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Aoun: The Lebanese Army remains steadfast in its principles, offering sacrifice after sacrifice, undeterred by campaigns of incitement and attempts to sow doubt

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun: I affirm that our army, which protects southerners and all Lebanese, remains unwavering in its commitment to defending national dignity and sovereignty.

Haykal: In parallel, the army continues to secure and protect the northern and eastern borders and the territorial waters, and to prevent smuggling, in coordination with the Syrian authorities.

Haykal: Our efforts are aimed at implementing the government’s decision and adhering to Resolution 1701 and all its provisions, in coordination with UNIFIL and the Mechanism Committee.

Haykal: The Army’s efforts aim to implement its plan, reinforce its deployment in the area south of the Litani, and extend state authority over all its territory.

Haykal: Lebanese Army has exerted tremendous efforts since the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement.

Haykal: These Israeli attacks and violations prevent the full deployment of the army and destroy property and infrastructure.

Haykal: This phase comes amid ongoing Israeli attacks and violations that are leaving martyrs and injured.

Lebanese Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal: Our country is witnessing a decisive phase, one of the most difficult in its history, amid the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory.

US seeking to consolidate, expand presence in Iraq: Sayyed Khamenei

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Jan 2025 19:23
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Iraqi PM Mohammad Shia al-Sudani arrives in Tehran and meets with the leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

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This handout picture released by the office of The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei, on January 8, 2025, shows him (R) meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani (C) and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran (IRANIAN LEADER'S WEBSITE/AFP)

The leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran Sayyed Ali Khamenei received Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani and his accompanying delegation in Tehran.

Al-Sudani arrived on Wednesday morning and was welcomed by Iranian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Abdolnaser Hemmati at Mehrabad Airport.

Evidence indicates that the Americans are working to consolidate and expand their presence in Iraq, Sayyed Khamenei warned during his meeting with the Iraqi premier, stressing that "the US occupation must be confronted with utmost seriousness," according to Iran's Mehr News Agency.

"The presence of US occupation forces in Iraq is illegal and contradicts the interests of the Iraqi people and government," the Iranian leader underscored.

Iraq’s principled stance is to support the people of Gaza, Lebanon, and the Resistance in the region, he added.

Additionally, he pointed out that the more prosperous and secure Iraq becomes, the better it will be for Iran.

Sayyed Khamenei emphasized that unity and cohesion among Iraq's various religious and ethnic components are essential and of great importance.

Touching on regional developments, particularly in Syria, Sayyed Khamenei said Iraq has consistently supported the will of the Syrian people, the preservation of the country’s independence and territorial integrity, and the formation of an inclusive government.

On his part, al-Sudani stated that the strength of Iraq lies in its people, the Popular Mobilization Forces, national unity, cohesion, and the Supreme Religious Authority.

He reaffirmed that Iraq’s principled stance is to support the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the Resistance in the region.

The Iraqi Prime Minister also highlighted that his country has consistently supported the will of the Syrian people, the preservation of Syria's independence and territorial integrity, and the formation of an inclusive government.

Iraq is a key neighboring nation and a strategic partner: Pezeshkian

In the same context, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also met with al-Sudani at the Sa'dabad Cultural and Historical Complex.

Following the welcoming ceremony, they convened to discuss the latest developments in bilateral relations and regional issues.

Pezeshkian and al-Sudani later addressed a joint press conference to elaborate on their meeting.

"Today we discussed the recent developments in the region, we had good discussions about the development of bilateral cooperation in all dimensions and fields," the Iranian president said.

He emphasized that "developing relations with neighbors, including our dear neighbor Iraq, is the priority of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Describing Iraq as a key neighboring nation and a strategic partner, Pezeshkian expressed satisfaction with the strong ties between the two countries.

"We are pleased that the relations between the two countries are ongoing at the highest level and the scope of bilateral cooperation at different levels is increasing day by day," he indicated, reiterating Iran's commitment to peace, stability, and development for its neighbors.

Touching on shared concerns regarding developments in Syria, the Iranian president said, "Stability and peace in Syria, maintaining the territorial integrity of Syria, confronting the activities of terrorist groups, the necessity of the withdrawal of the Zionist regime from the occupied areas, paying attention to religious sentiments, especially in the issue of Shiite holy places, were among these concerns."

He also highlighted the review of the Tehran-Baghdad security agreement and the comprehensive cooperation framework between the two nations.

In terms of economic and trade collaboration, Pezeshkian noted that the meeting included plans to strengthen customs cooperation, promote joint investment projects involving Iranian and Iraqi companies, facilitate road transport and transit of goods and passengers, and enhance border markets.

Outcomes of Pezeshkian's visit to Iraq being actively pursued: Al-Sudani

During the joint press conference, al-Sudani called for comprehensive regional dialogue, emphasizing that dialogue remains the most effective approach to resolving disputes between nations, according to a statement released by his office and reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

He reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to fostering balanced relationships with all international and regional partners to advance mutual interests.

Al-Sudani underscored the rejection of threats in international relations, noting that such tactics only exacerbate crises and tensions. He also stressed the importance of adhering to international law and the principles of the UN Charter, reiterating his call for regional dialogue to build trust and promote security and peace.

Additionally, he announced Iraq's plans to host an international conference in Baghdad dedicated to these objectives.

The statement further highlighted al-Sudani's appreciation for Pezeshkian's invitation to visit Iran. During expanded bilateral discussions, the two nations' delegations addressed various dimensions of their relations, including economic, social, cultural, and religious aspects, as well as agreements and memorandums of understanding.

Al-Sudani noted that the outcomes of Pezeshkian's recent visit to Iraq are being actively pursued, with ministerial-level meetings planned to advance joint projects, particularly in the areas of electricity and gas supply to Iraq.

He also emphasized that "Iraq is closely following up on previously initiated projects, particularly the Basra-Shalamcheh rail link for passenger transportation, joint industrial cities, road networks, and trade exchange between the two countries and the region."

The Iraqi premier highlighted the role of economic partnerships in achieving regional security and stability, adding that discussions covered a range of regional and international issues, particularly the current situation in the region.

On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's "firm stance in condemning the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the occupied territories."

He criticized the systematic targeting of civilians and the international community's failure to address these violations, warning of their impact on regional and global peace.

The Iraqi prime minister stressed that “the path to regional stability lies in ending this devastating war and guaranteeing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a free state.”

"Iraq reaffirms its consistent stance and efforts in supporting the truce and calm achieved in Lebanon and its commitment to the reconstruction of Lebanon and Gaza," he added.

On Syria, al-Sudani emphasized that the neighboring country's stability is key to regional security and advocated for a comprehensive political solution that safeguards Syria's independence and sovereignty while minimizing external interference.

Iraq "respects the will of the Syrian people and supports any political or constitutional system they choose without foreign intervention," he asserted.

Al-Sudani further expressed Iraq's readiness to collaborate with all parties to enhance stability in Syria, facilitate a smooth political transition that reflects the will of all Syrians, and contribute to reconstruction efforts and the return of refugees.

He concluded by reiterating Iraq's consistent position that dialogue is the best approach to resolving international disputes and rejecting the use of threats, which only fuel further tensions.