A senior Iraqi official on Monday directly accused Iran of training, financing and supplying Al-Qaeda elements led by Osama Bin Laden in preparation for their launching terrorist attacks in his country. In a 30-minute telephone interview with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Dr. Tariq Al-Hashmi, Iraq's Vice President, said Iraqi and American reports and information from some Iraqi provinces all confirmed that Tehran is training and providing logistics to terrorist groups inside Iran. Al- Hashmi, who appealed to the Iranians to play a positive role in his country, expressed regret over what he called Iran's conspicuous intervention in Iraq. He said Iran is not concealing its interference, despite all the efforts to convince Iran to help Iraq stability. “We don't claim that Iraq is isolated from the world,” he said. “It affects and is affected by our neighboring countries.” Al-Hashmi also criticized Iran's support of a political party in Iraq and said his country should be left alone, without pressure, to resolve its differences. “Generally speaking, we are not happy with the Iranian role,” he said. Al-Hashmi said some “evil” factions are weakening his country and spreading sedition and discord. Al-Hashmi said he briefed King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on the reality of the situation in Iraq, the causes of its ongoing political crisis and the difficulties in forming a new government. “King Abdullah has expressed his concern and worries about this matter,” Al-Hashimi said. Al-Hashmi addressed King Abdullah's vision relating to the political situation in Iraq, particularly the ongoing heated debates about forming a new government. He said King Abdullah has always stressed the importance of Iraq's unity, safety and stability. He said the Kingdom is strongly standing by Iraq and its people and emphasized that the Kingdom looks forward to see an end to the political crisis and hopes all Iraqi citizens are represented in the government. The Kingdom hopes the political situation in Iraq will stabilize and all Iraqi people participate in running the affairs of their country according to the constitution, which ensures equality for all citizens, Al
