Tehran, Feb 24, IRNA � Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif expressed condolences over the demise of prominent Egyptian journalist Mohamed Hassanein Heikal paying tribue to his lifetime services and achievements.


In a message of condolence to Heikal's wife, Zarif said the late journalist-author's works introducing the global developments and informing the various generations of the region's nations will remain in the minds of the peoples.

'Continued endeavors of late Mr. Heikal in due explanation of the policies of colonialists and usurping Zionists as well as presenting a character of himself as an outstanding, realist, and deep-thinking journalist during 75 years of media activity, raised him to the status that he was named the Journalist of Century,' read the message.

Zarif also stressed that free thinkers and defenders of truth and justice in Iran and the world will not forget Heikal's brave and fair analyses in safeguarding the causes of the fighters against occupation, colonialism, and despotism.

The Iranian foreign minister expressed the hope that strategic concerns of Heikal in supporting solidarity and cooperation among the Islamic states under the current sensitive situation of the region in which plots hatched by the enemies of ummah are fanning tribalism, will be a guiding beacon before the eyes of media and political elites.

'I take the opportunity to express the condolences and sympathies of myself, Iranian nation, and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to you, children, family members, and all the people interested in late Mr. Heikal,' Zarif said in his message.

By IRNA