The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, has criticised the conduct of certain armed groups operating in the country, saying their methods resemble “mafia tactics.” Despite this, he indicated that London remains open to engaging with the Hashd al-Shaabi forces, on the condition that the group operates fully under the authority of Iraq’s official government.
In comments reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, Siddiq also expressed Britain’s willingness to assist Iraq in strengthening control over weapons, drawing on its experience from the Northern Ireland peace process. He stressed that decisions related to war and national security must be handled exclusively by legitimate state institutions.
The ambassador further accused Iran of interfering in Iraq’s internal affairs, describing such actions as “illegal,” and called on the country’s new leadership under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to reinforce national sovereignty.
“Iranians do not respect Iraq’s sovereignty, and we hope that the new government will resolve this problem,” Siddiq said.
Touching on relations between London and Tehran, Siddiq noted that his diplomatic contacts with the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad had diminished during the period of conflict. He also pointed out that the Iranian envoy showed reluctance when the possibility of arranging a meeting between them was raised.
By Tamilla Hasanova
Source: caliber.az
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