Al-Maliki Affirms Iraq's Support for Lebanon's Sovereignty, Stability, Calls for Halt to Aggressions

Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, affirmed Wednesday Iraq's solidarity with the Lebanese people, supporting their right to sovereignty, stability, and territorial protection. His remarks followed a meeting today at his office with Sheikh Ali al-Khatib, Deputy Head of Lebanon's Supreme Islamic Shiite Council. They discussed the Lebanese situation, regional developments, and severe humanitarian and security repercussions from aggressions targeting southern Lebanon. Al-Maliki reiterated Iraq's backing for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, and protection of its lands and citizens. He strongly rejected ongoing aggressions and civilian targeting, which cause casualties, displacement, and destruction of property and infrastructure. He stressed that southern Lebanon's events demand a serious international stance, urging the global community to fulfill its duties protecting civilians, halting repeated aggressions, and compelling the aggressor to respect Lebanese sovereignty and international resolutions. Al-Khatib, for his part, reviewed developments in Lebanon and challenges facing southern residents, commending Iraq's supportive stance.