Iran Deplores Human losses in US-UK air raids on Iraq

Iran deplores human losses in the current waves of US-UK air raids on civilians in Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini on Saturday.

29 March 2008

Tehran-Iran deplores human losses in the current waves of US-UK air raids on civilians in Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini on Saturday.

Fighting has intensified between Iraqi government forces and the militia in Basra and Sadr City after the US and British planes bombed suspected targets where at least 200 civilians were killed and 500 others have been wounded on the fifth day of crackdown Saturday.

Iran calls on Iraqi political parties to end fighting as soon as possible, Hosseini said adding that continued fighting in Iraq only serves the interests of the occupiers.

Hosseini made the remarks in response to a question posed by London based Arab-language daily 'Al-Sharq Al-Awsat'.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that Iraqi nation will suffer a lot from current escalation of fighting in the country and called for its swift halt.

Peace, stability and security in Iraq should be restored through negotiations in the war ravaged country, Hosseini said.

Iraq's problems would be resolved in a friendly and goodwill atmosphere, he said adding that it is advisable to Iraqi people to avoid any conflicts and help restore security in the country and do not give pretexts to occupiers to continue their illegitimate presence in the country.

Hosseini also expressed the hope that the Iraqi government would exercise wisdom, cooperation, mutual understanding, patience, calm and contacts with Iraqi political leaders to overcome the current critical period.