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US unilateralist approach, main source of insecurity in Iraq - FM spokesman

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 18, IRNA – Foreign Ministry Spokesman reacting to US Military commander in Middle East claims said here Wednesday it is US unilateralist approach in Iraq, resorting to militarism and occupation that are main sources of insecurity there.

David Petraus has once again accused Iran of supporting extremist and aggressive groups in Iraq, contributing greatly to insecurity there.

According to IRNA Political Desk, the Information and Media Office of the IRI Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Hassan Qashqavi saying, “Selective approach of the US officials in dealing with terrorism issue and General Pertaus’s dividing of the extremists into good and bad ones is a US-British initiation, which has led to the rise of terrorists in Afghanistan and the region in recent years.”

Regarding the records of US officials’ approach towards the extremist groups, the foreign ministry spokesman reiterated, “The international community has not forgotten that Al-Qaeda was established in Pakistan relying on US financial assistance and so did their supporters, the Taliban in Afghanistan.”

He said that after the US-led invasion and occupation of Afghanistan the cultivation and harvesting of narcotics in regions under the control of the US and British forces there has multiplied several fold, turning that country into the main financial supporter of extremist groups in entire region.

Qashqavi referred to the security problems of the Americans in the region, saying, "US special envoy in Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrook had recently made comments that were quite contrary to Petraus remarks, whose report is both erroneous and unconstructive, and can only be an effort aimed at blaming the others for US mistakes in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added, “Comments made by Mr. Petraus are also in direct contrast with the newly declared approach of President Barrack Obama and his administration, since the Islamic Republic of Iran has been pursuing a constructive policy in Afghanistan ever since the occupation of that country by the former Soviet Union, and afterwards during the two terms of service of the nationalist groups Iran has twice contributed financially to the reconstruction of Afghanistan generously.”

He emphasized, “Mr. Petraus is advised to abandon adopting contradictory stances and to accept the past and present time realities.”

Regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policies in Iraq, Qashqavi said, “Iran supports the legal and elected government of that country and assists that country in restoration of peace and stability there, which are prerequisites for sustainable development, within the framework of internationally approved official relations, which are in direct contrast with fully erroneous remarks of General Petraus.”