Khamenei hails Aziz’s battle against Saddam

The Iraqi politician,who was one of the principal leaders in exile of the opposition to Saddam’s regime which mounted a devastating 1980-88 war against Iran,died of lung cancer after a 28-month battle.

“He symbolised the hardship involved in jihad in fighting tyranny,” said Khamenei as hundreds of Iranians gathered at the Iraqi embassy to mourn the death of Hakim.

“The efforts and endeavour of this hardworking cleric are unique and unforgettable both in Iraq and Iran.

“I pay my condolences to the Iraqi government,Hakim’s family and especially Ammar Hakim,” he said,referring to Hakim’s son,who has said he is prepared to take on his father’s mantle.

Leading Iranian officials such as parliament speaker Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki were also present at the mourning ceremony.

Hakim’s body was expected to be taken from the Iraqi embassy to Iran’s Shiite clerical capital of Qom before being flown to Iraq later today for burial in city of Najaf.