Baghdad – Jaafar al Nassrawy
Head of Environmental Protection Organisation of Iran Mohammadi Zadeh said Iran’s relations with Iraq are so strong that no other power could ever interfere between the two countries. Zadeh, who is currently visiting Iraq, told Arabstoday that the Iranian side understands America’s attempt to limit Iraq’s relations with Iran.He said that America would fail. Iran and Iraq have common borders, history and interests which no one can affect. Zadeh mentioned the issue of Iranian planes flying over Iraq. An Iranian flight was forced to land in Iraq as it was suspected to be transporting weapons to Syria. Zadeh believed that the US wanted to show that they are still in control of Iraq with such actions, which he believes to be untrue. He said Iraq now has full sovereignty over its territory, and is free to decide. Inspecting a number of flights proved America wrong on Iran’s intentions, as the planes were only carrying humanitarian supplies. Zadeh said the future will reveal the important role played by Iran to help Iraq solve its internal issues, and supporting it to overcome the turmoil it witnessed in the last few years. He added that his country is ready to help Iraq rebuild itself. He said the Western press gave a distorted image of Iraq as it only focuses on the political and security issues. Zadeh’s visit to Iraq focused on environmental issues, in particular the desertification of the country which is spreading at an alarming rate. Zadeh said Iran’s expertise would hep Iraq overcome and control this worrying issue. Zadeh met a number of Iraqi officials and ministers. He believed these meetings would eventually allow people from both countries to travel freely between Iraq and Iran, with no visa required. Zadeh stood Iran’s ground and rejected the idea of a foreign intervention in Syria. He believed that the West would throw oil on the fire and stir a conflict in the whole of the Middle East if they did intervene in Syria.