RNA – Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi-Golpaygani has met with Nikolay Mladenov, the UN’s Special Representative for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, at his home and office in Qom.
At the beginning of this meeting, Mr Mladenov thanked the renowned source of emulation for granting him the permission to visit him. Thereafter, he presented a report of his activities in Iraq.
Ayatollah Safi-Golpaygani also thanked him, and gave him some important advice.
Referring to the strong relationship between Iran and Iraq, he said: “Unity and solidarity between Iran and Iraq have existed from the beginning, and it is still there and will remain there in the future as well. The people of the two nations are united and we stand by the Iraqi people and support them in the face of the terrorism they face.”
Referring to the strife created by the Takfiri terrorist group, ISIL, Ayatollah Saf-Golpaygani stated that the sedition created by ISIL is a great danger, not only for the Iraqi people, but for all other nations. If this situation continues, it will involve the entire world. Therefore, it is important that the world should take firm stance against this dangerous terrorist group, whose actions are far from human dignity.”
In response to a question posed by Mr Mladenov on how to promote unity among Iraqi tribes, Ayatollah Safi-Golpaygani replied: “Unity has always existed among the people and different tribes of Iraq. ISIS, its supporters and its creators, are the only people responsible for the havoc in the country. With the destruction of ISIL, the situation will return to normal.”
His Eminence praised the wise positions of Iraq’s highest Shi’ite religious authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, saying: “You’ve seen how Ayatollah Sistani invited everyone towards unity and solidarity, and how people of Iraq gathered around him. Actually, it’s due to the effort of the religious scholars and clergy that [Iraq] has maintained its unity and avoided all kinds of conflict which could lead to corruption.”
Ayatollah Safi-Golpgaygani then referred to the doctrines and commandments of Islam, saying: “We want the prosperity of all the people of the world, and we invite everyone towards peace, tranquility and coexistence in the world free from violence, corruption and injustice.”
Regarding Mr Mladenov’s remarks regarding refugees in Iraq, Ayatollah Safi-Golpaygani said: “We will support them more than what is expected from us with full effort and strong dedication to serve them. This is our humanitarian and Islamic duty, and it is of no importance whether our help and assistance is for the people of Iraq or any other country.”
In further advice to Mr Mladenov, His Eminence stated: “In your capacity as the representative of the UN Secretary-General, you should ask other members of this organization to clarify their stance in regard to ISIL and its plots. The UN should create awareness and inform everyone that they are a threat to the entire world. We must all face this danger together and get rid of it. In this regard, the UN must respond decisively to this deviant group.”
At the end of the meeting, Ayatollah Safi-Golpaygani prayed for the success of Mr Mladenov’s mission – the elimination of the oppression of terrorists and Takfiris.
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