TEHRAN - Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani says the campaign against the ISIL terrorists in Iraq is Baghdad’s top priority.

Shamkhani made the remarks in a meeting with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Saturday.

He said it is likely that certain elements seek to maintain the presence of the terrorists in order to keep the region insecure.

Iraq will ultimately achieve victory against terrorism and restore its position in the region, Shamkhani stated.

The Iranian official added that ethnic and religious diversity as well as difference of opinion about political and social issues are manifestations of true democracy in Iraq.

“Countering organized efforts by Iraq’s enemies, who are using religious extremists and remnants of the Baath regime to cause political and religious split, requires vigilance of the country’s political leaders,” Shamkhani said as quoted by the Press TV.

The Iraqi parliament speaker, for his part, commended Iran’s constant support for his country and called for the expansion of bilateral relations.

Jabouri said Iran plays a key role in establishing security and stability in the region, adding that Baghdad seeks to reinforce stability in the region and boost national economic development by improving cooperation with Tehran.

Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since ISIL launched offensives in June 2014. The militants have been committing vicious crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and others.

Commenting on the current issue of refugee crisis, the Iranian official blamed lack of determination on the part of the West in dealing with ISIL for the refugee crisis that has targeted European countries.

During recent months, Europe has been facing a huge influx of refugees, mainly coming from conflict-hit countries like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

The International Organization for Migration declared on Friday that over 432,000 refugees have crossed the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe so far this year, with nearly 2,750 dying or going missing en route.

MD