Unity can stop spread of extremism in Iraq: Larijani

Iran’s Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani says unity among political groups in Iraq can halt the spread of extremism and violence in the Arab country.

“National unity and solidarity among Iraqi political groups can prevent the spread of violence and extremist groups in Iraq,” Larijani said in a meeting with Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Abdul Hussein Abtan in Tehran on Wednesday.

The top Iranian parliamentarian also expressed hope that the establishment of a new government in Iraq would accelerate the process of establishing security and combating terrorist groups in the Arab country.

“Successful management by Iraqi politicians and the formation of the new government in Iraq can reduce the problems of Iraqi people,” he added.

Larijani further reiterated the Islamic Republic’s support for any approach that seeks to restore security and stability to Iraq.

On August 11, Iraqi President Fuad Masoum appointed the country’s then deputy parliament speaker, Haider al-Abadi, as the country’s new prime minister, and tasked him with forming the new government. In early September, the Iraqi parliament officially named Abadi as the country’s new premier and approved most of his proposed cabinet ministers.

Elsewhere in the meeting, the Iraqi minister appreciated Iranian government and nation’s backing for the Iraqi people, saying the Islamic Republic has always been a supporter of peace and the fight against terrorism in Iraq.

He also stressed the willingness of all the political groups in Iraq and its new government to expand ties between the two neighboring countries in the political, economic and cultural fields.

Iraq has faced brutal violence by the ISIL Takfiri terrorist group across the country’s north and west since early June. The ISIL terrorists have threatened all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Izadi Kurds, during their advances in Iraq.

They have been committing heinous crimes in the areas they have taken, including the mass execution of civilians as well as Iraqi army troops and officers.