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Iraq to summon Iranian envoy over 'violation of sovereignty'

'Won't allow Iraq to be an arena of conflict, a corridor to carry out attacks or a base to hurt neighbours'

AFP/REUTERS January 08, 2020

pro iran demonstrators marched unimpeded through baghdad 039 s usually high security green zone and stormed the us embassy photo afp

Pro-Iran demonstrators marched unimpeded through Baghdad's usually high-security Green Zone and stormed the US embassy: PHOTO: AFP

BAGHDAD: Iraq's foreign ministry said on Wednesday it would summon Iran's ambassador over Tehran's ballistic missile attack on bases housing local, US and other international troops, calling it a "violation of Iraqi sovereignty".

“The foreign ministry rejects these attacks and considers them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty,” it said in a statement. “It stresses that Iraq is an independent state and that its internal security is its priority. We will not allow it to become a battlefield.

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“The foreign ministry will summon the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ambassador and convey this to him.

"We will not allow Iraq to be an arena of conflict, a corridor to carry out attacks or a base to hurt neighbouring countries," the ministry said.

The ministry earlier summoned the US ambassador over the American drone strike last week that killed top Iranian and Iraqi commanders and prompted Wednesday's missile strikes.