Shamkhani: Certain countries not willing to solve Daesh problem

Ali Shamkhani made the remarks in a meeting on Tuesday with visiting Deputy Secretary General of Patriotic Union of Iraqi Kurdistan Barham Salih.

In the meeting, Shamkhani stressed importance of unity and coherence among different ethnic groups within the framework of the united Iraq.

He further described such a unity as an important priority over other issues to defeat the terrorist groups and cross the current security crisis in that country.

Iraq's strategic interests and its regional power will be restored only through strengthening unity in that country, Shamkhani stressed.

On bilateral ties, Shamkhani said Iran and Iraqi Kurd groups have had good long-lasting relations.

'Unfortunately, the Sunni civilians have been hurt by Daesh presence more than other groups,' Shamkhani said, adding it is an indication that being far from Iraq will lead to instability, damage and hurt. 

Annihilation of terrorist group of Daesh in Iraq will be an effective move towards strengthening solidarity and national identity in that country, so certain foreign sides and regional countries are not interested in seeing the united Iraq and want to keep Daesh ideology there, Shamkhani said.

For his part, Salih described Iran as Kurdistan's strategic ally. 

He further appreciated Iran's constant support for fight against terrorism. 

Iraqi Kurdistan attaches great importance to its ties with Iran, Salih stressed.

On regional developments, he said the roots of massacre, instability and disgust will be dried out after ceaseless combat against terrorism.