(Iraq's) Deputy PM calls on Iran and U.S. to stop making Iraq a competition zone

[sabra]

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/01/29/news/nation/12807150257.txt

AP Interview: Deputy PM calls on Iran and U.S. to stop making Iraq a competition zone

By: KIM GAMEL - Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Iraq's deputy prime minister on Sunday said Iran and the United States were using Iraq as a "zone of conflict and competition" and jeopardizing efforts to stabilize the country.

Barham Saleh, a Kurd who has ties with both Tehran and Washington, accused the two countries of stepping on Iraq's sovereignty as they jockeyed for advantage.

"Iraqi transition is burdened by many elements of interference in our domestic affairs," Saleh said in an interview with The Associated Press.

He urged Iran and the U.S. to resolve their differences, at least where Iraq was concerned.

...

"We are grateful to the United States for the effort on our behalf to overcome tyranny. But at the end of the day we are accountable to our own people, our own constituents who demand of us better security and better services," he said.

[babylonsister]

1. Holy Shit. Can we leave yet? nt

[Benhurst]

2. What's Iran doing meddling in that part of the world?

Don't they realize Iraq falls under BushAmerica's sphere of influence?

[Fridays Child]

3. How dare Iraq meddle in its own affairs! If they're not careful...

...B*sh'll invade them, again.

Oh, wait...um, never mind.

[Kagemusha]

4. Hint to media: Iraq has more than one deputy prime minister.

This Kurd is one. (Edit: Um I'm pretty sure, because it was part of the constitutional discussions, but if I'm wrong, correct and that'll be that, thank you very much..)