1st VP Underlines Role Of Shia-Sunni Ulema To Prevent Division

Tehran, Oct 29, IRNA – First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri on Monday underlined the significant role Shia and Sunni leaders and ulema would play to prevent religious divisions. Jahangiri made the remarks in a meeting of heads of Islamic countries’ chambers of commerce held on the sidelines of the 14th International Trade Fair of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The 14th OIC Trade Fair started work in Tehran Monday morning with participation of over 32 member countries. The vice-president urged the Shia and Sunni ulema to underline the commonalities between the two sects of Islam, including the same goals, religion, Great Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Holy Quran. Extremist groups should not be allowed to take advantage of differences of opinion to fuel the flames of discord, he said. He regretted that despite enormous capacities, the Muslim world has not reached a proper political and economic status in the world. Referring to efforts by late founder of Islamic Republic of Iran Imam Khomeini to forge unity among Muslim countries, Jahangiri said that Imam Khomeini strengthened an extra-territorial view among Iranian ruling elite and politicians. He voiced Iran’s readiness to help resolve problems facing the Islamic Ummah and the sensitive and strategic region of the Middle East. He reiterated that the enemies are attempting to undermine Iran’s role, as a powerful rival in the region and efforts to foster Iranophobia among other nations are made in this regard./end