In a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and the accompanying delegation, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the presence of the invading forces as the most important and basic problem of Iraq at present. He added: "We are certain that the Iraqi people will overcome the difficulties through unity and efforts and will reach the position they deserve. And the Americans' dreams for the region will not be fulfilled." In a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and the accompanying delegation, Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the presence of the invading forces as the most important and basic problem of Iraq at present. He added: "We are certain that the Iraqi people will overcome the difficulties through unity and efforts and will reach the position they deserve. And the Americans' dreams for the region will not be fulfilled."
His Eminence also stressed that the Islamic Republic considers the provision of aids to the Iraqi government and people as a religious duty and expressed hopes that the Iraqi Prime Minister's trip to Tehran and the agreements which were reached between the two countries will strengthen the ties between Iran and Iraq.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also referred to Mr. Nouri Maliki's remarks concerning the movement of the different religions and ethnicities in Iraq towards unity and stated: "The existence of unity in words and movements is a great achievement for Iraq, but there are of course some who are opposed to such unity, and those people are in fact the enemies of the Iraqi nation and government."
Ayatollah Khamenei described the presence of the invading forces, especially the American military, in Iraq and their power to break any agreements as one of the basic barriers to unity in the country and reiterated: "The invading powers who interfere in the Iraqi affairs by relying on their military and security power, and who make illegitimate demands of the Iraqi government, nation, and elites are in fact the biggest problem."
His Eminence described the present role of the US in Iraq as similar to the role of England in causing discord in the country after its independence and stressed: "Of course, the Americans are opposing unity in the country more blatantly."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stressed that all the influential sides in Iraq should seek to find solutions to this basic problem and said: "The Iraqi government, parliament, and officials who have been elected through people's votes should be given the authority to govern the country and make decisions about its different affairs."
His Eminence also reiterated that the gradual interference of foreign agents in the Iraqi affairs will be the most serious obstacle to the progress and prosperity of the Iraqi people.
Speaking at the meeting, which was also attended by Mr. Davoodi the Iranian Vice President, the Iraqi Prime Minister Mr. Nouri Maliki expressed his satisfaction over his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. He also expressed his gratitude for unconditional support of Iran in various situations for the Iraq people and added: "Iraq seeks to establish the best relations and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Presenting a report of the latest situation of his country and the efforts of the Iraqi government to overcome the present problems, especially the insecurities, Mr. Nouri Maliki said: "In spite of the fact that some problems such as daily killings have been reduced to a great extent, there are still other problems to be solved, but the Iraqi government and parliament are determined to restore glory and independence to the people of Iraq."
He also added: "The Iraqi officials, from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, have achieved an agreement and a common language regarding the need for moving towards the prosperity and progress of the Iraqi people and restoring glory and independence to them."