of the differences among Muslim nations, Rafsanjani said.

He accused terrorist groups of trying to portray a violent image of Islam in order to spread Islamophobia among independent nations.

He called on all Muslim countries, Iran and Saudi Arabia in particular, to unite so that they can be able to prevent the notion that Muslim governments and nations are in need of foreign powers to maintain their stability and security.

He also underlined the role of Muslim Ulema at this juncture to invite people to moderation, unity and brotherhood.

In the meantime, the Iranian ambassador briefed Ayatollah Rafsanjani on Saudi Arabiaˈs internal situation and the level of Tehran-Riyadh relations.

He said that policies pursued by Ayatollah Rafsanjani, who used to serve as Iranian president for 8 years are still the base for relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.