Iraq's developments crucial for Iran, Islamic world
Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/24/2006

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki today said ongoing developments in Iraq are among main factors shaping Iranian foreign policy as well as those of the region, the Islamic and Arab states and the international community.

Mottaki's said "Ongoing developments in Iraq and formation of the country's new political structure are very important .. Recent developments in Iraq are not only important and decisive for its people but also reflects the country's strategic position in the sensitive Middle East and the Persian Gulf regions and in the Islamic and Arab world, its role in history and its access to rich energy resources."

He said "Iraq's special position and its structural developments attract the attention of neighboring and regional states and the international community."
"The Iraqi people and their political and religious leaders have displayed their political maturity by holding two parliamentary elections and codifying and ratifying a new constitution. They took major strides to establish a modern and democratic Iraq."

He said efforts of foreigners to establish a laic and dependent government in Iraq have failed as shown in "the Iraqi people's choice of candidates from the wide spectrum of political groups and religious figures."

The minister said establishment of a new Iraqi government and inauguration of the National Assembly were the main challenges facing Iraq for the past four months ago, adding that "although the Iraqis are in the final stage of their country's political process they will still face important political and security challenges before they attain their goal of stability and better conditions."
Pointing to the obstacles being laid by the US and Britain and certain extremist Iraqi groups to thwart Iraqi independence as well as moves to delay completion of the country's political process, Mottaki said "such delay could seriously endanger the valuable achievements of the Iraqi nation in the political arena as well as in efforts to restore security and integrity to the country as well as achieve regional tranquility."

He expressed the hope new developments in Iraq would open the doors to establishment of a popular and efficient government and restoration of stability and security.

Noting that the continuing insurgency and violence in Iraq continues to be its main security challenge, he said that the wave of violence and unrest which have engulfed the country in the past three years began after its occupation by foreign forces.

Pointing to the bombing of the shrines of Shiite Imams Ali al-Naqi (AS) and Hassan al-Askariya (AS) in Samarra, the Iranian minister said these "terrorist acts caused a serious crisis between Shiites and Sunnis but was settled wisely through the efforts of Shiite and Sunni leaders."

Yesterday, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad expressed his felicitations to the Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on his re-election and formation of the new government in Iraq.

In a telephone conversation with Talabani, Ahmadinejad expressed hope that full stability and security would be restored to Iraq and the country would move towards development and reconstruction following establishment of the new government.

Pointing to deep religious, historical and cultural bonds between the Iranian and Iraqi nations, he said, "The two sides can further boost bilateral ties given their potentials and capabilities." Talabani, for his part, expressed his appreciation for support of the Iranian people and government for Iraq.
Iran and Iraq, as two big states in the region, can play a leading role in promoting stability and security through expansion of ties, he said.

Previous Stories:
  Kurdish claim of clashes with Iranian forces   (4/22/2006)
  New Iran ambassador to Iraq   (4/22/2006)
  Iranian cleric call on Sunnis and Shiites to set differences aside   (4/21/2006)

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