Saudi Arabia slams Iran's role in Iraq as 'unacceptable'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 May 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Saudi Arabia slams Iran's role in Iraq as 'unacceptable', 30 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5769018415.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 30, 2016
Saudi Arabia has accused archrival Iran of meddling in Iraq, saying the presence of Iranian military units there is "unacceptable."
"Sedition and division in Iraq are the results of sectarian policies that developed out of Iran's policies in Iraq," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in a joint press briefing with his British counterpart, Philip Hammond, in Jeddah.
"If Iran wants stability in Iraq, it has to stop intervening and withdraw," he said, after accusing Tehran of sending "Shi'ite militias" to the war-torn country.
His comments come as thousands of Iran-backed Shi'ite militiamen surround the Sunni city of Fallujah ahead of an operation to retake it from the Islamic State extremist group.
Iran has said its military advisers in Iraq are there at Baghdad's request to help Iraqi forces fight militants.
It has repeatedly rejected Saudi criticisms of its role in Iraq, instead accusing its regional rival of supporting extremism.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
