TEHRAN – Imam Hussein (AS) teaches all nations during history that strong resistance against tyranny would lead to freedom and humanity values, German Vice Chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, said.

Gabriel, who is also the chairman of Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), sent a message to Germany’s Islamic Community of Shia Communities in Germany (IGS) on the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), Ashura, which fell on October 24 this year.

In his message, he expressed condolence on the event of Ashura on behalf of SPD.

Gabriel linked the departure of Mecca by Imam Hussein (AS) to Iraq with recent migration of hundreds of war-torn people from the Middle East to find a safe place in European countries, especially Germany.

He appreciated IGS members for opening doors of their hearts and houses to refugees, saying that Germany should promote unity between migrants and citizens disregarding of their faith and nationality.

He asked IGS members to share their experiences with other citizens to match with refugees.

Gabriel headed a large German delegation to Tehran in July 2015 to discuss expansion of political and economic relations.

He has served as Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy and Vice Chancellor of Germany since 2013. He was Minister of the Environment from 2005 to 2009.

In September 2015, amid the European migrant crisis, Gabriel visited the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan to learn more about the plight of Syrians fleeing the violence in the ongoing Syrian civil war that erupted in 2011.

SB