President advises Iraqi gov't to bolster national unity

EghtesadOnline: President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday advised the Iraqi government to go ahead with national reconciliation in parallel with the military efforts to safeguard territorial integrity.

News ID: ۷۷۲۳۰۴

14 December 2016

He made the remarks in a meeting with Chairman of Iraqi Shia National Coalition Ammar Hakim and accompanying delegation

President Rouhani said that unfortunately, statements and behavior of certain powers indicated they are still trying to sow discord among Iraqi people, according to IRNA.

President Rouhani said that political and military success of Iraqi forces, people and government to thwart foreign conspiracies and terrorism have been significant, adding that Iranian government and nation stand by the Iraqi and Syrian nations in campaign aganist terrorism.

Given the enemy's efforts to create dispute between ethnics and nations of the region, Rouhani said that those who oppose unity and territorial integrity in Iraq sow discord in Iraq.

In such atmosphere, formation of Iraqi Shia National Coalition has been effective to strengthen national solidarity is very valuable move, Rouhani added.

He said that political efforts of the national coalition, operation of Iraq armed forces and al-Hashd al-Sha'bi (popular voluteer forces) and fight against terrorism under guidelines of the grand religious leader of Iraq will make future promising.

President Rouhani called for strengthening Tehran-Baghdad relations in all fields of politics, economy and culture and removal of some existing obstacles on the route.

He said that Baghdad government served as successful host of Arbaeen procession indicating common ground the two nations have to promote role of Islam.

Ammar Hakim briefed President Rouhani on the current situation in Iraq and the process to form national coalition and its proposed plan to strengthen national unity in Iraq.

Chairman of Iraqi Shia National Coalition thanked Iranian government and nation for the support they render for Iraqi people.

Hakim said that considering interests of the two nations, Iraq wants relations with Iran to be a model for the region.