Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said here Wednesday that Islam was the unifying factor in Iranian society.

Rafsanjani's remarks were part of an address he delivered at the opening ceremony of a seminar titled 'Cultural Diversity and National Solidarity'.

He cited love for Iran, the Persian language and the Islamic Revolution as among the factors encouraging unity among Iranians.

Pointing to the historical relations among Iranian tribes, he said the "Iranian people, inspite of their diverse languages and dialects, have always rallied in support of their country." He referred to the policies of arrogant powers aimed at causing discord among peoples of Third World countries, particularly those which he said have the potential to rise in power, and stressed that countries should find the best way of cementing solidarity in their own societies.

Rafsanjani said Iran, with its Islamic foundation, has paved the way for national unity, and urged fulfillment of Islamic and national obligations in order to preserve the nation's solidarity.

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