An Iraqi powerful Shiite politician rejected on Sunday the U.S. accusations against Iran that it is fomenting violence in the war-torn country.
"These are only accusations made by the U.S.-led coalition forces. I think such accusations need more evidences to prove their allegations," Abul Aziz al-Hakim said in a joint press conference with the Shiite Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi.
"They (Iranians) have long history in supporting the Iraqi people and this is their official stands which we can mention without any hesitation," Hakim told reporters.
Hakim's remarks came a day after a senior U.S. military spokesman, Rear-Admiral Gregory Smith, said that his troops detained four members of an Iranian-backed Shiite extremist group, who confessed their role in the bombing of the al-Ghazil old market on Friday.
Smith said the group tried to make the attack similar to the attacks committed by al-Qaida network. "The group's purpose was to make it appear al-Qaida was responsible for this attack."
Previously, U.S. officials frequently accused Iran of providing Shiite militia in Iraq with weapons and training. Iran denied the accusations.
Meanwhile, Vice President Adel abdul Mahdi said the government would discuss the extension of the UN mandate of the Multi-National forces in Iraq so that Iraq would gain full sovereignty.
He said that the government would announce in the coming days a "declaration of intent," by which the presence of the Multi-National forces on the Iraqi land will be organized.
"The final extension of Multi-National forces in Iraq will be decided according to agreements that would grant Iraq full control over its resources and issues," he said.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article