Allawi: No normalization with Israel
Moving to open up to Iraq's fellow Arabs, its interim prime minister on Monday sought to calm Arab suspicions that Baghdad may be breaking ranks and normalizing relations with Israel, saying his country would not do so before other Arabs make the move as part of a Mideast settlement.
Ayad Allawi also denied reports that Israelis are operating in Iraq and said a new passport policy does not mean Iraqis can travel to the Jewish state.
Arab media and individuals have long speculated that the United States invaded Iraq to weaken a state seen as a threat to Israel and to allow Israel to make inroads in the Arab world. Toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had been a vocal opponent of Israel and funded hard-line Palestinian groups.
Further fueling the suspicion about Israeli involvement were recent press reports, mostly in Arab media, that Israel has established a presence in Iraq.
"Future relations with Israel are determined by two issues: international resolutions and a just and comprehensive peace that has been adopted by Arab leaderships, including the Palestinian leadership. Iraq will not take any unilateral action on a settlement with Israel outside those two frameworks," Allawi said.
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