FM: Iran attaches importance to peaceful coexistence with Iraq
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Aug 1, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi here Sunday said that the conference on Iran-Iraq economic opportunities places special focus on peaceful coexistence. Speaking to reporters after donating blood at Sa`dabad Palace`s Hafezieh building, he referred to Iran`s continuous interest in bolstering ties with the neighboring Iraq and said that its performance is the best evidence to the effect. "We will not refrain from providing Iraqi people with any type of assistance until the transitional government takes full charge of the current affairs. "Iran will continue helping Iraq until it manages to hold parliamentary elections, gets replaced by a permanent government and promotes national security," he added. The minister expressed his desire for establishment of a democratic government in the neighboring country and hoped to witness a free, stable and developed Iraq. In response to a query about the recent remarks of Iraq`s defense minister concerning interference in Iraq`s internal affairs by Iran, he replied, "The remarks were rejected by Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. Given the political and legal consequences of such words, avoiding tension in bilateral relations will be in the interests of both sides." Kharrazi said that the nature of the move indicates that it has been motivated by those opposed to expansion of Iran-Iraq ties. He said that the Iraqi government had better appoint a spokesman to keep others informed of its real positions. The official hoped that Iraq will solve its problems to avoid making the situation more complicated. He also wished that Iraqi officials would not let foreign elements influence the country`s relations with its neighbors. 2326/1412
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