An Iranian deputy foreign minister underlined that the Iraqi people and political leaders are experienced and wise enough to protect the country against the recent foreign-backed wave of terrorism in the Muslim country.

“Effective measures by the Iraqi army to fight terrorism will contribute to security in the country and in the region,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian said.

In the future, he noted, there will be no room for terrorists in the region, adding, “We are confident that all Iraqi leaders support a tough fight against terrorism and the full restoration of security to all parts of the country.”

He added that Iraq could tread the path of progress “in the light of national unity and with the prudence of all political and religious leaders.”

In relevant remarks on Tuesday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani voiced Tehran's deep concerns about the recent developments in the Iraqi parliament, and called on the Iraqi lawmakers to keep vigilant against the plots hatched by the country's enemies to sow discord among various religious sects and groups.

In a phone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart Osama al-Nujaifi, the top Iranian parliamentarian said that Tehran has always stressed the need for more active participation of different religious sects and political groups in the governance system of Iraq.

Larijani expressed his sadness with the lawmaker’s decision, saying their resignation would not solve the issue and that “the problem can only be solved through dialogue and cooperation”.

Forty-four Iraqi legislators announced their resignation on Monday after security forces demolished an anti-government protest site and detained a lawmaker.

The announcement was made at a televised news conference at which the Iraqi lawmakers also demanded "the withdrawal of the army... and the release of Member of Parliament Ahmed al-Alwani," who was arrested on Saturday.

Clashes broke out Monday in the Ramadi area, West of Baghdad, as security forces dismantled a protest camp where demonstrators had gathered for more than a year.

Ten militants died in the fighting, which also spread to the nearby city of Fallujah.

Protests broke out in the area in December 2012 after the arrest of guards of then-finance minister Rafa al-Essawi, on terrorism charges.

The Iraqi premier had described the protest site as “a headquarters for the leadership of Al-Qaeda,” and urged the protesters to leave the camps.

Defense ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Askari told state television the decision to remove the camp came after tribal leaders and local government and defense ministry officials reached a deal.

Tensions have been rising over the past few weeks in Anbar, a province that makes up a third of Iraq's territory along the Euphrates River.

The army launched a major operation in Anbar to flush out Al-Qaeda militants after an attack killed at least 18 soldiers including an army commander on December 21.
 

News ID 185963