Mottaki says US troops responsible for at least half the violence tearing Iraq apart.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFiran mottaki 298 88(photo credit: AP [file])
Iran is so keen on seeing US troops depart Iraq that its foreign minister said Saturday that Teheran was willing to help Washington leave.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said US troops were responsible for at least half the violence tearing apart Iraq and that their departure would pay security dividends for the entire region.
"If the United States changes its attitude the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to help with the withdrawal from Iraq," Mottaki told the International Institute of Strategic Studies conference here. "Fifty percent of the problem of insecurity in Iraq is the presence of foreign troops. If the United States decides to solve this, everyone will take part to help this important decision. This is the only way the political situation can improve."
Pressed on what type of assistance Iran could provide, Mottaki was evasive.
"When they have decided to withdraw from Iraq, then we will explain," Mottaki told reporters after his speech. "We are in a position to help by all means for the stability of Iraq."
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