Supreme Leader commends al-Maliki services in Iraq

Tehran, Nov 10, IRNA – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei hailed the measures taken by the former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to maintain independence and stability in the country. The Supreme Leader made the remarks here on Monday when he received the Iraqi Vice President who used to serve as the country's prime minister. Ayatollah Khamenei praised the bravery, authority and management skills of al-Maliki during his term of premiership and hailed his measures to safeguard independence and stability in Iraq and maintain the process of development. He said what al-Maliki did for Iraq during the period of transition of power was a great achievement which prevented the country from falling into a state of instability and chaos. Ayatollah Khamenei said the history of Iraq will not forget al-Maliki services. He said the present policy of al-Maliki in trying to create proximity and unity among different Iraqi groups was a good one which should be continued. Al-Maliki expressed gratitude over his meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei and said Iran has always rendered the highest assistance to Iraqi nation and government in confronting terrorists and agents of foreign countries. Former Iraqi premier arrived in Tehran on Sunday for talks with high-ranking Iranian officials on issues of mutual interest, as well as regional development, including those in Iraq and the campaign against terrorism and extremism. Maliki served as Iraq's prime minister for two 4-year terms (2006-2014), but left his post in favor of Heydar al-Ebadi this summer to help the survival of peace and stability in his country./end