Iraqi tribal leader calls for end to Iranian interference

Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Cairo (dpa) - The head of Iraq's Tribal Chiefs' Council Majid Ali Suleiman on Tuesday urged Iran to end its interference in Iraqi affairs which he dubbed an 'occupational incursion.'

'The council is against the Iranian incursion into Iraq,' Sulaiman told reporters in Cairo following a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa as part of a visiting tribal council delegation.

Iran has repeatedly denied accusations of inciting sectarian violence in Iraq.

Suleiman additionally said he had outlined to Moussa a proposal for the unification of Iraq, which the Arab League leader had welcomed.

Realizing reconciliation in Iraq was necessary, the tribal leader said, provided all Iraqis were included in the process.

The Iraqi delegation, led by tribal leader Sheikh Aziz Nazhan al- Saddid, had earlier met Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit.

In press statements after the meeting, al-Saddid said the proposed reconciliation plan involved the cooperation of neighbouring countries which would in turn attain stability in the region.

Secretary General of the Tribal Chief' Council Ali al-Faris al-Dulaimi meanwhile said the delegation has suggested the hosting of a conference in Egypt under the auspices of the Arab League and the United Nations.

The aim of the conference would be to end the US occupation of Iraq, to halt the sectarian bloodshed in the country and to ensure its unity, he said.

The Iraqi Tribal Chiefs' Council was formed in mid-September in an attempt to realize reconciliation and unity in Iraq, and consists of prominent leaders of different tribes and sects.