Iran affirms that the presence of foreign forces in the region is the main cause of instability
TEHRAN, (ST)_ Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani has declared that the presence of foreign forces, mainly the US forces, in the region is the main cause of instability and the ongoing crisis.
His remarks came during his meeting on Wednesday with the Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussien in Tehran.
Shamkhani said that the quick implementation of the Iraqi parliament’s decision about ending the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil will pave the way for ending their presence in all the region.
He asserted the importance of pursuing the assassination of anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes.
In this context, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif appreciated the efforts of the Iraqi government and nation for pursuing the assassination of anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, saying ending the US presence in the region will be the best reaction to this terrorist act.
Zarif made the remarks in a meeting with his visiting Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein.
Both sides discussed the latest bilateral, regional and international developments.
Zarif hoped that punishment would fall on the perpetrators of the assassination of Iranian and Iraqi commanders.
He expressed happiness at holding the joint economic commission meeting and hoped for implementing agreements reached between Iranian and Iraqi presidents on bilateral, transportation, industrial towns, border markets, pilgrims and businessmen.
Fuad Hussein, for his part, referred to the exchange of delegations as determination to develop relations. He also emphasized the Iraqi Prime Minister’s special attention to promote relations between Iran and Iraq.
In addition to the meeting with Zarif, Hussein is also scheduled to meet with some other top-ranking Iranian officials.
The visit to Tehran by the Iraqi foreign minister takes place a day after the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, ended her two-day visit to Tehran, according to IRNA.
Basma Qaddour