Leader Meets with Iraqi Prime Minister

Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met today with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the conditions of the region, particularly the conditions of Syria and Bahrain, and stressed: "The Islamic Republic of Iran as the head of the Non-Aligned Movement and Iraq as the head of the Arab League can make use of the capacities of these organizations to play a significant and appropriate role in regional issues."

His Eminence added: "By becoming politically involved in the issue of Syria, the Non-Aligned Movement should take the initiative and put an end to current conditions."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the enemies are trying to say in their propaganda that the issue of Syria is a war between Shia and Sunni Muslims. He reiterated: "The truth behind the issues of Syria is that a proxy war has been waged on the Syrian government by certain governments, led by America and other powers, with the aim of securing the interests of the Zionist regime and harming the resistance front in the region."

Ayatollah Khamenei added: "It is the people of Syria who have been sacrificed as a result of this plot and it is necessary to put an end to this situation as soon as possible."

His Eminence also referred to the issues of Iraq and stressed: "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that Iraq's progress and power will benefit Iran and that the relations between the two countries can become a role model in the region."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation and unity exist between Iraqi groups and added: "The regional countries and all Iraqi groups and currents should know that the Americans are not reliable partners and that they will definitely break their promises and betray their partners whenever they feel the need to do so."

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the only government which can rely on America as its partner is the bogus and usurper Zionist regime.

In the meeting, the Iraqi Prime Minister explained domestic conditions of Iraq and said: "By Allah's favor, Iraq has managed to resolve many of its problems and is starting to follow the path of reconstruction and progress. On this path, Iraq needs the experiences of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Nouri Maliki said that he is extremely concerned about the situation of Syria, interference of foreigners, recruiting of new members by al-Qaida and other extremist groups, and the consequences that this will have for Syria's neighbors. He added: "The Non-Aligned Movement should take the initiative in resolving the issue of Syria."