Iraq’s foreign ministry denounces Iranian remarks on elections as ‘provocative’ interference

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday condemned remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqaei about Iraq’s parliamentary elections, calling them “provocative” and “a clear and rejected interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

“The ministry followed the statements made by the spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the elections in the Republic of Iraq,” the ministry said in a statement. “The ministry expresses its surprise at this statement, which it considers provocative and a clear and rejected interference in Iraq’s internal affairs.”

The ministry said “the electoral process is a purely national matter, subject exclusively to the will of the Iraqi people and its constitutional institutions.”

It stressed that Iraq maintains “balanced relations with its neighbors based on mutual respect for sovereignty and noninterference in internal affairs.” It added that “preserving good neighborly relations requires strict adherence to these principles and avoiding any statements or positions that could harm Iraq’s sovereignty or interfere in its internal matters.”

Baqaei had said that “the Iraqi elections have special importance in determining the destiny of the people of this country, and any foreign interference in this process is condemned and rejected by the Iraqi people, its government, and other responsible states.”

Responding to a question about “U.S. sanctions on Iraqi banks and Shiite institutions and pressure to exclude groups close to Iran from the Iraqi elections,” he said, “U.S. interference is undoubtedly harmful,” adding that “history and experience show that U.S. involvement in different countries has come at the expense of peace and stability there and in the entire region.”

Baqaei expressed hope that “what will happen in Iraq in the next two or three days will be in the interest of the Iraqi people and will strengthen the stability and security of the entire region.” He added, “Iraq is an important country for us, a Muslim neighbor with close ties to Iran, and its security, stability, and prosperity are of special importance to us.”

Commenting on remarks by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein about Baghdad’s desire for good relations with both Washington and Tehran, Baqaei said, “There is no doubt that our great neighbor knows how to manage its relations with other parties. Our relationship with Iraq is very important and friendly, and we are confident that regardless of the election results, this closeness between the two countries will continue.”