Deputy FM: Iran to Continue Support for Iraq against Terrorist Groups

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian welcomed appointment of Haider al-Abadi as Iraq’s new prime minister, and underlined Tehran’s continued support for Baghdad’s battle against terrorist groups.
“Iran continues support for Iraq in confronting terrorism and the Takfiri current, to help the country achieve sustainable security, prosperity and development,” Amir Abdollahian said on Wednesday.

He also welcomed the appointment of Iraq’s deputy parliament speaker, Haider al-Abadi, as the country’s new prime minister, expressing hope that he would propose his cabinet to the Iraqi parliament as soon as possible.

Referring to the United States’ recent militarily intervention in Iraq, the Iranian official further noted that the limited strikes against the ISIL terrorists’ positions in Northern Iraq show that “the White House has a selective and propagandist approach” in the fight against terrorism.

His remarks came after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday hailed appointment of Iraq’s new prime minister, saying that enemies’ plot to push Iraq into further chaos through political disputes over premiership will be foiled once the new cabinet starts work.

“God willing, the deadlock will end with the appointment of Iraq’s new prime minister and the government will be formed to start its work and give a good lesson to those who did and do intend to stir chaos and sedition in Iraq,” the Iranian Supreme Leader said addressing a meeting here in Tehran on Wednesday with Iran’s diplomatic corps abroad who have convened in the Iranian capital since Sunday to discuss agenda for their mission in the next year.

Iraq’s President Fuad Masum on Tuesday asked Abadi to form a new government.

Abadi has been nominated as prime minister, while some Shiite parties had named incumbent Nouri Maliki as their choice for premiership. According to Iraq’s constitution, the majority fraction at the parliament should name the prime minister. Also according to the constitution, the country’s prime minister should be a Shiite, while the president should be a Kurd, and the parliament speaker should be chosen from the Sunni population.

Maliki has made it clear he wants to stand for a third term, and earlier said he intends to take the president to court.

Iran has recognized Al-Abadi as Iraq’s new premier. Several high-ranking Iranian officials have congratulated him and the Iraqi nation on the appointment.