ID :
48320
Sun, 03/01/2009 - 14:46
Auther :

Independent Iraq and Iran beneficial to regional countries:President

Tehran, March 1, IRNA ?

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said independent, advanced and powerful
Iraq and Iran are beneficial to the two nations and all nations of the
region.

In a joint press conference with Iraqi President Jalal Talebani,
before leaving Iran, on Saturday afternoon, President Ahmadinejad said
relations between Iran and Iraq are deep-rooted in history, culture
and beliefs of both nations.
He added during President Talebani's visit, bilateral, regional and
international issues were discussed.
Ahmadinejad said that both governments intend to use all capacities of
the two countries for developing relations.
Referring to his visit to Iraq last year, President Ahmadinejad
described it 'very good and constructive'.
He went on to say, "We have continuous contact and consultations with
each other and the visit was a good and positive one and God willing,
it will accelerate development of relations.
President Talebani, by referring to the proximity of anniversary of
chemical bombardment of Halabche, an eastern city of Iraq, called it
the worst crime of the the 20th century and said using chemical
weapons against its own citizens was the worst crime of the former
Iraqi regime.
The Iraqi president continued Iran has always been a friend of Iraqi
nation and in Halabche incident also Iranian assistance prevented more
bombardments.
Tens of thousands of injured people were transferred to Iranian
hospitals and were treated here.
President Talebani said,"We took the issue to the court to try those
foreign companies which sold chemical materials to the Saddam regime."
Talebani said the Iraqi government will do its best to develop ties
with Iran in all fields.
He said In today world, such ties between Iran and Iraq could be as a
good model of relations between nations and governments adding, ?I
sincerely appreciate all help given by Iran and I would like to say
that Iran has never refused to help Iraq for construction and
development.
Appreciatingattention paid by the Supreme Leader to Iraqi government
and nation, President Talebani underlined that Iraqi nation love his
Excellency and will never forget his kindness and grace.
Before the beginning of the press conference, Iran?s Industry and
Mines Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian and his Iraqi counterpart signed a
Memorandum of Understanding .

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