Iran, Iraq sign agreements

Source: CCTV.com

09-14-2006 14:07

Iran and Iraq have signed some historic security and economic agreements that point to a gradual warming in their relationship. On his first visit to Iran since taking office, Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, met with Iran's Supreme Leader - who promised to support al-Maliki's government. Nathan Mauger has more.

As al-Maliki met with Iranian leaders for a second day, there was no public mention of the issue of Iranian interference in Iraq.

Instead, the Iraqi Prime Minister and his Iranian hosts expressed their growing friendship.

Nourial-Malki said, "Our policy is based on three principles. First, mutual respect of our common interests. Secondly, not interfering in each other's internal affairs, and finally, solving the remaining problems from the Saddam Hussein regime that have harmed our relations with our neighbors. We're trying to remove these troubles."

The Iranian officials also indicated that the way to end instability in Iraq was for American forces to withdraw.

In Baghdad, a government spokesman said al-Maliki was underlining that Iraq seeks friendship with Iran but doesn't want any interference in its internal affairs.

The spokesman suggested that funding for certain groups in Iraq was coming from Iran. However, he didn't identify from whom, and to whom, the money was flowing.

Editor:Sun Luying