Larijani: Iran supports Iraqi territorial integrity

Tehran, January 19, IRNA – Some countries are after disintegration of Iraq into several small states, but, Iran supports the Iraqi territorial integrity as a strategy, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said Monday. Larijani: Iran supports Iraqi territorial integrity 'Preserving the solidarity of Iraq and its territorial integrity as a major Islamic country in the Muslim World is a strategic policy for the Islamic Republic of Iran,' said Larijani in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Interior Minister Muhammed Salem al-Ghabban. Pointing to the problems created by the terrorist ISIS group in Iraq, the Iranian Parliament speaker said that preserving and strengthening the Iraqi national unity and establishment of popular militia force side by side with the Iraqi Army is the only way to uproot terrorism. 'The successful military operations of the Iraqi Army, supported by the Iraqi religious leader have managed to create a strong obstacle in the way of terrorism in your country,' added Larijani. The Iraqi interior minister appreciated Iran's incessant support to the Iraqi government and nation during the tough years. 'The Iraqi government and nation will never forget the material and spiritual contributions of the Iranian government and nation and the continuation of the contributions is so vital for our country,' said Minister al-Ghabban. The Iraqi interior minister said he was agreed with Larijani on the point that the secret of victory of the Iraqi nation in their campaign against terrorism and extremism was their national unity, regardless of religion, tribe, or school of thought. 'Restoration of peace and stability in Iraq will definitely lead to boosting the regional peace and security,' he added, referring to the created insecurity in Iraq quite unexpectedly. Meanwhile, the Iraqi interior minister said that the so-called international coalition against Daesh was both ineffective and incompetent.