IRNA – Syrian President Bashar Assad on Monday extended condolences on the passing away of Iran’s former President and Head of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.


In the condolence cables to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani, Assad said the news of Rafsanjani’s passing away was elicited great sadness, according to Syria's official SANA news agency.

Assad noted that the late Rafsanjani was imprisoned and tortured by the agents of the Shah of Iran, but he kept defending his viewpoints and working towards the victory of the Iranian Islamic Revolution and the interests of the Iranian people.

In the cable to President Rouhani, the Syrian president said the late Rafsanjani lived a life of struggle against injustice and oppression, and he was known for his bold positions and tireless efforts to preserve the dignity and freedom of the Iranian people.

President Assad wished that Iran will be capable of overcoming the loss.