Iran to provide fuel, food for Iraq, says Shamkhani

(IraqiNews.com) The Secretary of Iranian Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani said Iran would provide Iraq, according to the request of the Iraqi government within the framework of bilateral economic agreements, with fuel and food that need them.

Shamkhani said upon his return to Tehran after a visit to Iraq that the state of insecurity in the north-west of Iraq have caused problems in the provision of fuel and food to the people of the region.

The IRNA news agency quoted Shamkhani as saying that “Consultations with grand religious authority and government officials, party leaders and political and religious groups in this country have significant impact to understanding of threats and political and security imperatives on the bilateral and regional levels.”

He considered “The lack of security in Iraq sparked by the terrorists during the past ten years as the main challenge faced by the Iraqi government to follow the plans and programs of achieving economic and general prosperity.”

He said the first priority for the Iraqi government and people is to remove the security threats to create economic recovery in this country. He stressed “The unity of views, determination and the will of the entrenched officials and religious and political leaders in Iraq in order to take advantage of the potential of the Iraqi constitution to strengthen and enhance harmony and national unity, is a hopeful sign.”

Shamkhani added “The progress of the Iraqi political process is positive which is indicated in election of the Speaker and his deputies, to show that political groups in this country seek new political and executive mechanisms in Iraq.”

Shamkhani highlighted the increasing readiness of the Iraqi army to bring security and clear the invaded areas from terrorist threats.