Baghdad, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s firm position towards the Palestinian issue and the struggle of the Palestinian people to establish its independent state.
Al-Sudani said, during a joint press conference with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi, in Tehran: “The importance of this visit comes in this sensitive circumstance that the region is experiencing, to emphasize the depth of the relationship between the two countries and the extent of the commonalities.”
He added: "The Palestinian issue was the most prominent in our discussions with the Iranian president, and what the Palestinian people are exposed to in Gaza, in terms of systematic killings and genocide, and what is happening in the West Bank at the hands of settlers."
He stressed: "Iraq's position is clear, and it has been expressed by the religious authorities, most notably the religious authority in Najaf, the national political forces, and the official position of the Iraqi government in more than one forum, most recently in the Cairo Conference."
He added: "The recent crisis was not the result of last October 7, but rather came as a result of the criminal policies of the occupation authorities against the Palestinians, including killing, displacement, settlement policies, and violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque."
The Prime Minister continued: “For decades, the residents of Gaza have been in a large prison, in full view of the world, which did not do anything regarding international resolutions and the decisions of many conferences, starting with Oslo and Madrid, in addition to the international agreements and covenants that confirm the Palestinian right.”
Al-Sudani stressed: “The international community has failed to fulfill their duties and obligations,” indicating: “Whoever wants to contain this conflict and prevent its spread in the region must put pressure on the occupation authorities to stop the systematic and destructive killing.”
He pointed out: “The decision to drag the region into a comprehensive war that threatens civil peace and security in the region and the world is in the hands of the party that carries out aggression against the people of Gaza.”
He stressed: “Iraq continues to play its political role and communicate with influential countries in the region to achieve an immediate ceasefire, and is working seriously to open humanitarian corridors and maintain their opening in order to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza. Iraq has contributed to supporting Gaza, and relief convoys have begun to transporting food and medical aid to Egypt through the Rafah crossing.
He stated: “The positions of Iraq and Iran are identical on this issue, and we will continue to communicate to achieve the most important goal, which is a ceasefire. We touched on the distinguished relations between the two countries, especially in this year of the government’s life, as it witnessed clear growth, and there are files that witnessed practical steps after a pause for years.” Today, we are called to complete these projects, especially the Basra-Shalamcheh road, and the border economic cities.”
Al-Sudani explained: “There are many opportunities that establish an economic partnership, the first of which is the development road, which is hoped to be a linking project with (the North-South project) and the Belt and Road project.”
Source: National Iraqi News Agency