Ex-Iraqi MP: Tehran Ordered al-Maliki to Give Hizbullah Members Refuge in Iraq

Iraqi Premier-designate Nuri al-Maliki has received orders from Iran to give the Iraqi nationality to Hizbullah members and protect them against the indictment of the international tribunal, a former Iraqi lawmaker told the Saudi daily al-Watan.

Al-Maliki "received Iranian orders to give the Iraqi nationality to members of the Lebanese Hizbullah after formation of the new cabinet," the former MP said in remarks published on Wednesday.

He told al-Watan that the Hizbullah members could take refuge in an area in the eastern border of Diyala province where Iraqi militia members that are allied with Iran are active.

Tehran also urged al-Maliki to protect the Shiite party members if the Special Tribunal for Lebanon indicts them in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination case.