RAFSANJANI: ENEMIES' MEDDLING HAS AFFECTED IRAN-BOSNIA TIES

TEHRAN, Iran (May 29,2008) – The Chairman of the Iranian Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani sai that the enemies lowered level of ties between Bosnia and Iran,the Iranian National News Agency (IRNA) reported.

Rafsanjani made the remarks during the meeting with the Bosnian Ambassador to Iran Senahid Bistric.The current level of economic and commercial ties between Bosnia and Iran is very low,Rafsanjani said.

Talking about 1992-1995 Serbian,Montenegrin and Croatian aggressions against Bosnia,he said it was very tough time for the Muslim World,especially for the Islamic Republic of Iran,adding that it eas the responsibility of the Islamic countries to prevent genocide in Bosnia.

The Bosnian Ambassador,for his part, appreciated the support made by the Islamic Republic of Iran during the 1992-1995 Serbian,Montenegrin and Croatian aggressions against Bosnia and said the supports were made during "your presidency when most of other countries had adopted an indifference attitude."

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani served as President of Iran from August 17, 1989 to 1997, and was the first President of Iran to step down officially, having completed his term in office. Until the election of Rafsanjani, Ali Khamenei was both the President and Supreme Leader, and officially stepped down as President of Iran, about two month prior to completing of his presidential term.

Rafsanjani is currently the Chairman of the Iranian Expediency Council. The Iranian Expediency Council is an advisory body for the Iranian Supreme Leader. It has ultimate adjudicating power in disputes over legislation between the Iranian Majlis (the Iranian Parliament) and the Iranian Guardian Council. The Supreme Leader appoints the Council's members, who are prominent religious, social and political figures.
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