Iraq to Retain Independence, Insists Iranian President

Iran will never put up with an Iraqi government led by a US general. It will not recognise whatever government with foreign presence - it is up to Iraqis alone to rule their country, President Mohammad Khatami of Iran said to a news conference.

The President called to retain Iraqi independence and sovereignty. The Iraqi nation must itself determine its future destinies. That is essentially important, he pointed out.

An independent Iraqi ruling top, formed in compliance with international legal norms, will promote coalition interests. All Iraqi ethnic and religious entities are entitled to representation on that top, said the President.