Baghdad against US unilateral measures: Iraqi FM

Baghdad, May 26, IRNA – Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamad Alhakim said on Sunday that his country defies unilateral measures taken by the United States against Iran. Alhakim made the remarks at the end of his meeting with the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Iran is Iraq's brother and neighbor, so Baghdad will stand by Tehran, Alhakim stressed. Iraq with all capabilities endeavors to reach a consensus with the Persian Gulf littoral states, Arab countries and regional and European nations about the existing problems, the Iraqi foreign minister added. He further reiterated that economic sanctions bring no advantages. Describing the Iranian nation as so great, Alhakim said Tehran is not after war. At present, constant contacts have been making with all regional countries in line with relieving the tension, he added. About his talks with his Iranian counterpart, Alhakim said the negotiations were successful and focused on fostering bilateral relations and following up the process of implementation of mutual agreements. ََFew days ago, Zarif started his visits to Asian countries of Turkmenistan, India, Japan, and China and held talks with top officials of the four Asian countries on the US measures to create tension in the region and Iranian commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action endorsed by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Last Thursday, Iranian foreign minister flew to Pakistan, and now he is in Iraq in continuation of his Asian tour. Iran reduced commitments to the July 2015 nuclear deal from which the United States withdrew unilaterally a year ago and led Iran to take reciprocal measures based on Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish