AMMAN, Jordan, March 13 (UPI) -- Jordan has strongly rejected accusations by Iraqi Shiite leaders that it is interfering in Iraq's affairs and trying to ignite sedition among Iraqis.
Government Spokeswoman Asma Khader told United Press International her country strongly rejects such accusations, adding, "We don't interfere in Iraq's internal affairs and our relations are based on mutual respect and cooperation."
The Iraqi Shiite religious authority, led by Ayatollah Ali Sistani, issued a statement Sunday saying that Iraqi-Jordanian relations are "threatened under Iraqi bloodshed."
It added the religious authority was surprised by the Iraqi interim government of Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's "silence over Jordan's interference in Iraq's internal affairs by instigating violence and hatred among Iraqis...and sending their terrorists to Iraq."
The Shiites referred to Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who is suspected of leading attacks in the country.
Jordan's State Security Court twice sentenced al-Zarqawi to death in absentia for terrorist attacks and he has been a fugitive for several years.
