Untitled - orsam

any agreements. For instance, we have signed a strategic alliance with Turkey but we do
not have such an agreement with Iran. Nevertheless, there is a clamor about Iranian
influence (in Iraq). Moreover, the Iranian Kurdish opposition is present in Iraq. If you
come to Al-Sulaymaniyah you can visit their headquarters: The Kurdish Democratic Party
of Iran, Komeleh [The Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran], the
Iranian Communist Party, and others. The Iranians are not happy with this situation. We
want good relations of neighborliness and equality with Iran; we do not want relations of
submissive ness. We believe that our relations are between two equals. We have
problems with Iran but we want to solve them through negotiations and dialogue.
[Asharq Al Awsat] A number of Iraqi politicians have a different opinion about the
relationship with Iran. For instance, describing this relationship two days ago, Saleh al-
Mutlaq said that Tehran "sets the rules of the political game" in Baghdad. Are these
fantasies?
[Talabani] Yes, these are fantasies and an erroneous description of the nature of the
relationship with Tehran. The Al-Iraqiya and its opponents are exchanging accusations
but I do not believe that these accusations are correct. We have to be objective. We have
to look at the facts and describe them as they are. For instance, Iran opposed the
agreements that we signed with the United States (pertaining to the withdrawal of the
US forces) and urged the Iraqis to reject them. However, these agreements were ratified
in the Iraqi parliament. The prime minister appeared on television calling for their
ratification and they were ratified unanimously. Therefore, accusing Iraq of
submissiveness to Iran is an unjust charge. Furthermore, Iran believes and its
propaganda insists on calling the United States the Great Satan. But we consider the
United States as a friend and an ally. We want best relations with it and we have signed
agreements with it. Therefore, we are on a totally different course with Iran regarding
the United States. The question is: Are we in a relationship of submissiveness with Iran?
No, we reject submissiveness to any state.
Sayfa 23