‘Iran, Iraq can play effective roles in resolving regional issues’

TEHRAN,Sep.1(MNA) – Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said that Iran, which has assumed the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and Iraq, which holds the presidency of the Arab League, can play effective roles in resolving regional issues. The Leader made the remarks in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki who came to Iran to participate in the Non-Aligned Movement summit. Ayatollah Khamenei also said that NAM should become involved with the Syrian issue and take the initiative to help put an end to the current situation. “The truth about the Syrian (issue) is that a proxy war (has been waged) by certain governments, led by the United States and some other powers, against the Syrian government with the aim of serving the interests of the Zionist regime and dealing a blow to the resistance in the region,” he stated. The Iraqi prime minister also expressed deep concern over the current situation in Syria, interference by certain countries in its affairs, and the emergence of extremist groups in the Arab country and its effect on neighbors and called on NAM member states to take measures to help settle the crisis.