BAGHDAD (IRNA) – Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi stressed that the provincial elections in Iraq were absolutely a domestic issue that needed the interference of no outsiders as guardians.

He made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IRNA in reaction to the latest statements by the U.S. accusing Iran of interference in Iraq’s internal affairs. In a recent report, the Pentagon has accused Iran of trying to expand its influence in Iraq through working on the potential candidates to run in the elections.
He described the report as “an old story” and said Americans should know that the best way for them to serve the interests of the Iraqi people was to leave them alone and not interfere in their internal affairs.
He said raising false accusations was a wrong but old tactic used by Americans to cover up their strategic failure in Iraq, believing such allegations served the aim of creating an unconstructive atmosphere against Iraqi parties and groups.
He said the Iraqi religious scholars, political leaders and people have in the past six months proved their ability to cope with the harshest situations in safeguarding their interests.
Qomi said as in several occasions before, the Iraqi nation will once again successfully hold the provincial elections as well.
Referring to the growing trend of cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador said he has been holding several meetings with Iraqi officials recently to make operational the items included in over 150 agreements already signed by the two countries.