Iranian Ambassador to Iraq Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadegh said on Friday that the armed Iraqi factions that proposed limiting the possession of arms to the state have reached a point where they can take decisions by themselves, denying that they are Tehran’s “proxies.”
Speaking to Dijlah television, he added that describing those factions as “proxies” insults them. Moreover, the fact that Iran supported them during the war on ISIS does not mean that they are working on its behalf.
A heated debated is raging in Iraq over the future of the armed forces and their arsenal amid internal and foreign pressure to impose state monopoly over weapons, especially as pro-Iran factions have been gaining influence.
Commenting on the Iraqi parliamentary elections that took place in November, the ambassador said the rise in seats held by the factions is the “choice of the people.”
On who should be appointed prime minister, Al-e Sadegh stressed that the choice to rename Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to the post is a “purely” Iraqi decision.
He added, however, that Tehran backs the formation of a government that is based on “partnership, consensus and balance,” hoping that the new PM will “take into consideration” Iraq and Iran’s interests.
Al-e Sadegh slammed the role of the United States in Iraq, saying American jets “are spying on Iran from Iraqi skies.” He also described as “unjustified” Washington’s appointment of a special envoy to Iraq.
The ambassador underscored the strength of relations between Baghdad and Tehran, saying he can never imagine that they could be severed.
Some 35 percent of Iraqis live in areas bordering Iran, so people from both countries enjoy deep social and tribal ties, he explained.
