Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, received the visiting Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, on Wednesday, November 24.
Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, received the visiting Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, on Wednesday, November 24.
Speaking at the meeting, the Leader referred to the cordial ties between the Islamic Republic and Sri Lanka and noted that there is ample ground for expansion of bilateral relations in different areas. He stressed that cooperation between the two countries should be promoted and efforts should be made to fulfill the existing potential for more extensive cooperation.
Ayatollah Khamenei also hinted at the fact that the two countries usually adopt similar approaches to international issues such as the issue of Palestine or the issue of Iraq. He made it clear that the Islamic Republic is opposed to the use of force as a solution to such issues. He also expressed his deep concern over the unfortunate situation in Palestine and Iraq and the carnage of Palestinian and Iraqi people.
As regards U.S. presence in the region, the Leader stated that this presence is part of a complicated plot that the United States has hatched for the region. "However, even at this stage of carrying out its plot, the U.S. has committed mistakes and has got into trouble, so that staying in Iraq or leaving that country are both detrimental to the United States," he noted.
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the massacre of innocent people in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which the United States has perpetrated on the pretext of fighting terrorism, and similar violent and criminal acts would only increase the resistance of Iraqi people against U.S. troops.
Mrs. Kumaratunga, for her part, expressed pleasure over her trip to the Islamic Republic and referred to the ancient ties between the two countries. She also briefed the Leader of the Islamic Republic on her talks with the Iranian officials.
Sri Lankan president further touched on the peaceful coexistence of the followers of different religions in her country. She said Sri Lankan Muslims hold various positions in the government.
Referring to international issues and the situation in Palestine and Iraq, Mrs. Kumaratunga said her government believes that international crises should be resolved fairly and through negotiations, and that the use of force cannot provide a lasting solution to such crises.