Democracy In Iraq, Good Example For Regional Countries: Larijani

Tehran, May 8, IRNA – Iran Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said on Tuesday that democracy in Iraq is a good example for regional countries. Larijani made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Deputy Parliament Speaker Qusai al-Soheil. Referring to the region's sensitive situation, he underlined the necessity to develop unity among political parties in Iraq. He warned that western governments and their regional allies are seeking to use differences among political parties and prominent figures in Iraq to undermine Iraqi national unity. He hailed brotherly and close relations between Tehran and Baghdad, saying Iran-Iraq cooperation plays an important role to maintain peace and security in the region. Larijani called for enhanced parliamentary relations between the two countries. Iraqi Deputy Parliament Speaker, for his part, called for expansion of parliamentary relations. Qusai al-Soheil said that despite bombings and efforts to destabilize the country, successful voting for the municipal councils in Iraq paves the way for promotion of democracy in the country. He called for regular consultations among parliaments of the Islamic countries on regional issues./end