VIDEO: Former US Ambassador: 'Iraqis want independence from Iran'
A former United States Ambassador to Iraq said the Iraqi government and people would gain international support if they did not abide by Iran’s desire to influence them.
WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – A former United States Ambassador to Iraq said the Iraqi government and people would gain international support if they did not abide by Iran’s desire to influence them.
James F. Jeffrey, the former US Ambassador to Iraq and Turkey, spoke to Kurdistan24 about the influence of Iran in Iraq.
Jeffrey said he was “worried” about the role Iran plays within the Iraqi government.
“I’m very worried about that. I think that however, Iraq and Iraqi people have a desire to be independent of Iran” Jeffrey stated.
He added independence would increase support and respect for Iraqis in the international community.
Moreover, he said Turkey had interests in the Kurdistan Region and maintains its relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The former US Ambassador emphasized that Turkey is part of the anti-Islamic State coalition and is important to Washington.
“Turkey has ties to some of the Turkmen and Sunni Arab elements in Mosul,” he explained.
Jeffrey pointed out that Turkey’s interests in the Kurdistan Region do not contradict that of Washington or Baghdad.
“Turkey’s interests and desires are taken into full consideration by Washington,” he concluded.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany
(Abbas Zangana in Washington, DC conducted the interview)