An Iraqi youth sprays water on Shiite Muslim worshippers as they perform the weekly Friday noon prayer at a mosque in Baghdad’s Sadr City neighbourhood, 15 September 2006 (AFP)
London, Asharq Al-Awsat- Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has accused “nearly all neighboring countries” of interfering in Iraqi affairs. In statements to Asharq al-Awsat, he warned that Iraq has “mechanisms to influence,” which he said Iraq will resort to if needed.
“There are interferences in Iraq’s affairs from all neighboring countries to one degree or another, with the exception of one or two countries. There are interferences and wagering on the failure of the political process and the democratic project in Iraq.” Zebari told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“We have talked openly with all neighboring countries on their interference in Iraq’s internal affairs. During his recent visit to Tehran, Prime Minister Al-Maliki was accompanied by a delegation specialized in security affairs. They took files, information, and evidence, and made a clear request to end the Iranian interference in the Iraqi security file.” He added.
Speaking on neighboring countries, Zebari said, “These countries should not think that we do not have alternatives or that we are not capable. On the contrary, we have been very patient and we have mechanisms to influence. There are certain options which we will resort to if needed.”
In other news Dozens of corpses were found across Baghdad today , Iraqi Police said 35 bodies were recovered in the streets of the capital, bringing to more than 150 the number of people killed execution-style across the country in the past four days amid raging sectarian conflict.
An Iraqi policeman and a soldier inspect the scene of a bomb attack in Baghdad, September 16, 2006 (REUTERS)
Iraqi troops stop a motorist at a checkpoint in Baghdad 15 September 2006 (AFP)
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities. Launched in London in 1978, Asharq Al-Awsat has established itself as the decisive publication on pan-Arab and international affairs, offering its readers in-depth analysis and exclusive editorials, as well as the most comprehensive coverage of the entire Arab world.
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