Iraq's FM slams Saudi envoy for ‘interference’ in Baghdad affairs

Iraq’s Foreign Minister has denounced Saudi ambassador's remarks about Iran’s role in the Arab country, including its advisory assistance to fight Takfiri terrorists.

FM Ibrahim al-Ja’afari told Iran's IRNA news agency Saturday that Saudi Ambassador Thamer al-Sabhan’s comments represent “flagrant meddling in Iraq's domestic affairs,” and run counter to standard diplomatic duties.

In a Twitter post, Sabhan wrote that Iranian military advisers were in Fallujah to incite sectarian violence and change the demographic composition of the city.

The Saudi ambassador made the remarks after Iraqi troops retook Fallujah from ISIL terrorists on Friday and trained their sights on Mosul, the last Takfiri bastion in the country.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry summoned Sabhan “to inform him of its official protest regarding his divisive statements.” The ministry said Baghdad would not allow anyone to stoke divisions in the country through making sectarian comments.

Ja’afari further pointed to Baghdad’s policy of détente vis-à-vis world countries, adding his country does not seek to cut diplomatic ties with any state.

SS