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Iraq says poll won't change Iran anti-Arab policy

BAGHDAD: A leading Iraqi newspaper said on Saturday the victory achieved by reformists in Iran's parliamentary election would not change Tehran's expansionist policy against neighbouring Arab states.

"A change in Iran's government from conservatives to reformists does not mean a change in intentions and goals," Babel, newspaper of President Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday, said.

"It is known that Iran was and still is dreaming and planning to rule over the Arabian Gulf region no matter who is in power in Iran," the paper said in a front-page editorial.

The Iranian government had used the elections "as a fake attempt to flirt with the Americans and to improve the image of Iran (in the United States)," Babel said.

Reformers allied with President Mohammad Khatami defeated conservatives in a landslide victory in the on February 18 polls.

Babel said the "language of dialogue and melting ice" was best suited to resolving problems between Iran and Iraq.

Relations are still strained over the release of remaining prisoners of their 1980-88 war, one of the thorniest issues hindering an improvement in ties.

Talks in 1998 led to the exchange of 6,000 prisoners and Tehran also agreed to allow Iranian pilgrims to visit Shi'ite Moslem shrines in Iraq.

Rebels in either country fighting the government of the neighbouring state have also contributed to tensions.

Baghdad accuses Tehran of harbouring Shi'ite dissidents who mount hit-and-run attacks on southern Iraq. Tehran says Baghdad is arming the exiled Mujahideen Khalq organisation and providing it with military camps along their border.

Earlier this month, Iran protested to Iraq for failing to rein in the Mujahideen after the organisation carried out a mortar attack in central Tehran which killed one man and wounded six. Baghdad denied involvement.-Reuters