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Iran considers presence of American armed forces detrimental to regional security, stability: President Rouhani
Iran considers presence of American armed forces detrimental to regional security, stability: President Rouhani

Tehran (ISNA) – Iran’s President said that the Iranian nation and government consider Iraq as their friend and have been with the Iraqi government and people at various times to help them, adding, "We have always supported the Iraqi people and the legitimate government at various times, and the best example is helping the Iraqi people and government during the terrorist attacks of ISIL in the country".

Speaking in a meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Dr. Hassan Rouhani said that today, we consider the unity among Shiites and interaction among different groups, including Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds in the country an important principle, adding, "We stand with the government and people of Iraq to contribute to the unity and cohesion of Iraq".

We have always made our views clear and unequivocal in our political positions, he said, adding, "We consider the presence of American armed forces in the region, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or the Persian Gulf's southern countries, detrimental to regional security and stability".

Emphasizing that trying to get the United States out of the region is not only our responsibility, but that of any country in which the Americans are present, Dr. Rouhani said, "We consider what the Iraqi parliament and its representatives have approved in this regard a positive step, which is respected by the Iraqi people, and supported by us".

We have never sought to interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq and the relations among Iraqi groups, he said, adding, "We have always believed that Iraqi groups should have good relations for the preservation and development of their country".

Emphasizing the development and deepening of relations between the two countries in various political, cultural and especially economic fields, Dr. Rouhani stressed the need to accelerate the implementation and operation of the agreements between the two countries, which were emphasized during the visit of Iranian and Iraqi officials.