Visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and his accompanying delegation met the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Tuesday, June 26.
Speaking at the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Leader stated that the most serious problem that is presently besetting Iraq is the presence of the occupiers and the lack of security in that country.
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran earnestly supports the present Iraqi government, including the Iraqi president and prime minister and administration and parliament that have been elected by the Iraqi people. He also described the presence of the Iraqi people on the political scene and their election of their government officials as unprecedented in the history of Iraq.
"Those who are opposed to Iraq's present condition are in fact opposed to the wishes and interests of the Iraqi people, and they are headed by the United States and Britain. Unfortunately, certain regional governments are also acting against the interests of the Iraqi people," the Leader noted.
Ayatollah Khamenei also told the Iraqi president that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for all kinds of cooperation with the Iraqi government and nation in restoring security in that country. He stated that the American officials are opposed to the expansion of relations between Iran and Iraq and are attempting to mar these relations, but he added that the two countries are expected to stand against these attempts.
Further in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Republic described as essential the increased unity and solidarity of the Iraqi people, especially the political and cultural elites of that country. He stated that the espionage services of the United States and the Zionist regime and some of their satellite states are the ones that are mainly behind the insecurity and tragic incidents currently taking place in Iraq.
Referring to the U.S. move to arm some terrorist groups in Iraq, Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "This move will prove harmful to the United States itself, since a few years ago also they armed certain groups in Afghanistan, but later they suffered the negative consequences of their action."
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader of the Islamic Republic touched on the U.S. policy of fomenting discord and conflict in the region, especially in Palestine.
"The present situation in Palestine and setting Palestinian brethren against each other and the pressure that is being exerted on the government elected by Palestinians are causing feelings of great sadness," the Leader observed.
Ayatollah Khamenei further stated, "Under the circumstances, the regional nations and countries have no alternative but to strengthen themselves and consolidate their unity and solidarity and help each other and stand up to the bullying powers."
The Leader of the Islamic Republic emphasized that the regional nations, by assisting each other, will definitely be able to withstand the bullying powers.
"With firmness of purpose and determination, nations will be able to do anything that they decide to do; for instance, they will be able to bring the United States to its knees," the Leader stated.
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, also speaking at the meeting, expressed his appreciation for the constant support extended by the Iranian nation and government to the Iraqi nation.
"The government of Iraq regards the expansion of its relations with Iran as a necessity, and it is determined to take measures with this end in view despite the wishes of the enemies and, in doing so, it would not submit to any external pressure," the Iraqi president told the Leader.
President Talabani further hinted at the problem of insecurity in Iraq and referred to the fact that the Iraqi police are not armed.
"Under the present conditions, only one out of every five Iraqi policemen is armed, and the Iraqi government is trying to arm its policemen through various means and counter the existing insecurity in that country," the Iraqi president pointed out.