Iran's Supreme Leader representative in Najaf praises Iraqi role in Hamaney mourning rites

NAJAF, Iraq — Sheikh Mohsen Kumey, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader, said Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei delivered a message of greeting and appreciation to the Iraqi people over their participation in the funeral of his father in Najaf. Speaking at the 40th-day commemoration ceremony held in the holy city, Kumey thanked Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and the Iraqi state, while commending the role of security forces, the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), and the organizers of the mourning processions as well as the men, women and children who took part. Kumey said the Iraqi people demonstrated a historic example of solidarity, underscoring what he described as the successful contribution of the procession organizers and Hashd al-Shaabi members. He said the senior leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran's affection for the Iraqi people is well known and rooted in longstanding ties between the two sides. Kumey added that Khamenei thanked everyone who contributed to the funeral and the 40th-day ceremonies. He also said the Iranian delegation's program was being carried out with respect for the Iraqi people, the Iraqi state and its sovereignty.