TEHRAN -- Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has put forward a number of proposals to resolve the post-election problems and maintain unity in society and emphasized that everyone should abide by the law.

In a sermon at Friday prayers in Tehran, he told worshippers that abiding by the law, heeding the views of the ulema, commiserating with the families of those who were harmed in the post-election incidents, and releasing prisoners are some of the measures that officials should take to tackle the problems.
He also proposed that state TV should organize “free and logical” debates in the future.
The EC chairman said that “Islamic Republic” is not just an expression but rather a reality that is a legacy from Prophet Muhammad (S) and his Household.
“If there is no Islam, republicanism will face problems, and if there is no republicanism, governance will not” be possible at all, Rafsanjani pointed out.
There was acceptable competition among candidates during the early days of the recent presidential election, and people were hopeful about the election, he observed.
“In that situation, everything was ripe for a great victory for the country… I wish (that) situation would have continued to this day,” he added.
Iran could have attained a high status in the international arena, but unfortunately, the situation turned out differently, Rafsanjani stated.
The post-election incidents were detrimental for all groupings in Iran and the country now needs unity more than ever before, he said.
Rafsanjani blamed the “incorrect conduct” of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting for part of the problems.
“We should create an atmosphere where all sides can have their say,” although this is the duty of the IRIB, and all other media outlets also have a responsibility, he noted.
Unfortunately, the extra five days the Leader gave the Guardian Council to formulate a solution that would satisfy the candidates who disagreed with the official results was wasted, he added.
After the election, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei agreed to extend the deadline for investigating the validity of the election results by five days.
One segment of society has no doubts and is standing by the results of the election with determination, but a quite significant segment of society still has doubts, so officials should try to clear up their doubts, Rafsanjani said.
The EC chairman also said that he has discussed his proposals with some members of the Assembly of Experts and the Expediency Council and expressed hope that his proposals would be implemented.