Iran hails Iraq's victories over Islamic State groupSeptember 4, 2017 - 13:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraq's recent successive victories over the Islamic State terrorists have surprised the world, chairman of Iran's Expediency Council Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi has said, according to IRNA. Shahroudi made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. He expressed congratulations over the liberation of Mosul and Tal Afar from the Takfiri terrorist group Daesh, Iraqi media Alsumaria News reported. Successive victories in Iraq have taken the opportunity from Iraq enemies, he added. During the meeting Shahroudi underscored Iran's support for the Iraqi government in uprooting terrorism, recapturing occupied areas from Daesh and in realizing the aspiration of people in achieving unity, stability and in reconstructing and developing Iraq. Meanwhile, al-Abadi pointed to Iraqi people's unity as a secret to the country's victory in all fronts. He also appreciated Iran's support for Iraq in the latter's fight against terrorism. Shahroudi arrived in Baghdad on August 31 heading a delegation. On June 29, Iraqi forces captured the wrecked historic mosque of Mosul in which Daesh terrorist group proclaimed its self-styled 'caliphate' three years ago. Taking the Grand al-Nuri Mosque gives a symbolic victory to the Iraqi forces who have been battling for more than eight months to recapture Mosul, the northern city that served as Daesh's de-facto capital in Iraq. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |