Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has stressed the importance of Iraq’s territorial integrity, saying the international community must help improve security in the conflict-stricken country.

“Unfortunately, some of our friends in the region are acting against unity and convergence in Iraq. To that effect, the United Nations should also deal with regional issues based on existing realities,” Zarif said in a Sunday meeting with Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq Jan Kubis in Tehran.

He emphasized that Iraqis should maintain their unity and integrity and avoid ethnic and sectarian strife.

The Iranian minister warned that the ISIL takfiri group’s threats are not limited to Iraq, noting that the ISIL terrorists are threatening the entire Middle East region.

Zarif further pointed to ISIL’s terrorist attacks in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, saying that if the Takfiri group’s position is strengthened, it “will show mercy neither to Shias, nor Sunnis in Saudi Arabia, and will seriously threaten the country’s security.”

Kubis, for his part, said there are good opportunities in Iraq, which should be used in the service of the country’s national interests.

He added that the cooperation of all Iraqi ethnic groups and minorities is needed in the fight against the ISIL terrorists.

Kubis, who is also serving as head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, urged global support for the Iraqi government, noting that Iran could be instrumental in regional and international talks over developments in Iraq.

The ISIL terrorists began their offensive through Iraqi territory in June 2014, and took full control of the country’s second city, Mosul, before capturing swathes of land in Iraq’s heartland.

The ISIL Takfiris have committed gruesome crimes and terrorized members of various communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians during their onslaught in Iraq.

(Source: Press TV)