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Iraq-Iran presidents emphasize expansion of ties

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Nov 21, IRNA
Iraq-Iran-Presidents
Visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and President Mahmood Ahmadinejad emphasized the two countries' intention to deepen and expand strategic mutual ties.

In a press conference after their meeting here on Monday, the two presidents said, " both nations seriously intend to develop relations in all fields."
President Talabani said, "In Tehran, I am following the historical and strong ties between the two countries."
Responding to a question concerning terrorism, Talabani said an independent Iraq is beneficial to both nations and I am confidant that Iranians will help Iraq in this concern .

He added,"Terrorism acts blindly against Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds and I am sure that Iranians will help us to uproot it."
Iraqi president said he appreciates Iranian government and nation for their help to fight against Saddam dictatorial regime adding he is in Tehran to deepen and expand strategic mutual ties.

He also said, "I have come to Tehran to thank Islamic Republic of Iran, Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution, the president and other Iranian officials and our brothers in Revolutionary Corps, who presented valuable help to Iraq".

Concerning probable coalition between Kurds and Shia's in the next parliamentary election in Iraq, Talabani just said, "Relations between Kurds and Shia's are strong and they have continued since the time of struggle against Saddam's dictatorial regime and are very strong right now".

In the press conference, President Ahmadinejad said many commonalities have connected the two nations.

He went on to say the freedom of Iraqi nation, the political trend in that country, establishment of national sovereignty in Iraq are the victory of Iraqi nation and Islamic Republic of Iran fully supports such an orientation in Iraq.

In response to a question by a reporter about " claims of Iran's interference in Iraq", Ahmadinejad said, Iran-Iraq ties are very old and many of Iraqis have been born in Iran and Iranians in Iraq.

He explained these words come from those people who have brought hundreds of thousands of troops to Iraq and are imposing their views on Iraqi nation.

The Iranian president continued Iran will support completely a developed and independent Iraq with a territorial integrity.

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