Tehran, 2005/11/22 IRNA

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday November 22 that Iran is proud of Iraq's progress, security, independence and national strength and there is no limits on development of cooperation with Iraq.

In a meeting with President Jalal Talabani in presence of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Supreme Leader said that Iranian and Iraqi nations enjoy long-standing religious, cultural and historical affinity and Iran is pleased with the political process for establishment of a democratic government in Iraq.

"Setting up of a democratic government in Iraq and holding of a national referendum for new Constitution are exceptional opportunity for the Iraqi people to determine their own fate. The Iraqi nation is great and enjoys extensive capacity. Iraq will shine on top of the Muslim world in near future by overcoming the current hardship and destructions," the Supreme Leader said.

"Your security is our own security and Iran honors Iraq's independence and power. We will extend assistance to you in those fields," the Supreme Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei expressed grief at tragic events on Saturday and Sunday in Iraq and loss of lives of innocent people in the blind terrorist attacks in Iraq and said that Iran holds the US responsible for the current tragedies taking place in Iraq.

The Supreme Leader called for national resolve to leave behind the current ordeal and said that Iraqi people are expected to foster national solidarity and pave the way for setting a timetable for withdrawal of occupation forces.

The Supreme Leader predicted that the US and British forces will withdraw from Iraq with a bitter experience.

Ayatollah Khamenei castigated US propaganda campaign against Iran aimed at damaging Iran-Iraq relations and said that Iraqi President Talabani's statement is a clear example of baselessness of US conspiracy.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iraqi people will be exposed to US pressure if the government and Iraqi people fail to strengthen their unity.

"Attempts of certain elements to satisfy the US are doomed, because, Iraq and its neighbors will remain in the region forever, but, US presence there is temporary."

The Supreme Leader called for implementation of the accords between Iran and former Iraqi transitional administration.

President Talabani expressed pleasure with his visit to Iran and said that Iran-Iraq relations are strategic.

"We will never forget assistance of the Iranian nation and government to the Iraqi people and we hope to develop cooperation in all fields," President Talabani said.

He said that the Iraqi nation regards the Iranian nation as real friend and briefed the Supreme Leader on establishment of a democratic government in Iraq and approval of Iraqi Constitution by votes of the majority of people.

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