President Says Iraqi Nation Capable Of Defending Itself

Tehran, June 14, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that Iraqi nation is capable of defending itself. The President made the remarks in a televised press conference participated with over 200 domestic and foreign reporters and photographers. If Baghdad asks for help, Tehran will support its neighbor based on the international rules and regulations, he added. However, he said, there has been no request for assistance by Iraq. Asked by BBC correspondent about Tehranˈs stance on the terrorist Daesh group (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), he noted that terrorists are angry with the democratic approach in Syria and Iraq. Iran is deeply concerned over the spread of terrorism in the world and this is the reason why Tehran proposed the World Against Violence and Extremism (WAVE) at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, President Rouhani added. Regretting that the terrorist groups are backed by certain states, he said they should know that terrorists, one day, will turn their gun towards them. Tehran will defend its borders against any types of assaults, but no Iranian force is involved in Iraqˈs war against terrorism, the President said. Asked about the subsidies cut program in Iran, he noted that the plan can help the government increase public services in various fields and improve manufacturing sector. President Rouhani underlined that the government has prepared the blueprint of civil rights charter and would continue its effort to finalize it. He reiterated that his administration includes all moderate individuals from different parties./end