‘Iraq crisis created to thwart Iraqi people’s will’

TEHRAN,June 17(MNA) – The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said the current crisis in Iraq has arisen because of the interference of the Western and regional enemies of Iraq, which are trying to thwart the Iraqi people’s will. Ali Shamkhani made the remarks at a meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government [of Iraq] Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Tehran on Monday. “The proliferation of terrorism, and its devastating consequences, which is occurring through the overt and covert support of the self-proclaimed advocates of world peace and security and their regional sponsors, poses a troubling threat to humanitarian and moral ethics and values,” Shamkhani said. He went on to say that the Islamic Republic of Iran will make serious efforts to prevent the proliferation of terrorism. Shamkhani added that the Kurds, Sunni Arabs, and Shia Arabs of Iraq should join hands to maintain the national cohesion of the country and should make efforts to restore peace and security to the nation and repel the threat of terrorism in the region. Barzani briefed Shamkhani on the latest military, political, and security developments in Iraq and stated that the Kurdistan Regional Government will firmly deal with the takfiri terrorists operating in the country. He added that terrorist groups that commit inhumane acts and atrocities, such as killing innocent people, are the common enemies of all countries and religions and pose a grave threat to all of humanity.