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Rafsanjani refutes charges of Iran`s interference in Iraq

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Nov 9, IRNA -- Head of Expediency Council (EC) Akbar Hashemi- 
Rafsanjani said here Tuesday that Iran is not interfering in Iraqi 
internal Affairs. 
Speaking after visiting the Palestinians injured in Intifada 
under treatment in a Tehran hospital, he told reporters "the claims 
that Iran is interfering in Iraq is a lie." 
Iran is interested in a peaceful and stable Iraq. If the upcoming 
election in the country is held in a healthy and conducive 
atmosphere, then occupiers and the remnants of Bathist regime will not
garner a place in Iraq`s future, the head of EC said. 
"Occupiers do not want to see the Iraqi nations to have 
tranquility and stability." 
On the issue of Iran peaceful nuclear program, he added "we 
should have patience and fortitude to pass through the tough times." 
Iran is resolved to safeguard its national interests and will not 
relent on this issue. "Those who are spreading false rumors are wrong 
and hopefully Americans and Europeans will wise up." 
On the West`s double standards on Iran`s nuclear program, he added
"Israel is a multipurpose base for the West and US in the region and 
Iran refuse to bow down to their whims." 
Rafsanjani characterized the Iran, EU trio -France, Britain and 
Germany discussions on Iran`s nuclear activities as difficult saying 
that in meetings conducted so far there have been progress. 
On prospects for running for president in the next year`s 
elections he said "I prefer for others to come forward." 
Regarding the situation in the occupied territories after Yasser 
Arafat, he said "Arafat needs our prayers to get healthy and return to
Palestine, but, if the destiny is such that he does not return, then 
there are other worthy Palestinian figures who can lead the people to 
restore their quashed aspirations." 
Iran and Iraq are patching up relations, soured following 
disappearance of several Iranians in the war-torn country and 
anti-Iran statements of few Iraqi officials. 
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh visited Iran in August 
following Vice President Ibrahim al-Jafari`s surprise visit to Tehran 
to prepare for Prime Minister Iyad Allawi`s trip to the Islamic 
Republic. 
The visits were hoped to give added momentum to the two countries`
bid to mend fences after a period of bitter recrimination in the wake 
of a few Iraqi officials` accusations and disappearance of several 
Iranians in Iraq. 
Allawi has welcomed the invitation to visit Tehran, stressing, "We
want establishment of good relations with neighboring countries, 
especially Iran." 
The Iraqi prime minister has been in pains to clarify Defense 
Minister Hazem al-Shalaan`s statements, accusing Iran of interference 
in Iraq`s domestic affairs. 
The Iraqi prime minister has stressed that `the complaint` had 
only been made against `unofficial figures` in Iran and that Shalaan`s
anti-Iranian statements had been misconstrued. 
Tehran, on its part, has played down the minister`s remarks, 
saying they do not reflect Baghdad`s official stance on Iran. 
Iranian officials have welcomed Allawi`s visit, saying it is a 
`positive step` in bilateral ties between the two countries. 
Calling security between the two countries as `intertwined`, 
Iranian officials have pledged to `frankly` discuss their issues of 
concern and `prepare grounds for establishment of sustainable and 
strong ties`. 
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