Iran role for Iraq's security positive: official

Focussing on Iraqi President's remarks on Iraq's neighbors, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman said today that Iran has always played a positive role in establishment of security and stability in Iraq.

Mohammad-Ali Hosseini made the comment in response to a reporter's question at a press conference, adding, "We successfully hosted the Conference of Iraq's neighbors in Tehran, for instance, and backed up the political process of government making by the Iraqi nation." He added, "Also from the beginning of the occupation of Iraq to the present day we have kept contacts with all Iraqi parties and groups with full respect for all, and voiced strong support for Iraq's solidarity and territorial integrity." Hosseini said, "We have also voiced support for the current permanent government of Iraq, and improved the level of our political relations with Iraq, that are all manifestations of Ira's transparent policy towards Iraq." He referred to the role played by the occupying forces in emergence of an insecure atmosphere for Iraq's neighbors, reiterating, "The Americans have been after securing their illegitimate objectives, none of which have been in line with the Iraqi nation's interests, or the improvement of Iraq's friendly relations with its neighbors." He suggested that Iraqi officials refrain from making comments that would not serve the interests of the Iraqi nation, or those of Iran and the other neighbors of Iraq.

Stressing on Iraqi officials' often repeated stand, Hosseini said, "They have always stressed they would not let Iraq be a safe haven for the enemies of that country's neighbors." He said, "That is a very strategic stand, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, too, hopes to establish an ever improving relation with Iraq, that would serve both nations' interests, relying on joint stands, beliefs, and faith."