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Britain accuses Iran of supplying weapons to militants in Iraq

Hasan Suroor

Teheran calls the charge a lie; holds U.K. responsible for causing instability

LONDON: Britain on Thursday sparked a diplomatic row with Iran after it linked Teheran to the recent bomb attacks on British forces in Iraq, claiming that the devices used in the attack were similar to those used by Iran's Revolutionary Guards and allegedly supplied by them to the Hizbollah in Lebanon.

The claim drew a furious response from Iran with its Foreign Ministry spokesman calling it a lie and, in turn, accusing Britain of causing instability in Iraq.

"This is a lie. The British are the cause of instability and crisis in Iraq,'' said Hamid Reza-Asefi on Iranian TV adding: "By drafting such scenarios they are trying to find a partner in their crimes.''

The Iranian embassy in London also refuted the British allegation saying the stability of Iraq was of "paramount importance'' to Iran and it had consistently opposed violence in that country. Prime Minister Tony Blair, speaking at a joint press conference with the visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, warned Iran against interference in Iraq, saying that the British and other foreign troops were there under a United Nations mandate.

"There is no justification for Iran or any other country's interference,'' he said.

Mr Talabani rejected calls for withdrawal of foreign troops from his country saying it would only help the "terrorists''. Echoing Mr Blair, the he said the continued presence of British and American troops was "absolutely vital for us''. It would be a "catastrophe'' to pull them out at this stage. He also opposed demands for a time-table for withdrawal.

Mr Blair told him: "We intend to stay with you as long as you want us.''

Mr Blair said the devices that killed British soldiers were similar to those used by Iran but added that "we cannot be sure of this at the present time''.

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