Iraq asks Saudi Arabia to replace envoy

Iraq asked Saudi Arabia Sunday to replace its ambassador in Baghdad after his comments about Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs and the alleged persecution of Sunnis angered local Shiites politicians and militia leaders.

Mr Al Sabhan’s appointment in December was seen as heralding closer cooperation in the fight against ISIL militants who control territory in Iraq and Syria and have claimed bombings in Saudi Arabia.

A picture released by the official website of the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari on January 14, 2016 shows him (R) meeting with the Saudi ambassador to Iraqi Thamer al-Sabhan in the capital Baghdad.

Jamal said Sabhan’s comments were untrue and harm relations between the two countries.

“The policy of the Saudi Arabia Kingdom is clear and explicit to Iraq and will not change by the individuals”, Sabhan said.

According to Jamal, Sabhan’s information about assassination plot was “inaccurate allegations, and such claims are only meant to damage relations between Baghdad and Riyadh”.

Previously, media reports said that Sabhan, 49, spoke on his Twitter account about a “terrorist plot” to assassinate him by powerful Shiite militia, led by Aws al-Khafaji, which is part of the government-backed Hashd Shaabi, or Popular Mobilization units. “We clearly stated that we do not want al-Sabhan in Iraq.” he said, before adding that if he were assassinated, “it will be an honor and will be proudly admitted”.

Jamal went on say that all diplomatic missions and embassies in Baghdad are being adequately protected by Iraqi security personnel under the Baghdad Operations Command.

Al-Sabhan was also quoted by the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya news channel saying “sectarian radical groups” are behind the threats. “We have a very amicable relationship with Iraqi politicians that the media does not capture”.