Rice dismisses Iranian opposition to US-Iraq pact

[October 24, 2008]  PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico (AP) -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed Iran's attempt to quash a proposed security deal between Iraq and the United States but offered no new assurances Thursday that Iraq will eventually accept U.S. terms.

"I think the Iraqis can defend their interests without the Iranians thank you very much -- that hasn't been the happiest relationship, ever," Rice said during a brief diplomatic visit to Mexico.

Rice repeating U.S. claims that Iran arms Iraqi militants in their campaign of sectarian violence, and brushed off remarks this week from hardline Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that neighboring Iraq can shake off "the influence of foreigners."

"Frankly, I don't take those comments very seriously," Rice said.

The agreement calls for U.S. troops to leave Iraqi cities by the end of June and withdraw from the country by Dec. 31, 2011, unless the government asks them to stay. It would also provide limited Iraqi jurisdiction over U.S. soldiers and contractors accused of major, premeditated crimes committed off post and off duty.

Iraq and Iran fought a devastating eight-year war in the Saddam Hussein era, but the two majority-Shiite nations have a network of close alliances.

Iran, which is close to Shiite parties who dominate Iraq's government, has repeatedly expressed its opposition to any security deal that allows American forces to remain in Iraq.

The Iraqi prime minister, who is a Shiite, fears he could end up politically isolated if he pushes forward with the agreement without solid backing. He has also tried to reassure Iran that an agreement for ongoing U.S. military operations in Iraq does not give the United States a launching pad for any attack on Iran.

Iraq's Cabinet decided Tuesday to ask the U.S. for changes to the draft agreement as key Shiite lawmakers warned the deal stands little chance of approval as it stands. The decision also raised doubts that the agreement can be ratified before a new American president is elected next month.

If the Iraqi Parliament fails to approve the draft before the U.N. mandate expires Dec. 31, there would be no legal basis for the U.S.-led military mission to stay on. This in turn could force hard decisions in Baghdad and Washington on the future of the unpopular war.

"I have not spoken with the negotiators today. I know the work continues within the Iraqi political space," Rice said. "This is a good agreement. It's an agreement that both protects our forces and allows us to continue to support the Iraqis as they consolidate the gains they have made on the security side and it is totally respectful of Iraqi sovereignty."

[Associated Press; By NESTOR IKEDA]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.