Deputy FM: Iran Sides with Iraq against Terrorism

“Iraqi people are opposed to the disintegration of the country and in this regard, Iran strongly supports Iraqi government and nation in the battle against terrorism and maintaining national unity and territorial integrity,” Amir Abdollahian stated in a meeting with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Anwar Mohammed Gargash on Monday.

He said the recent acts of terrorism in Iraq indicate that “foreign elements are behind the terrorist attacks,” warning that if countries remain silent on the issue, it may turn to an “international procedure”.

The visiting Iranian diplomat also touched upon Tehran’s policy on Iraq, saying that there is a necessity to preserve the country’s territorial integrity, respect national sovereignty and comply with the Constitution as well as the results of recent elections.

“Postponing the fight against terrorism under the pretext of forming a government is a mistake and will play into the hands of the warmongers,” he said, adding that fighting terrorism should be in parallel with efforts to establish a government based on the results of the parliamentary elections.

UAE minister, for his part, said that expansion of extremism and violence will be detrimental to all countries in the region.

He added that regional diplomacy is most important way to counter terrorist threats.