A senior cleric says the Iraqi nation should unite against terrorist groups.
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Tehran, Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi said, "The Iraqi people, Shiite and Sunni, should get united against takfiri groups, especially the Islamic State (IS) terrorists, to secure victory," IRNA quoted him as saying on Wednesday.
A takfiri is a Muslim who accuses another Muslim of being an unbeliever.
"(Maintaining) unity among domestic political factions in this critical situation and using the former government's valuable experience are the best means to reinforce resistance against the arrogant powers, the Zionists, and the IS takfiri terrorists," Ayatollah Shahroudi said.
For his part, Abadi said, "At present, we are facing great challenges in Iraq emanating from internal and regional factors such as sectarianism."
"Efforts are being made to undermine the Iraqi people on the pretext of defending Islam and through sowing seeds of discord among Shiites and Sunnis."
The Iraqi prime minister said the IS threat is not just targeting Iraq, but it poses a "real threat to the Muslim world".
Capable of Combating Terrorism
In a separate meeting with the Iraqi official on Tuesday, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani said, "The achievements made through reinforcing the Iraqi volunteer and army forces indicate that they can overcome terrorism relying on their own internal potential and without any foreign assistance," the Fars news agency reported.
"Iran's principled policy is to help bring stability and security to Iraq and transfer experience to the armed forces in their battle against terrorism," Shamkhani added.
Referring to similarities between the two states in cultural, political, and economic areas, Shamkhani said continued cooperation between the two countries will serve their mutual interests and help promote the "unique" relations between Iran and Iraq.
"Relentless fight against takfiri terrorists and their supporters is of the highest priority on Iran-Iraq joint cooperation agenda."
The SNSC secretary said it is necessary to identify and eradicate the root causes of terrorism stemming from "the traditional structures of governance in some Arab states."
Shamkhani added that insistence on the wrong policies which have led to formation of new terrorist groups will prolong the crisis in the region.
"The erosion of human and economic potential in Islamic countries ensures the security of the Zionist regime," the senior official said.
Shamkhani added, "Unity and solidarity among different political factions, the government, people, and religious figures in Iraq is the major source of power and the main obstacle in the way of terrorist forces and their supporters."
Abadi said, "The Iraqi nation and government will never forget the effective cooperation and assistance of Iran in the fight against terrorism in the country."
He referred to his economic ministers accompanying him and said his country is keen to boost economic ties with Iran besides cooperation in the anti-terror campaign.
Strong Support
Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani also met with Abadi on Wednesday.
He said, "Iran stands by the Iraqi people and government in any condition and strongly supports them." IRNA reported.
He reiterated that Iran through assisting Iraq will never allow terrorist groups to undermine the security, independence, and the territorial integrity of Iraq. The Iraqi official, for his part, praised Iran's support for efforts meant to establish peace and stability in the Arab country, adding, "Iran has played a unique part in assisting Iraq in the critical situation during the past years."
Abadi also said Iran has always helped bolster national unity and promote peace in Iraq on the basis of its principled policies.
