Supreme Leader calls for NAM to influence regional developments

Tehran, Aug 31, IRNA – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stressed the need for using Non-Aligned Movement capacities to influence regional developments. The Supreme Leader made the remarks in a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his accompanying delegation on Friday morning. Al-Maliki is here to take part in the 16th Non-Aligned Movement Summit of Leaders. During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to regional issues including situation in Syria and Bahrain. He said that Iran as the head of the Non-Aligned Movement and Iraq as the Arab League chief could use the capacities of the two organizations to play an influential role in regional developments. Ayatollah Khamenei said the NAM should take the initiative about Syria by focusing on political means to end the current situation. Referring to the evil propaganda by enemies to insinuate war between Shia and Sunni Muslims, the Supreme Leader said the reality of situation in Syria is a proxy war inflamed and led by certain countries -- the US to guarantee the interests of the Zionist regime and inflicting blows to the resistance movement in the region. He said in such circumstances, it is the Syrian nation which has fallen victim to the situation. Turning to Iraq, the Supreme Leader said Iran sees progress and power of Iraq as good for Tehran and believes ties between the two countries could be regarded as a role model in the region. The Supreme Leader said that he was pleased with cooperation and unity among Iraqi groups. ""All regional countries as well as Iraqi groups should be aware of the fact that the US should not to be trusted because it will forget all its promises and betray others whenever it deems it necessary. ""The only government the US is a good ally and faithful friend to is faked and usurper Zionist regime."" Briefing the Iranian Leader on situation in Iraq, al-Maliki said Iraq has managed to overcome problems and is moving towards progress and development. He said Iraq needs Iran’s help in this matter. Expressing deep concern over situation in Syria and the intervention of alien forces there especially al-Qaeda and other extremist forces, he believed the NAM has to take the initiative about Syria.