Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Monday that the presence of U.S.-led forces in Iraq is the country's fundamental problem.
"The most fundamental problem of Iraq is the presence of foreign forces in that country," state television quoted Khamenei as saying in his meeting with Maliki in Tehran.
The Iranian supreme leader said he was sure that the Iraqi people will overcome the difficult circumstances and reach the status they deserve, according to the report.
"Helping the Iraqi nation and the government is our religious duty," Khamenei added, noting that American dreams in Iraq will never come true.
His remarks came as the United States is pressuring Baghdad to sign an agreement that would allow U.S. soldiers in the country to stay after Dec. 31, when their UN mandate expires.
Iraqi critics of the agreement said it means Iraq will be a client state in which the United States will keep more than 50 military bases and American soldiers will enjoy legal immunity.
Iran, which fiercely opposes the agreement expected to be signed by midsummer, has always called for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
Moreover, Khamenei expressed satisfaction over Iraq's cultural diversity, saying it is a great success that there is a movement among different religious cults and ethnic groups towards national unity in spite of U.S. will.
He also voiced hope that al-Maliki's visit to Tehran will further strengthen the unbreakable ties between the two countries.
The Iraqi prime minister, for his part, thanked Iran's unconditional helps to the Iraqi people and wished Baghdad will enjoy the best relationship with Tehran.
Citing a report on the efforts done to overcome domestic problems, especially those in security, al-Maliki said there has been a considerable decrease in the number of daily massacres in Iraq, and the government and parliament will continue to solve the remaining problems.
Officials from different religious and ethnic groups in Iraq have come to an understanding in restoring glory and independence to the Iraqis, he added.
Al-Maliki arrived in Tehran on Saturday evening for a three-day visit, the third one since he took office two years ago.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article