Kharrazi: Tehran Does Not Interfere in Iraqi Affairs - 2003-04-24

Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, rejected U.S. claims regarding Tehran's interference during Iraq's transitional period towards forming a new government. Kharrazi stated that the Islamic Republic has no role in Iraqi affairs and is not seeking to advance the role of Iraqi Shiites, who make up the majority of the country's population. He made this remark at a joint press conference today with his French counterpart, Dominique de Villepin, who is visiting Tehran. In response to a statement from the U.S. Central Command indicating that its soldiers have begun patrolling near the Iranian border in northeastern Iraq, Kharrazi asserted that Iran will defend its borders. Ari Fleischer, the White House spokesperson, stated yesterday that the United States has made it clear to the Iranian government not to interfere in Iraq's move towards democracy. He was reacting to a New York Times report suggesting that agents of the Islamic Republic have entered southern Iraq to establish good relations with Shiite clerics and promote Tehran's interests. The New York Times, citing intelligence reports, noted that some of these agents are members of the Badr Brigade, the military wing of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, which is based in Tehran and supported by the Iranian government, which trains its members. The White House spokesperson did not confirm the New York Times report but mentioned that anyone from outside Iraq attempting to create a situation they believe is best for the Iraqi people is likely to fail. Kharrazi responded to a question regarding the New York Times report by stating that the Badr Brigade is an Iraqi movement and does not include any Iranians. U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had earlier this week stated that the existence of an Iranian-style Islamic government in Iraq, dominated by conservative Shiite clerics, is incompatible with the democratic principles that Washington hopes the new Iraqi government will adopt.