Iraqi Ambassador Slams al-Akhbar Daily’s Alleged Meddling in Iraq’s Affairs

Iraq’s ambassador Omar Barazanji on Tuesday expressed frustration over reports in al-Akhbar newspaper which he described as interference in the country’s internal affairs and incitement against violence.

Barazanji accused the daily of publishing information that increase tension in Iraq.

“It is illegal and unethical to publish” such information, the ambassador said after holding talks with caretaker PM Saad Hariri. “Today Iraq is a democratic country and not a dictatorship.”

The Iraqi embassy asked the newspaper to publish a reply but it refused, he said.

“We won’t accept any incitement against violence in Iraq,” Barazanji added.

The ambassador insisted that whoever respects Iraq and its citizens would neither interfere in its affairs nor incite against violence. “We hope that this issue would be solved.”