Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki lashed out at American critics who have called for his removal, saying Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Carl Levin need to "come to their senses."
Maliki, who is fighting to hold his government together, issued a series of stinging comments against a variety of foreign officials who recently have spoken negatively about his leadership. But those directed at Democrats Clinton, of New York, and Levin, of Michigan, were the most cutting.
He told a news conference, "There are American officials who consider Iraq as if it were one of their villages, for example Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin. They should come to their senses."
He added, "Concerning American raids on Shula and Sadr City. There were big mistakes committed in these operations. The terrorist himself should be targeted not his family. When they want to detain one person, they should not kill 10 others. These are mistakes which we have to deal with. We will not allow the detaining of innocent people. Only the criminals should be detained."
Maliki also took a swipe at the governments in Turkey and Iran, both visited by him recently, and challenged their recent artillery bombardments inside Iraq in Kurdish regions, said to be safe havens for Kurdish rebel fighters.
He said, "The bombardments of Iran and Turkey are violations of Iraq's sovereignty. We will not allow these violations, but this must come through the diplomatic channels. We will inform our brothers in Turkey and Iran about that through the foreign ministry."
Have your say
Do you think the US Senators' statements are undermining Al Maliki's government? Is Al Maliki justified in his sentiments? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
Your comments
US senators have the freedom to say anything they like. It is about Nouri Al Maliki proving himself, which can only happen when Mr. Bush wants him to ? otherwise, goodbye Mr. Maliki.
Mir
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 27, 2007, 11:57
Well, somehow he is right. It is easy to make comments without knowing facts. He's right concerning American raids on Shula and Sadr City. There were big mistakes committed in these operations. The terrorist himself should be targeted, not his family. When they want to detain one person, they should not kill 10 others.
Moulana
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 27, 2007, 08:01
Iraq government needs to come around. We've provided an opportunity for freedom. They need to step up.
Vacer
Atlanta,USA
Posted: August 27, 2007, 03:47
Al Maliki or the rest of his colleagues for that matter should never forget that they are where they are by the grace of George Bush, the Emperor of the Universe. Period. Leave alone their own creation, the USA has the experience of removing any leader of a country in the world, democratically elected or not. So Al Maliki, my friend, I suspect that your time is up.
Debessay
Alexandria,USA
Posted: August 27, 2007, 02:07
