IRNA � Following demise of Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, flags of 56 states were flown half-mast and 29 presidents extended their condolences.

Ex-president and Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani passed away at the age of 82 on January 8 for cardiac arrest caused by heart attack.

Millions of Iranian citizens participated in his funeral procession.

Presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Azerbaijan Republic, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Ivory Coast, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina, king of Jordan and prime ministers of Bulgaria, Japan and Pakistan sent messages of condolences.

Malian Parliament Speaker and the US Foreign secretary also sent messages of condolence.
Memorial books opened in 66 Iranian embassies all around the world for three days.
Memorial services were also held in many capitals for the tragic event.