Larijani Meets Erdogan, Attends Ashoura Ceremony Held in Turkey

Hassan Tahrawi

The Jaafari sect in Turkey commemorated the Ashoura Day in the "Halkly" field at Istanbul city center. This year was marked with a broad popular participation as well as formal high representations from various Muslim countries.

Al-Ahednews site reported that the Iranian House Speaker Ali Larijani attended the 10th day ceremony of Turkish Ashoura.

Addressing ceremonies, marking martyrdom anniversary of the Imam Hussein (PBUH), in Istanbul, Larijani stressed: "Muslims are more than ever in need of the lively motto of the Imam: If you have no belief in religion and are not afraid of death at least live a free life."

He further stated: "the traitor and disgraceful Zionists are mercilessly dropping different kinds of lethal bombs on the oppressed people of Gaza and the West sends its envoys to "Israel" instead of criticizing such brutalities."
He assured the audience that the Zionist regime will face times tougher days ahead.

Larijani Saturday met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan behind closed doors in Istanbul for two hours, Turkish news agency Anatolia reported without providing details.

Larijani wrapped on his regional tour, having already been to Syria and Lebanon.
Earlier he told reporters that solutions to regional issues as well as major developments in the region, including the recent victory of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip over "Israel" have been discussed in the meetings.

Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Larijani declared that the aim of his visit was to hold talks with Turkish officials on major regional developments.