Iraqi PM Warns Neighbors on Insurgency

[Barrett808]

Iraqi PM Warns Neighbors on Insurgency
BASSEM MROUE
Associated Press
Posted on Fri, Dec. 31, 2004

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Prime Minister Ayad Allawi made an unusually strong warning to Iraq's neighbors to crack down on insurgents infiltrating from their territory, saying Friday that Iraq's patience was wearing thin. Al-Qaida, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for a bold attack on U.S. troops.

Iraqi officials have repeatedly accused Syria and Iran of supporting the insurgents waging a campaign of violence against American forces and Allawi's U.S.-backed government. Both countries have denied helping militants or allowing them to cross their borders into Iraq.

But Allawi's comments to Baghdad's Al-Iraqiya television were among his toughest yet. "Some countries are hosting people who are involved in harming the Iraqi people," he said, without naming any nations. "Harming Iraq and its people is not allowed."

He said his government had contacted the countries and was waiting for their reply. "According to the answers we will decide what the next step will be," he said.

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