Iraq isn't place for others to settle scores - FM Al-Hakim

BAGHDAD, Aug 23 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammad Al-Hakim said Friday his country was not a place for conflicts or to settle scores, and his government would take diplomatic and legal actions to prevent foreign interference.
Al-Hakim, during a meeting with US Deputy Ambassador Brian McFeeters in Baghdad, affirmed Iraq's commitment to good relations with its neighbors in a way that preserve security of Iraq and the region.
"Iraq is not a place for conflict but for construction and development," Al-Hakim was quoted by a foreign ministry statement as saying.
He urged the US to abide by the strategic partnership agreement with Iraq, particularly the security and economic aspects.
"Iraq and its government will adopt diplomatic and legal action to prevent foreign interference in its affairs, and to preserve security and sovereignty of Iraq and its people," he said.
Al-Hakim's meeting with McFeeters took place few days after a leader in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) held the US responsible for the bombarding of a PFM weapons' depot. However, PMF chief Faleh Al-Fayyadh said these accusations did not reflect the official view of the forces. (end) ahh.bs