Imam Khamenei to al-Abadi: West try to destroy Iraq’s political and national unity; Iran will continue supporting Iraq

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the West seeks to undermine the unity of Iraq.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday.

The Western intelligence agencies aim to destroy the pillars of Iraq’s political and national unity, Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out, adding, “One should vigilantly and carefully stand against this plot and divisive attempt and not allow the unity among the Shia and Sunni and Kurd and Arab to be damaged,” the Leader added.

The Leader highlighted Iraq's battle against terrorists in the country, saying the Iraqi nation's and government's resistance will also provide security for the regional countries.

Ayatollah Khamenei said, “One of the main characteristics of the Iraqi people, which was manifested more than ever before in the fight against terrorists, is the bravery, resolve and power of the popular volunteer and tribal forces in confronting the enemies.”

The Leader hailed the contribution of the popular volunteer forces to the campaign against terrorists in Iraq, stressing that the units can also play “an effective and influential role” in the progress and future of the country beyond the battlefields.

Ayatollah Khamenei further said that the ill-wishers of the Iraqi nation are against the “emergence of a massive popular force” in the country and urged the Iraqi people and officials to exercise vigilance about the divisive plots of foreigners.

“The Americans on the one hand are seeking to plunder Iraq’s wealth as they do in some other Arab countries in the region and on the other hand impose their demands [on Iraq] as before. However, one should not allow this objective to be realized,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.  

The Leader said Iran will continue to support the Iraqi government and people and back unity among Iraqi revolutionary groups and fighters.

The Iraqi prime minister, for his part, pointed to his ongoing visit to Tehran as the second one in less than one year since he took office, and said, "My main goal in this visit is broadening the all-out ties between Baghdad and Tehran."

Al-Abadi said that Iran and Iraq should form a united front for fighting terrorism.

The premier later met with President Rouhani, where the two top officials exchanged views over regional developments, specially the war on ISIL and explored avenues for growing cooperation between the two Muslim neighboring states.




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