Dubai: India has backed Iran's position demanding the establishment of a democratic political system in Iraq free from all foreign interference.

The Indian stand was made known by National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, during a meeting with Iranian President Mohammed Khatami in Teheran on April 27.

All countries in the world want the establishment of a democratic political system in Iraq, Khatami said, adding that "All Iraqi tribes, races, ethnic groups, and religions should have a share in that system, free from the interference of all foreign countries," according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA.

"The application of harsh and imposed methods will lead to the expansion of chaotic conditions and further prevalence of insecurity anywhere in the world, while today, all countries should aim at peaceful co-existence, understanding, and justice," Khatami said.

Hoping for the reestablishment of peace, security and stability in an independent, democratic Iraq, Mishra said, "India shares Iran's stands on Iraq."

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Mishra, during the meeting, handed over a written message from Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to President Khatami.

Interestingly, 60 per cent of Iraq's population comprises of Shiites, who are majority in Iran too and in the event of any election in the post- war Iraq, the well-knit and vocal Shiites in Iraq have a good chance to come to power. Though the ousted President of Iraq Saddam Hussain was a Sunni, the United States is not likely to look kindly at the prospects of a pro-Iran Shiite government in Iraq, observers say.

Referring to Iran and India's assistance to Afghanistan in its reconstruction Khatami said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran will seriously pursue the implementation of various industrial and economic projects in Afghanistan."

Commenting to his meetings with Iranian authorities on expansion of bilateral co-operation in energy, defence, transportation, and Information Technology (IT), Mishra said, "Tehran and New Delhi will pursue the finalisation of the agreements reached during the state visit of President Khatami to India, and the Indian President to Iran, and that will boost the two countries' relations to an unprecedented high level."

Mishra referred to the two countries' exemplary co-operation in Afghanistan, and said, "As Mr President (Khatami) said, Tehran-New Delhi's shared projects in Afghanistan is an excellent example for regional co-operation, aimed at the region's advancement and well being."

PTI