Zarif visits historic residence of Imam Khomeini in Najaf

Zarif visits historic residence of Imam Khomeini in Najaf

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has paid a visit to the historic residence of the founder of the Islamic Republic in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf.

It was a rented house where the great Imam used to stay with some of his family member during his stay in the holy city decades ago. However, the simply- built structure of the building was seriously damaged either due to natural disasters or environmental factors.

Historic residence of the founder of the Islamic Republic located in old part of the holy city of Najaf has been reconstructed and renovated in accordance with its original map and foundations in recent years.

The Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini's Works purchased the compound in 2008 and started to renovate it in accordance with photos and pictures of the house taken by Imam's devotees and relatives several years back.

The devotees of Imam had insisted on protecting and preserving this site of great significance.

Now pilgrims from across the world have started to visit this holy place of great historical significance. They are also fully briefed about the hall where Imam used to hold meetings with delegations and how he performed intellectual and spiritual activities during his stay there.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Zarif has stressed the Islamic Republic’s support for the Iraqi nation, saying Tehran will always stand by Iraqi people.

“Iran and Iraq have deep and broad relations and supporting this country’s democratic trend, territorial integrity, and national unity is very important for the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Zarif said upon his arrival at the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad on Sunday.

He also hailed peaceful political transition in the Arab country, adding, “Iran has always been a supporter of the legitimate governments in Iraq.”

On August 11, Iraqi President Fouad Massoum appointed the country’s then deputy parliament speaker, Haider al-Abadi, as the country’s new prime minister, and tasked him with forming the next government within 30 days and presenting it to the parliament for approval. Abadi was nominated for the post by the Iraqi National Alliance, a coalition of Shia parties.

Shortly after being designated as premier, Abadi called for national unity against the “barbaric” campaign by the Takfiri ISIL terrorists inside the country.

The top Iranian diplomat further expressed satisfaction that the new Iraqi premier has garnered the approval of all Iraqi groups.

According to reports, Zarif is to meet with a number of Iraqi officials, including President Fouad Massoum , Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, outgoing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

The Iranian minister’s visit to Iraq comes as the country is facing tensions created by the ISIL Takfiri terrorists that have overrun large swaths of land in the northern parts of the country.

The ISIL terrorists have threatened all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians, Izadi Kurds and others, as they continue their advances in Iraq.

They have been committing heinous crimes in the areas they have taken, including the mass execution of civilians as well as Iraqi army troops and officers.

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