Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is to visit Iran for talks aimed at improving relations between Iraq says al-Qaida leader captured in Mosul ...
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It is believed Mr Maliki will raise the allegations of Iranian support for violent Shia militias in Iraq.

Also on his agenda is the Iraqi's ongoing negotiations with the US over their future, long-term relationship.

Government sources say Iraqi security officials with the delegation will be showing the Iranians evidence of their alleged support for the militias.

Secret backing

Shia militias in Iraq, and especially the Mehdi Army, fought bitter battles in both Baghdad and Basra with government and American forces between March and May.

Iran has always denied any involvement, but officials say Mr Maliki will once again urge Tehran to support the Baghdad government and stop secretly backing militias which are undermining it.

Iran has made no secret of its opposition to the current negotiations going on between Iraq and the United States which are aimed at regulating the presence of US forces in the country after their UN mandate expires at the end of 2008.

The US-Iraqi talks have run into problems over issues which touch on Iraqi sovereignty.

Some Iraqi leaders believe there is also an Iranian-backed campaign to undermine those negotiations.

Mr Maliki will be seeking to assure the Iranians that any agreement that finally emerges will not represent a threat to Iran, but will be aimed at entrenching Iraqi security.

(BBC)

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