Iran Calls For Closer Links With Iraq

Ahmadinejad speaking at the UN in September (epa) 6 November 2005 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad says Iran supports Iraq's stability and he called for expediting the construction of an oil pipeline and railway between the two neighbors.

Iranian television reports Ahmadinejad was speaking today to visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi. He said
Tehran supports Iraq's territorial integrity and believes a powerful government in Baghdad suits its interests.

The president said Iran is willing to offer its experience and expertise to rebuild Iraq and wants to speed-up work on an oil pipeline between Iran's port city of Abadan and Al-Basrah, Iraq's second-largest city.

Ahmadinejad also called for completing a railway project connecting both countries. He said Iraq could use Iranian ports
as a transit route to export goods.

(AP)