The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/aponline/20010407/aponline101140_000.ht m Iraqi Opposition Would Work With US By Ali Akbar Dareini Associated Press Writer Saturday, April 7, 2001; 10:11 a.m. EDT TEHRAN, Iran -- An influential Iraqi opposition group previously opposed to cooperation with the United States said Saturday it would now welcome U.S. efforts to help oust President Saddam Hussein. Mohammad Hadi of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq said his Iranian-based group was now "more realistic" and would be ready for direct talks with Washington. "We are ready to talk with anybody in our efforts to get rid of Saddam, including the United States," Hadi told The Associated Press. "American pressure on Saddam not to use heavy weapons against our civilian population would encourage us to enter into a direct dialogue." The group, which is supported by Iran, had refused in the past to commit itself to any U.S.-supported plan to oust the Iraqi leader, accusing Washington of not being serious about overthrowing Saddam. Hadi said he thought the White House had not changed its position toward Iraq since President Bush took office. But he said his movement was changing its stance on cooperating with Washington. "Our basic need today is to see Saddam toppled and to protect the interests and lives of our Iraqi people," said Hadi, who is close to the group's leader, Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim. The U.S. Congress has allocated $97 million in aid for Iraqi dissidents, though Hadi said his group has "never received financial assistance from the United States." The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq has a big following among Shiite Muslims, who form the majority of Iraqi people. Baghdad government forces crushed a Shiite rebellion in southern Iraq soon after the 1991 Gulf War. However, Shiite dissent continues to simmer in the south. © Copyright 2001 The Associated Press -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a discussion list run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq For removal from list, email soc-casi-discuss-request@lists.cam.ac.uk Full details of CASI's various lists can be found on the CASI website: http://www.casi.org.uk