US urges Gulf states to support Iraq, counter Iran
Khaleej Times - 24 June, 2009
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Gulf states
needed to lend support to Iraq in the face of efforts by Iran to
'destabilize' the Baghdad government.
‘The embrace of Iraq by its fellow Gulf states will help contain the
ambitions of Iran,’ Gates told a gathering of defense chiefs from Gulf
states.
He accused Iran of helping groups attacking Iraqi government targets as
part of a broad campaign to influence the direction of its western
neighbor.
‘Iran trains and supplies groups trying to destabilize the elected
Iraqi government — more often than not through violence and attacks on
Iraqi security forces, government installations and officials,’ he
said.
He said the United States was ready to help Gulf states counter
possible threats from Iran but he said it was crucial for regional
governments to engage with Iraq.
‘As I have said before, the Iraqi people want to be your partners,’ he told the military officers.
‘Given the challenges in the Gulf, and the reality of Iran, you should wish to be theirs.’
The defense secretary acknowledged lingering bitterness among Arab
states over the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, but said it was in the
interest of regional powers to support the Baghdad government.
‘I am aware that, in international affairs, old wounds do not heal easily,’ Gates said.
‘However, if we look closely at Iraq’s economic and political
potential, it is clearly in the Gulf nations’ strategic interest to
support the new government and the people of Iraq.’
Gulf governments should consider allowing Iraq to join regional
organizations, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, and help Baghdad
by sharing intelligence and improving border control efforts, Gates
said.
He said that while Washington has tried to open a dialogue with
Teheran, it also was working to protect the security interests of
allies in the region and stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
‘Where necessary, we will take action by conducting counter-terrorism
operations; and sharing intelligence for the interdiction of illegal
shipments of weapons or materiel,’ he said.
The conference of chiefs of defense included representatives from 11 countries, including Iraq.
Referring to the turmoil on the streets of Teheran, Gates said the
dispute over the presidential election results should be settled
‘within Iran.’
‘Like you, we have watched the aftermath of the Iranian election with interest and concern,’ Gates said.
‘While this is an issue that should be decided within Iran by the
Iranian people, we firmly believe that the Iranian people deserve to
have their voices heard free from violence and intimidation.’
http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index....pe=Top&lang=en&
Khaleej Times - 24 June, 2009
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Gulf states
needed to lend support to Iraq in the face of efforts by Iran to
'destabilize' the Baghdad government.
‘The embrace of Iraq by its fellow Gulf states will help contain the
ambitions of Iran,’ Gates told a gathering of defense chiefs from Gulf
states.
He accused Iran of helping groups attacking Iraqi government targets as
part of a broad campaign to influence the direction of its western
neighbor.
‘Iran trains and supplies groups trying to destabilize the elected
Iraqi government — more often than not through violence and attacks on
Iraqi security forces, government installations and officials,’ he
said.
He said the United States was ready to help Gulf states counter
possible threats from Iran but he said it was crucial for regional
governments to engage with Iraq.
‘As I have said before, the Iraqi people want to be your partners,’ he told the military officers.
‘Given the challenges in the Gulf, and the reality of Iran, you should wish to be theirs.’
The defense secretary acknowledged lingering bitterness among Arab
states over the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, but said it was in the
interest of regional powers to support the Baghdad government.
‘I am aware that, in international affairs, old wounds do not heal easily,’ Gates said.
‘However, if we look closely at Iraq’s economic and political
potential, it is clearly in the Gulf nations’ strategic interest to
support the new government and the people of Iraq.’
Gulf governments should consider allowing Iraq to join regional
organizations, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, and help Baghdad
by sharing intelligence and improving border control efforts, Gates
said.
He said that while Washington has tried to open a dialogue with
Teheran, it also was working to protect the security interests of
allies in the region and stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
‘Where necessary, we will take action by conducting counter-terrorism
operations; and sharing intelligence for the interdiction of illegal
shipments of weapons or materiel,’ he said.
The conference of chiefs of defense included representatives from 11 countries, including Iraq.
Referring to the turmoil on the streets of Teheran, Gates said the
dispute over the presidential election results should be settled
‘within Iran.’
‘Like you, we have watched the aftermath of the Iranian election with interest and concern,’ Gates said.
‘While this is an issue that should be decided within Iran by the
Iranian people, we firmly believe that the Iranian people deserve to
have their voices heard free from violence and intimidation.’
http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index....pe=Top&lang=en&