Iraq Needs an Islamic Coalition

Iranian Judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi stressed that Iraq is in need of an Islamic coalition which could stretch a protection umbrella over the heads of all Iraqi groups and forces. Speaking during a meeting with Iraqi Vice-President Tariq al-Hashimi here in Tehran on Monday, Shahroudi viewed the existing insecurity and unrests in Iraq a result of the activities conducted by the arrogant and aggressive powers, and underlined that preservation of unity among the different Iraqi groups and solidarity between the Shiite and Sunnite Muslims set the only way to safeguard security and keep away from the consequences of the plots hatched and practiced by the arrogant powers.

“This unity and solidarity which has long existed throughout history, should be safeguarded today more than ever before,” he continued.

The official reiterated the importance of unity among the Islamic faiths, and said that the Iraqi officials are expected to pave the ground for the full unity and solidarity of the Shiites and Sunnites in that country.

He further voiced Iran’s strong support for the establishment of unity and security in Iraq, reminding that support for unity of the different Islamic groups and faiths has always been an ideal of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Shahroudi expressed the hope that security would be fully restored in Iraq, and said restoration of security in Iraq would portray a desirable future for that country while serving regional interests and security.

He criticized emergence of certain blasphemous thoughts in Iraq, and stressed the necessity for the making of efforts to thwart expansion of such thoughts, reiterating, “Today Iraq is in need of an Islamic coalition which could stretch an umbrella of protection over the heads of all Iraqi groups and forces.”

Also during the same meeting, Iraqi Vice-President Tariq al-Hashimi underlined the need for the strengthening of his country’s cooperation with Iran in all the various spheres.