| SLUG: 2-302533 Iraq Iraq (S-O) | DATE: | NOTE NUMBER: |
DATE=4/24/2003 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=IRAQ/IRAN (S-O) NUMBER=2-302533 BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN DATELINE=BAGHDAD CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: The U-S official handling Iraq's reconstruction is expressing concern about growing Iranian influence in the country. Correspondent Laurie Kassman has more from Baghdad. TEXT: Retired General Jay Garner told a Baghdad news conference he is concerned about reports of growing Iranian influence among Iraq's Shiite Muslim majority. /// GARNER ACT /// I will be candid with you. I do not think that the coalition is going to accept any out-of-this-region influence, or any out-of-this-country influence. /// END ACT /// Mr. Garner says recent anti-U-S demonstrations do not represent the majority view in Iraq. He acknowledges the need for what he calls a spiritual dimension to Iraq's future, but stresses it must be developed within a framework of democracy. Mr. Garner expects government ministries to open some time next week, to get an interim administration up and running as soon as possible. (SIGNED) NEB/LMK/ALW/RAE/TW |
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