Chairman of Iran's Expediency Council Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani has urged all groups to take part in the country's February 11 national day demonstrations, Press TV reported.
"Those who care for the Islamic Republic, irrespective of their group or faction, must aim for a grand and peaceful February 11 national day demonstration, because any violence or confrontation would only serve enemy interests," Hashemi-Rafsanjani said on Saturday.
The senior cleric asked Iranians from all groups to turn the rally into "a show of national unity", by putting aside their differences of opinion.
Ayatollah Hashemi-Rafsanjani said that every year the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution has been a symbol of the people's loyalty to the Islamic Republic and sign of their unity.
The recognized political figure and two-time former president also commented on the Iranian nuclear program, saying that holding a grand rally on February 11 could help foil outside ploys to pressure Iran in that regard.
Hashemi-Rafsanjani said Tehran was adamant about its decision to continue its peaceful nuclear work, adding that the country would not retreat from its position under pressure from world powers.
"With the help of certain countries that did not have an aggressive stance before, the global arrogance has launched a new wave of attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.
"They are trying to increase political strain on Iran by intensifying embargoes and threats, although some of it may only be a game of psychological warfare," he added.
The top cleric was making an apparent reference to the two-edged position that Moscow has recently taken on the Iranian nuclear issue.
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