Iran accuses US of terrorism in Iraq UPDATE

05.04.07, 7:22 AM ET


(Updating with comments from Iranian foreign minister, spokesman)

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Thomson Financial) - Iran has accused the US during an international conference aimed at discussing security cooperation in Iraq of committing terrorist acts in the war-torn country.

'To create a safe haven for those terrorists who try to turn Iraqi territory into a base for attacking Iraq's neighbours should be condemned,' Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki said at the meeting.

A spokesman for the Iranian delegation -- who did not want to be named -- confirmed Mottaki was referring to the US.

'Mottaki was referring to countries which, like the US, carry out acts of terrorism in Iraq,' he said. 'When the US arrests five Iranian diplomats in Iraq, it is an act of terrorism.'

Diplomats from countries around the world have gathered at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh for a two-day conference on Iraq that began yesterday.

Today's agenda is focused on bringing all of Iraq's neighbours together as well as the UN, the US and the EU for talks.



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