Jaafari Confirms From Tehran: Iraq Seeks To Heal The Rift Between Iran And Saudi

Baghdad / NINA/ Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari confirmed that "Iraq strongly seeks to heal the rift between the two Muslim neighboring, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia." He said at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif today in Tehran that "we moved to Iran upon the decision of the Council of Ministers to heal the rift between Iran and Saudi Arabia," noting that he "had multiple contacts with his Arab counterparts in order to reach a common vision of the situation in the region." Jaafari added that "the execution of Sheikh Nimr surprised everyone in the presence of Saudi Arabia's promises; especially from the former King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz to settle the matter, but his execution surprised everyone." He explained that "Iraq will continue a diplomatic work strongly, as in fronts to fight against terrorism, in order to achieve security and stability for the countries in the region and we seek strongly that peace and security for the benefit of the two countries and the region prevail." Jaafari pointed out that "the Iraqi diplomatic strength was clear in the issuance of the Arab resolution unanimously demands Turkey to withdraw from northern Iraq," noting that "we are continuing this matter in two ways in terms of our efforts to maintain the relationship with Turkey and the other to take all diplomatic means that makes Turkey withdraws its troops from northern Iraq." ./End