Lawmaker demands U.S. apology

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Lawmaker Muhsen al-Saadon on Wednesday demanded the U.S. side submit an official apology to the Iraqi parliamentarians for the accusations made by General Odierno, Commander of the Multi-National Forces (MNF) in Iraq, that Iraqi legislatures received bribes from Iran to curb the Iraqi-U.S. long-term security agreement. “We, as council of representatives, believe that those statements are illogical,” al-Saadon told IraqiNews.com. “The U.S. commander should submit the evidence that supports his claim, if any,” he said. “The U.S. side should submit an apology to the Iraqi Parliament,” he added. “The U.S. commander’s statements are extremely dangerous, if they come through his official position,” he noted. “Those statements are considered an intervention in Iraq’s local issues, and violation to the Iraqi Parliament internal order,” he asserted. Earlier today, the Iraqi government lashed out against charges from the commander of U.S. troops in Iraq that lawmakers are paid bribes by Iran to block the security deal regulating the foreign troops in Iraq. MH (P)/SR 1