The Office of the Supreme Leader

Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei:

Occupiers, main problem facing Iraq

Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei in a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and his accompanying delegation termed the presence of the occupying forces as the main hurdle facing Iraq.

"I'm sure the Iraqi nation will pass the current tight situation and reach its proper position through unity. America's dreams would certainly fail," Ayatollah Khamenei added.

The IR Leader underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers it a religious duty to help the Iraqi nation and government.

Ayatollah Khamenei expressed hope that the Iraqi PM's visit to Tehran and agreements to be reached in the visit would consolidate the bond of friendship between Iran and Iraq.

Pointing to Nuri al-Maliki's remarks that unity was growing among the country's different sects, Ayatollah Khamenei said, "Reaching a united move is a big success. The success however has enemies who are the enemies of the Iraqi government and nation."

Ayatollah Khamenei termed the presence of the occupiers specially the American forces in Iraq and their interference in any Iraqi affair as the main obstacle to unity in the country.

"Occupiers who are interfering in the Iraqi affairs with their military and security power without any mandate are the biggest problem of the country," IR Leader added.

Ayatollah Khamenei likened the ongoing US divisive efforts in Iraq to those of Britain once the country gained independence with the difference that the Americans were blocking the unity of Iraqis more brazenly.

The IR Leader urged all influential Iraqi bodies to find a way to get the country out of the problem, adding that the Iraqi bodies which had come to power with true vote of the nation should determine their own fate.

''A foreign agent which wants to dominate the Iraqi affairs is the most important obstacle against the progress and prosperity of the Iraqi nation," he added.

The Iraqi Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that he had the opportunity to meet the Ayatollah Khamenei once again.

Maliki thanked IRI's support to the Iraqi nation and said, "Iraq seeks to have best of relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Al-Maliki offered a report over the recent situation of the country and the Iraqi government's efforts to overcome the problems specially insecurity.

"Some problems including the daily bloodshed have reduced but some other problems have remained which the Iraqi government and the parliament are determined to resolve and return glory and independence to the Iraqi people."

Maliki noted that the Iraqi officials from different sects had reached common understanding to move in the path of prosperity and progress of Iraq.

Meanwhile, IRI's First Vice President Parviz Davoudi was also present in the meeting.
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