President Talabani: Iran sends no weapon to Iraq

Press TV, Sat, 17 May 2008

Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has dismissed claims that Iran is sending weapons into his country and called for strong Iran ties.

"Those who make such claims against Iran only express their personal views which don't reflect those of the Iraqi government," he said in interview with the Al-Arabiya TV on Friday.

"I, as the president of Iraq, do not agree with such views," he added.

"Our Iranian brothers are ready for dialogue on any such issues," Talabani said.

"As far as Iranian weapons are concerned it should be mentioned that during Saddam Hussein's rule Iran provided weapons for the Iraqi opposition groups," he added.

Talabani also called for enhanced ties between Iraq and Iran and said that "I strongly believe that the relations between Iran and Iraq in different fields could be further strengthened," IRNA quoted him as saying.

MGH/HAR