Shahr-e Rey, Tehran prov, 2008 Feb 7, IRNA 
 
A senior cleric said on Wednesday that Muslim Ulema played a key role in bringing unity to the world of Islam.

Muslims should become more familiar with the Islamic viewpoints and teachings on unity, Secretary General of the World Assembly for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought Mohammad-Ali Taskhiri told IRNA.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of a national gathering on National Unity and Islamic Solidarity.

The current Iranian calendar year (to end on March 19) was called by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the Year of National Unity and Islamic Solidarity.

Ayatollah Taskhiri stressed that promotion of rationalism and negotiation among Muslims would lead in further unity among them.

Referring to the significance of the issue of Palestine for the Islamic world, the ayatollah urged all Muslims to use any chances to form a united ummah (nation) against major challenges caused by the world arrogance and Zionism.