Hakim Raps US Sanctions, Urges Washington to Abide by Int’l Law

Leader of the National Wisdom Movement of Iraq Ammar al-Hakim, in a Monday meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi, condemned the US unilateral sanctions against Iran, and urged Washington to comply with international codes of conduct.

News ID: 443211

Date: 29 January 2019 - 23:20

RNA - Ammar al-Hakim once again condemned the US unilateral sanctions against Iran, saying Washington must abide by international law.

During the meeting today, the two sides conferred on the latest political developments in Iraq and the Middle East region, as well as bilateral ties and ways to improve them.

Hakim put special emphasis on the commonalities between the two countries in bilateral relations.

The Iraqi politician once again voiced his strong objection to the unilateral sanctions against Iran, saying the US move is a dangerous threat to international relations.

He further maintained that Iraq has recently witnessed positive changes, the most important of which was the formation of coalitions within a national framework.

In a related front on January 14, Hakim met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was visiting Iraq then, and denounced the US’ unilateral sanctions against Iran.

He said that Washington’s pressures make Baghdad more resolute to cement ties with Tehran.

The Iraqi politician added that the US unilateral sanctions against Iran make Iraq all the more determined to develop relations with the Islamic Republic.

The imposition of unilateral sanctions by the US is an unprecedented move in international interactions, he said, adding “Iran has always supported Iraq, and as such, we oppose and condemn the sanctions.”

Elsewhere, Hakim hailed the "undeniable" role of Iran in fighting ISIL terrorists in Iraq.

He then maintained that the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, although happening very slowly, is still a key factor of change in the region and will have a positive impact on Syria’s development.

The Iranian top diplomat, for his part, commended the religious and political authorities of Iraq, including Hakim, for their role in establishing security and stability in Iraq and preserving the country’s territorial integrity.

On December 28, Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Iraj Masjedi, in a meeting with former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, voiced Tehran’s readiness to expand bilateral ties with the Arab neighbor in all areas, asserting that the Islamic Republic will continue helping Iraq’s reconstruction.

Bilateral cooperation and the regional development were other topics discussed between al-Abadi and Masjedi.

In the meantime, Masjedi expressed Iran's support for Iraq during the reconstruction era.

“Iran is ready for cooperation with Iraq in all fields,” the Iranian diplomat reassured.

On December 26, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian announced his country's preparedness to participate in projects to reconstruct Iraq after the devastating war launched by the US and its allies against the country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to participate in reconstruction of Iraq, in particular, in infrastructural projects, Ardakanian told reporters upon arrival in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad on Wednesday.

Meantime, Iraqi Electricity Minister Luay al-Khateeb called for the development of relations with Iran, saying that Iraq is interested in cooperation with all countries, in particular, Iran.

According to Fars News Agancy, he referred to the growing population in Iraq, and noted that Baghdad is thirsty for energy as a pre-condition to its development.

In relevant remarks earlier this month, Iraqi Minister of Construction and Housing Bangen Rekani had voiced his country's interest in Iranian firms' partnership in that country's reconstruction and development projects.

"My country welcomes the presence and participation of Iranian companies for reconstruction of different regions in Iraq," Rekani said in a meeting with Hassan Danayeefar, an advisor to Iranian first vice-president for economic relations with Iraq.

During the meeting, the two sides touched on the latest status of bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest, including ways to arrange for the payments of Iranian companies.

Danayeefar, for his part, said that the Iranian firms are ready to cooperate in the reconstruction process of Iraq which is damaged by the war on ISIL terrorists.

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