Visit to Iran by Iraq's biggest political party declared a success

Apr 15, 2010, 17:04 GMT

Baghdad - Iraqi political party the Iraqiya List conducted 'successful' talks with Iran during a visit to the country, the party said Thursday.

The Iraqiya List, led by former prime minister Ayad Allawi, won the most parliamentary seats in Iraq's March elections. But current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's State of Law coalition is refusing to accept the results.

'The talks were successful and Iran would like the Iraqiya List to play a key role in building bridges with other countries in the region,' Maysoon al-Damlooji, spokesperson for the Iraqiya List said.

The delegation went to Tehran to discuss 'creating a balanced relationship preserving the interests and sovereignty of both countries, without interfering in each other's internal affairs,' she continued.

'The Iraqiya List confirmed that it would not allow Iraq's territory or its airspace to be used to support any attack on Iran,' she said.

This is not the first visit by the Iraqiya List to neighboring Iran. Other Iraqi political parties have also travelled to Tehran over the past month, following the parliamentary elections.

The results of the March 7 poll showed Iraqiya List winning 91 seats in the 325-member parliament.

The party was closely followed by the State of Law coalition, which won 89 seats. The National Iraqi Alliance came third with 70 seats.

Intense political jockeying has followed the results, as both al- Maliki and Allawi claim the right to form the new government.

Al-Maliki's coalition has asked a court to order a manual recount of ballots cast, saying they have proof of fraud.