Iran denies negative influence in Iraq

United Press International
August 7, 2008

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Iran categorically denies any allegations made by U.S. officials that Tehran's influence undermines political development and security in Iraq.

Mohammad Khazaee, the permanent representative of Iran to the United Nations, told the Security Council in New York that Tehran supports progress in Iraq and denies claims it is meddling adversely in Iraqi internal affairs.

"My delegation wishes to place on record that the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran rejects these unfounded allegations, the raising of which has unfortunately become a tired and routine practice on the part of the United States," the envoy said.

Khazaee said Iran has "been unambiguous in its condemnation" of acts of terrorism perpetrated in Iraq, particularly those carried out by groups backed by the United States.

Iran has been outspoken in its criticism of U.S. support for the anti-Iranian People's Mujahedin of Iran, whose base in the eastern Iraqi city of Ashraf is protected by U.S. military forces. The PMOI is listed as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, though it was recently delisted by the British government.

The ambassador restated Iran's "unwavering" support for the Iraqi effort, noting it is in the best interest of the region to ensure Iraq does not fall back into instability.

"Undoubtedly, as any other neighboring countries, Iran stands to highly benefit from stability, security and prosperity in Iraq, as it will immensely suffer from insecurity and instability in that country," he said.