Sayyid Ali Akbar Mohtashamipur, the former Iranian ambassador to Syria in an interview with the weekly Aseman magazine has recalled his memories during his mission to this Middle-Eastern country.
He told the magazine: "The women wearing veil became subject to attacks on streets across Syria during those years. These events were very shocking for me."
In continue he added: "After sometimes, a bomb blast went off and a student on his way from school to home was killed in the explosion."
Mohtashamipour said: "The finger of blame was pointed at the Syria’s Ikhwan al-Muslemin (the Muslim Brotherhood) group."
He added: "Following this deadly incident, clashes erupted and a vast massacre took place in Hama city in 1982. These clashes and killings triggered huge hue and cry, and even exaggerated figures claim that some thousand people were killed in the skirmishes."
"I sent a report to the ministry of foreign affairs regarding the deadly incidents. I also sent a copy of that report to the great Imam as well. I wanted to make sure that Imam is kept informed and updated about these events. It was my constant concern to always send a report of incidents of such significance to the Imam." said the former Iranian ambassador to Syria.
He continued: "I was recalled to Iran and a meeting of mine was arranged with the Imam. The great Imam sent a message through me to then Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad, emphasizing that such type of actions can damage your reputation and the world of Islam. Imam had also demanded him to give up his opposition to the rituals and signs of Islam."
The weekly magazine has asked Mohtashamipur whether it was a direct message from Imam to Hafiz al-Assad. The former ambassador said: “Yes, I was assigned from Imam to convey this message."
The former ambassador also noted that another example of Imam’s direct message to Hafiz al-Assad was about disappearance of Imam Mousa al-Sadar. Imam had asked Hafiz al-Assad to bring authentic news about his fate and that he must be found.
"In another message Imam warned Hafiz al-Assad against any killing of Sunni Muslims", the former ambassador concluded.