Maliki says won't allow attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq amid Iran-US tensions
Iraqi prime ministerial candidate Nouri al-Maliki told AFP on Monday that maintaining a good relationship with the U.S. is essential but that Baghdad's ties with Iran are defined by shared interests.
"I believe that a relationship with the American side is essential for Iraq's progress," Maliki said, adding that he rejects claims his relationship with the U.S. was bad during his first two terms in power from 2006 to 2014.
Maliki, whose close ties to Iran have raised U.S. concern, said Iraq's relations with Iran "rest on the principle that Iraq's sovereignty is respected" and that "shared interests define this relationship".
He told AFP that if he becomes prime minister he would not allow attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq, after the United States threatened strikes on Iran.
"All countries can be assured that we will prevent any violation against their embassies or officially recognized interests in Iraq," Maliki said. "We will not allow any party to target any country that maintains a diplomatic presence -- such as embassies -- in Iraq."
Source: Agence France Presse
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