TEHRAN - Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, chairman of the Expediency Council, said on Tuesday that the opponents should make “proper criticism” instead of “immoral slander”.

The opponents can use “proper criticism” that helps improve the country’s situation, he said in a meeting with a group of disabled war veterans and artists.

He also pointed to the enemies of Islam’s plans to deepen division in the Islamic world, saying, “The ones who show no commitment to true Islam, incite others in the Islamic countries to take extremist actions under the pretext of defending Shia or Sunni.”

Commenting on immigration of the highly talented Iranians, Rafsanjani expressed hope that the educated people should stay and serve the country given the situation after the removal of sanctions.

The veteran politician said “vigilant” people have demands and the country’s status will be improved both domestically and internationally if the demands are met, he added.

Elsewhere, Rafsanjani said that people’s massive participation at the February elections indicates the fact that the people are “aware” and cannot be deceived by media propaganda.

The parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections were held simultaneously on February 26.

NA/PA