Iran Opens New Consulate Building in Basra

Rasa - Iran opened the new building of its consulate in the Iraqi city of Basra in the presence of the country's ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi.

News ID: 439522

Date: 13 September 2018 - 14:32

RNA - By hoisting the Iranian flag over the building, the Iranian ambassador officially opened the new diplomatic center in the Southern Iraqi port city, Iraq's local media reported.

In his inaugural speech, Masjedi described the last Friday's attack on the Iranian old consulate building as an attempt by the enemies of the two countries to mar Tehran-Baghdad relations.

"Such destructive measures by the two countries' common enemies failed to hamper bilateral relations," Masjedi said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Basra Governor Asaad al-Aidani said that the quick relocation of Iranian consulate was a proof of strong and deep relationship between the two countries.

According to Fars News Agency, the new round of protests which erupted in Basra over contaminated water and unemployment turned violent quickly leading to clashes between protestors and security forces. According to Iraqi health ministry, 11 people have been killed and over 100 others wounded in the clashes.

The organizers of the protests have announced that some elements affiliated to the Baath party and the ISIL terrorist group had attacked and torched government buildings, including Iranian consulate in the city.

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