Unity key to Iraqis’ victory: Iran's Rafsanjani

TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) -- Expediency Council Chairman Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has said unity is the key to the victory of Iraqi people.

Hashemi Rafsanjani made the remarks in a meeting with Iraqi ambassador to Iran Mohammad Majid Al Sheikh on Monday.

“Peace and avoidance of unnecessary disagreements are Iraqis’ today need, and if all parties… and tribes pay attention to this issue, the problems (of Iraq) will be resolved soon,” he stated.

He went on to say that Tehran-Baghdad relations are based on mutual respect and the fact that the two countries do not interfere in each other’s internal affairs strengthens their ties.

He also said Iranians’ pilgrimages to Iraq will help maintain relations between the two countries and play an important role in boosting the economy of Iraq.

Rafsanjani stated that the Iranian government and people will spare no effort to help Iraqis make progress in various areas and reconstruct their country.

Iranian people are also ready to help Iraq reconstruct its holy sites, he said, expressing hope the officials of the two countries make efforts to facilitate the process.

The Iraqi ambassador, for his part, thanked Iran for its supports of Iraqi people and called for the expansion of ties between the two countries.