‘Iran will help Iraq tackle its problems’
Tehran Times Political Desk

TEHRAN – Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has said that Iran will spare no effort to help Iraq overcome its current problems.

Larijani made the remarks in a meeting late Saturday with the visiting leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, Ammar Hakim, the elder son of the late leader of Iraq’s largest Shiite party Abdel-Aziz Hakim.

He said Iranian government and people have always supported Iraq in hard times.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani said it is essential that different Iraqi political parties try to maintain their unity in order to prevent friction.

The speaker also highlighted the important role that marja’ taqlids (Shia clerics who are regarded as sources of emulation) currently play in Iraq.

He went on to say that despite efforts to damage relations between the two neighbors, the cultural and religious affinities have linked the two nations.

Ammar Hakim thanked the Iranian government and people for their support for peace and stability in Iraq.

He said Iran plays a crucial role in reconciliation process in Iraq.

The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council leader also said the two countries should make efforts to expand parliamentary ties in order to develop cooperation in other areas.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Saeed Jalili, in a separate meeting with Ammar Hakim on Sunday, said the presence of foreign forces in Iraq is a major threat to the country’s security situation.

Jalili added that the presence of occupying forces in Iraq is hindering the country’s progress.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he noted that Iran will support unity and the democratic process in Iraq.

Jalili also said Iraqis will never forget Abdel-Aziz Hakim and his efforts to reconstruct the country.

Hakim, for his part, expressed his gratitude to Iranians’ sympathy over the demise of Abdel-Aziz Hakim, saying that the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council will pursue the late leader’s objectives to strengthen unity and speed up political progress in the country.

Meanwhile, Iraqi police and hospital officials said at least 19 people were killed and 60 wounded in a series of bombings on Sunday in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi.

Ammar Hakim also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Sunday and discussed regional developments

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