Khamenei.ir

His Eminence described the Islamic Republic as a friend of the Iraqi people and added: "The future of Iraq has always been important to us, and the Islamic Republic will do everything in its power to help form a stable government in Iraq and to contribute to the security and stability of Iraq. And such measures will continue in the future as well."

Elsewhere in his speech, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the rich natural resources of Iraq and said that Iraq is not dependent on foreign aid, but the Islamic Republic is ready to share its experience with the Iraqi people in different fields.

His Eminence further added that there are some countries who are strongly opposed to the close ties between the Islamic Republic and Iraq and reiterated that due care has to be taken to oppose the enemies' temptations.

Ayatollah Khamenei further described the presence of British and American forces and their experts and security forces as harmful to Iraq and stated that the occupying forces should leave Iraq as soon as possible. He added that every day of delay in their exit will be harmful to the Iraqi nation.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the occupying forces are preparing the ground for a long-term stay in Iraq, and said that this is a great danger which the Iraqi officials should be vigilant against.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the foreigners are opposed to the progress of Iraq and are against the close ties between the Islamic Republic and Iraq.

Elsewhere in his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei said it is expected that the bilateral agreements between the two counties are seriously pursued by the Iraqi officials.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the bilateral agreement between Iran and Iraq to expel the members of the Munafeqeen grouplet from Iraq and said that the Islamic Republic expects that the agreement be fulfilled soon.

Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the Munafeqeen grouplet as a source of evil and corruption and referring to the EU's decision to remove the group from the EU's terror blacklist added: "The decision made by the EU proved that terrorism is a conventional issue from the western viewpoint and has nothing to do with the realities." He said that despite the decision made by the EU, European officials refuse to admit the members of the group into their countries.

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also referred to the Iranian prisoners held in Iraq as another issue that has to be settled by the two countries and said: "Many of the Iranian prisoners held captive in Iraq have not even committed an offense, and despite the decision made by the Iraqi government to free these prisoners, they are still held in prison. And this is an issue which has to be settled soon."

In this meeting which was also attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mr. Talabani extended his gratitude to the Iranian nation and government for supporting the Iraqi people and described the negotiations held in Tehran as fruitful. He said: "The relations between Iran and Iraq are strong and the negotiations held in Tehran were aimed at developing the relations between the two countries."

Mr. Talabani said that the development of the ties between the two countries will bring about peace and stability in the region and added that despite the concerns about the expansion of ties between the two countries, we consider the strengthening of our relations with the Islamic Republic as useful for our country and the region as well.

The Iraqi President also referred to the Iraqi government's decision to expel the members of the Munafeqeen grouplet from Iraq and said they are a group who have committed numerous crimes against the Iraqi people as well. He said that the Iraqi government is determined to fulfill the decision soon.