Major cleric calls Iraq planned security pact with Washington 'really shameful'

13 June 2008

Tehran-Tehran's substitute Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani called the planned security pact between Baghdad and Washington 'really shameful' and urged the world Muslims to support Iraq culturally and politically.

Addressing thousands of worshipers at Tehran University Campus, Ayatollah Emami Kashani said there are some secret paragraphs in Iraq US planned security pact that gives military power in Iraq to US.

"Based on one of these paragraphs which is very dangerous, US security services would be freely active in Iraq and if they commit a crime in that country, Iraqi judiciary would not be allowed to put them on trial and the Americans should do that," the Ayatollah said.

Addressing the Iraqi nation, Ayatollah Emami Kashani said, "You, the great nation of Iraq, have a big responsibility and you should stand. The great Ayatollah Sistani has announced that he would not let the pact be signed,"

The major cleric said signing such a pact is a disgrace for all Iraqis adding, "If you (Iraqis) accept such a shame and you definitely won't, your children would put you on trial."

The Ayatollah urged all political leaders of Iraq to stand against such a danger and not fear for their lives.

He said the issue is not only limited to Iraq and all Islamic countries and Muslim ulema should support Iraq in this concern.

Referring to (US President) Bush's trip to Europe and his remarks on Iran, the Ayatollah said they strengthen the usurper regime of Israel while the former politicians of the same regime have considered it as a threat to the whole region.