U.S. commander’s statements interference in internal affairs – Parliament

Iraq-Parliament BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Parliament on Thursday considered statements made by Commander of U.S. forces in Iraq General Ray Odierno, who accused some lawmakers of getting bribes from Iran, as an interference in Iraq’s internal affairs. “Parliament expressed concern and condemnation over the statements made by General Ray Odierno in which he accused some Iraqi lawmakers of receiving bribes from Iran to undermine the bilateral security agreement between Iraq and U.S., considering such accusations as interference in Iraq’s affairs and a violation of diplomatic mores,” the parliament said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com. The commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq had said the United States believes Iranian agents have attempted to bribe Iraqi lawmakers. General Ray Odierno said Iran is trying to undermine a bilateral agreement that would allow U.S. troops to remain in Iraq after the end of this year, when the United Nations’ mandate ends. Odierno noted that the U.S. has no definitive proof of the bribes. But he said many U.S. intelligence reports suggest Iranians are “coming in to pay off people to vote against it.” There was no immediate reaction from Tehran. Last week, Iraq’s foreign minister said the United States and Iraq are very close to finalizing a deal. The two sides have been divided over granting U.S. servicemen and women immunity for any crimes committed in Iraq. SH (S)/SR 1