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Iranian President Urges Solidarity Between Shi’ites, Sunnis
KORDE KUV April 5 (AFP)-Iranian President Mohammad Khatami called on Wednesday for "more solidarity and understanding" between Shi’ite and Sunni Muslims, days after the murder of a Shi’ite theology student in a predominantly Sunni region.
Khatami was speaking during a tour of northeastern Iran near the border of Turkmenistan, home to a large Sunni population, while Iran as a whole is 90 percent Shi’ite.
"There must be more solidarity and understanding between Sunnis and Shi’ites. Unity between Shi’ites and Sunnis does not mean the suppression of each other's beliefs, but with good sense we must explore what they have in common and strengthen them. If we turn towards the present and the future, without burying ourselves in the past, the disagreements will be dissipated, to the advantage of both Shi’ites and Sunnis. While defending our principles and convictions, we can live together and achieve a unified and progressive society,” said Khatami.
Khatami's remarks followed the murder last Friday of a Shi’ite mullah-in-training in the Sunni-majority southeastern city of Zahedan by attackers who queried him about his religious convictions.
The daily Asr-e Azardegan said Sunday that Shamseddin Kiani, an 18-year-old theological student, was abducted, forced into a car, beaten and burned. He died of his injuries in hospital, after telling investigators that he had been questioned about his beliefs and his reasons for studying in a Qur’anic school.
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