Iraq Dismisses PGCC Communiqué

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iraq’s visiting Minister of State for National Security Shirwan al-Waili here on Wednesday dismissed a recent statement released by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) about Iran’s intervention in Iraq’s internal affairs.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his meeting with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Secretary Ali Larijani, al-Waili said, “We do not accept such ideas about Iran.”

Asked if during his meetings with the Iranian officials, the two sides have come to find a specific model for security cooperation in Iraq and if Iran is due to participate in Baghdad Security Plan, the minister stressed, “Iran plays a very significant role in the establishment of security in the region and in the neighboring countries.”

“Iran participates in this plan, specially in providing security along the two countries’ joint borders, and this is an issue strongly demanded by the regional countries as well,” he continued.

Also describing Iran as a significant power in the region, al-Waili stressed his country’s cordial ties with Iran.