Iraq's president in Iran, stability concerns
Iraq-Iran, Politics, 11/27/2006

Iraq's President Jalal Talabani arrived today in Iran and was welcomed by Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and Minister of Energy Parviz Fattah at Tehran International Mehrabad Airport.

The Iraqi president is expected to be welcomed by his Iranian counterpart, President Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, at the Presidential Office.

Talabani is being accompanied by an Iraqi delegation including ministers of foreign affairs, oil, education, industry and minerals, science and technology as well as two members of Iraq's National Assembly.

During his stay in Iran, Talabani is scheduled to confer with Iranian officials on bilateral relations, regional and international developments.

Talabani has earlier been to Iran after the downfall of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and the establishment of a new government in the country.

As head of the Iraqi transitional government, Talabani paid his second visit to Iran on November 21, 2005 at the head of a politico-economic delegation.

Iran and Iraq have expanded ties and cooperation in various fields in recent years.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on promoting political and economic ties and the reconstruction of Iraq during a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to Iran in September.

This trip is just ahead of a meeting between US President George W. Bush, with Iraq's prime minister Malaki, to be held in Jordan. The US-Iraqi meeting is seen to be coming at a critical time in Iraq's post US invasion period, in terms of the great instability and fighting the country is witnessing, and at a moment where US politics is raising many questions about the policy that should be pursued in Iraq in light of US Democratic gains in Congress.

Iran is seen as an important influential neighbor of Iraq, and Iraq has called on Iran to support stability in the country, which Iran stated as its goal as well. Iraqi national security advisor Mowafak al-Rubaie stated, as seen on CNN, that Iraqi religious factions and other parties had better get their acts together in terms of reconciliation, otherwise, the country is in danger of splitting apart.

In this light, Iran, with supposed very strong ties to shiite groups in Iraq, can be seen as an important player that the Iraqi president Talibani would want to have on the Iraqi government side, to help bring stability to Iraq.

Speaking yesterday, Iran's president Ahmadi-Nejad said that Iran uses all its potentials and power to promote peace and friendship in the international community. "Iranian nation is seeking peace and tranquility all over the world, particularly in th Middle East and the Persian Gulf." He called on foreign troops to leave the area, and blamed for much of the trouble in the region.

Addressing US officials, the chief executive said, "The Iranian nation is prepared to help you put an end to the present situation.

However, such an assistance will be rendered on the condition that you stop bullying and revise your approach." Ahmadi-Nejad noted, "In that case, Iran will be ready to help you out." Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mohammad Ali Hosseini said yesterday in reply to a question to comment on the rumors that the US intends to stage a coup in Iraq by preparing the grounds for release of Saddam Hussein's former deputy prime minister, Tareq Aziz, and continuous explosions in the country, He said, "Iran has repeatedly called for the US revise its approach, given failure of its policies in the region." "Unfortunately, based on the news available, it is evident that even if some changes are underway in the US policies situation in Iraq is getting deteriorated."

At a press conference today, both the Iraqi and Iranian presidents spoke. Ahmadi-Nejad said tonight, "Iranian nation and government would definitely remain by side of its brother, Iraq, and we will do anything that our government and people can do to boost security in Iraq." Speaking in a joint press conference with visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Ahmadi-Nejad said, "We believe a secure, advanced and powerful Iraq can secure the interests of the Iraqi nation, be beneficial for Iran, and the entire region." He added, "Quite naturally, we have to remain by the side of one another, and to share the sorrows and happy moments of each other." The president pointed out, "The situation imposed by the enemies against the Iraqi nation breaks the heart of any Iranian and any Muslim," adding, "based on the rules of brotherhood, we will remain by the side of the Iraqi nation at all scenes." Ahmadi-Nejad reiterated, "We will negotiate in the fields of energy, training, research, and technology, and as Mr. Talabani mentioned, we too, observe no limits in boosting comprehensive cooperation in all possible fields." President Jalal Talabani, too, said at the joint press conference held at Iran's Presidential Palace after the official reception ceremony, "Iraq is in dire need of Iran's comprehensive assistance to combat terrorism and establish security." The Iraqi president expressed satisfaction over visiting Iran, adding, "Our top priority is expansion of comprehensive ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we will hold talks here in that respect."

Previous Stories:
  Iraqi president to depart for Iran next week   (11/18/2006)
  Speaker: Iran favors independence and peace in Iraq   (11/13/2006)
  Saddam death sentence, not to end Iran complaint   (11/13/2006)

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