Iran's Rouhani accuses West of exploiting Sunni-Shi'ite rift, raps Israel

ANKARA | BY PARISA HAFEZI

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani accused Western powers of trying to exploit differences between the world's Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims to divert attention from the Israel-Palestinian conflict, state television reported on Friday.

Rouhani's comments came as tens of thousands of Iranians joined anti-Israel rallies across the country to express support for the Palestinians. They chanted "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" and burned the Israeli flag.

"The global arrogance (the United States and its allies) wants to create discord among Muslims ... Unity is the only way to restore stability in the region," Rouhani said.

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--http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-israel-rally-idUSKCN0ZH49W