Monday, July 30, 2007
Security Minister says Iranians involved in violence in Iraq
Region
(Azzaman) - An Iraqi cabinet minister says Iranians are involved in violence in the country by helping insurgents obtain better weapons and training. Shirwan al-Waili, state minister for security affairs, said insurgents were improving their tactics and that their attacks on sensitive targets in Baghdad were hitting their targets with better precision.
Waili was referring to recent attacks on the so-called Green Zone which houses government offices, U.S. administrative quarters as well as embassy. “Militia elements and Iranian experts are pounding the Green Zone on almost daily basis,” he said. Waili is part of the Shiite coalition ruling the country which is alleged to have strong ties with Iran.
Asked about accusations that he himself was closely related to Iraq, Waili said: “I only belong to Iraq.” He said his ministry was praised by U.S. troops recently. However, he expressed disquiet at the newly formed Iraqi Intelligence Organization, saying there were many in the government who were not totally happy with its chief Mohammed al-Shahwani.
He did not elaborate but said the government was not involved in Iraqi intelligence activities as the organization is being financed and administered by the United States. On whether he had received any Iranian demands, Waili said Tehran’s only request has been the closure of camps run by Iranian exiles, Mujahideen Khalq in Iraq.
Waili was referring to recent attacks on the so-called Green Zone which houses government offices, U.S. administrative quarters as well as embassy. “Militia elements and Iranian experts are pounding the Green Zone on almost daily basis,” he said. Waili is part of the Shiite coalition ruling the country which is alleged to have strong ties with Iran.
Asked about accusations that he himself was closely related to Iraq, Waili said: “I only belong to Iraq.” He said his ministry was praised by U.S. troops recently. However, he expressed disquiet at the newly formed Iraqi Intelligence Organization, saying there were many in the government who were not totally happy with its chief Mohammed al-Shahwani.
He did not elaborate but said the government was not involved in Iraqi intelligence activities as the organization is being financed and administered by the United States. On whether he had received any Iranian demands, Waili said Tehran’s only request has been the closure of camps run by Iranian exiles, Mujahideen Khalq in Iraq.
Labels: Green Zone, Iran, Iraqi Intelligence Organization, Mohammed al-Shahwani, Mujahideen Khalq, Shirwan al-Waili
