Head of Iran's Council of Experts Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani has praised the high turn-out in Iran presidential election but criticized later events.

“People from across the country created a very positive and epic scene by showing up at the polls, but unfortunately the events that followed and the problems that were created for some turned bitter,” Hashemi-Rafsanjani said.

“I do not believe that any alert conscience could be content about the circumstances that have unfolded,” he added.

The senior official, who also leads the country's Expediency Council, was speaking during a meeting with some family members of those arrested in the aftermath of the elections.

Rafsanjani also pointed out that there was no power struggle among the country's high-ranking officials, stressing that such a notion could be seen as an “insult against the people”.

The head of the two influential government bodies said during the current situation it was best to consider the Islamic Republic's long-term interests.

“By respecting the rights of all citizens, we must try to maintain our unity and understanding and raise the trust in our system and its credibility among the people and prevent enemies from taking advantage,' said the senior cleric.

MJ/SC/DT