Fueling sectarian strife bane of stability in world of Islam

Ali Larijani received on Wednesday evening Iraqi First Deputy-Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Dr. Humam Hamoudi where he voiced Iran’s unwavering support for Iraqi government and nation in fight against terrorism, just as it did in the past. “Iran will stand with Iraqis, and terrorism and instability in our western neighbor poses threats and instability of this side of the border; the Islamic Republic of Iran has respected Iraqi territorial integrity and national sovereignty and will call others to remain observing the country’s will to rule itself; we believe sectarian strife is the bane of stability in the Islamic world at large and Iraq in particular, to which Iraqi parties and different tribal confederations should respond through confidence-building measures and consolidating unity,” he told the meeting.

Larijani also believed that bilateral trade with Iraq should not be ceased to exist despite the violence and turbulent situation in Iraq; “the 1975 agreement allows and mandates dredging of the border river and reviving shipping in the river for the interest of both sides,” he said.

Hamoudi for his part expressed gratitude for Iran’s contribution to Iraqi situation through humanitarian or military advisory board; “today, terrorism is a great challenge for Iraqis; the spiritual support provided by Iran has considerably contributed to spirit of the fight among Iraqi Army and popular mobilization forces where different ethnic groups participate in fight against ISIL,” he added. “Extremism is not only threat to Iraq, but also it is so for the whole region and Islamic world and a regional resolve should address and tackle terrorism.”