Iran steps in to help end Iraq unrest under “agreement”

By: Hamoud Kufi

BAGHDAD, Iraq: Tehran has dispatched on Wednesday a top foreign ministry official to Iraq for talks with coalition officials, Iraqi politicians and religious figures to help mediate an end to the current unrest, Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi told journalists earlier on Wednesday the United States has sought Iran help in tackling increasingly bitter violence in Iraq and Tehran is now making an effort to mediate in the conflict.

Late Tuesday, informed sources told Abu-Dhabi TV channel that an indirect agreement has been made between Tehran and Washington about controlling Moqtada As-Sadr’s movement in Iraq.

According to the sources, spokesman for Hizbud-Dawah Al-Islamia and member Governing Council Ibrahim Jafari arranged this agreement during his last visit to Tehran and his meeting with Iranian President Khatami and Supreme Leader of the country Ayatullah Ali Khamenei.

Under the agreement, the US will take her allegations back against Iran that it is involved in inciting Moqtada As-Sadr as well as will renounce her decision of expelling Iranian diplomat Hussein Kazemi from Baghdad on the charges that he was an agent of Iran secret service.

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US forces deployed at Najaf outskirts; Ayaat delegation holds talks

HOLY CITY OF NAJAF, Iraq: Backed by tanks and artillery, a 2,500-strong US force pushed on Tuesday to the border of the holy city of Najaf, home to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (p), for a showdown with Moqtada As-Sadr who said he was willing to die in his fight against the US-led occupation.

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Tehran denies hand in sparking Iraq violence

TEHRAN, Iran: Iran’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Kharrazi has severely condemned use of force by the United States against a Shiite group in Iraq referring Moqtada As-Sadr’s militia.

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