UN envoy to Iraq meets with Ayatollah Sistani

Rasa – The UN envoy in Iraq has met with Ayatollah al-Sistani in Najaf,to discussed issues facing the country.

News ID: 3526

Date: 01 November 2015 - 17:35

RNA – Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani, the highest ranking Shi’a Muslim authority in Iraq, has met with Ján Kubiš, the Special Representative for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), at his office in the holy city of Najaf.

Kubiš arrived this morning to meet with the sources of emulation in Najaf.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the political, security situation facing the war-torn Arab country, as well as the situation of Iraq’s refugees.

Speaking during a press conference with reporters after the meeting, Kubiš described his discussions with the revered Shi’a source of emulation, saying: “We met with [Ayatollah] al-Sistani, and discussed the need for reform and anti-corruption issues.”

The Slovak diplomat added that the Popular Mobilization Forces play an effective role in the fight against ISIL Takfiri terrorist group and said that we also have to acknowledge their effective activities.

He noted that many members of the Popular Mobilization Forces have been martyred in the conflict with ISIL and thus, these mostly volunteer forces as well as the country’s security forces must be supported.

Kubiš added that all components of the Iraqi people have suffered equally due to the problems facing the country.

The UN special representative in Iraq addressed political forces in the country saying that Prime Minister Haydar al-Abadi began his reform plan about three months ago, so rather than criticizing his work, they should present alternative ideas for reform.

111/112