Iranian president lauds 'great victory'
Photo: Reuters
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh Monday to congratulate him and the Palestinian people on the occasion of the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap.
The Iranian leader said the deal was a "great victory" and added that "the Iranian people stand by the Palestinian people in order to secure its freedom and independence."
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"The victories achieved by the Palestinian resistance show that if someone firmly believes in God, he shall get God's help and win," Ahmadinejad said according to a statement issued by the Iranian presidential office. "The Zionist regime's failure is yet another indication of the Palestinian victory."
The Iranian president added that the Shalit swap was "clearly a great victory for the Palestinian nation and for all freedom and justice fans in the world."
'Great Islamic achievement'
According to the Iranian report, Hamas leader Haniyeh said that "Iran always supported and stood by Palestine and is a major partner in the Palestinian nation's victories."Referring to the Shalit deal, Haniyeh said it was achieved after long years of patience and resistance on the part of the Palestinian government and nation.
"It's great Islamic and national achievement," he said.
"While all belligerent world powers supported the Zionist regime as Gaza remains under a blockade…the supreme God led the Palestinian resistance in overcoming the Zionist regime and humiliating the Zionists," he said.
Roi Kais contributed to the story
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