Iran accused of meddling in negotiations

BAGHDAD, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A U.S. official is accusing Iran of trying to interfere with security pact negotiations under way between the United States and Iraq.

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker says Tehran doesn't want the United States and Iraq to arrive at an accord because it opposes the safe and stable development of Iraq, the Iraqi television network al-Sumaria reported Monday.

Crocker added that Iran wants Iraq to remain unstable so it can control the situation there.

"Iraq today is much better than it was 18 months ago," Crocker was quoted by al-Sumaria as saying. "Americans can be positive and hope for the better since Iraq is moving forward in the right direction."

Crocker is negotiating with the Iraqi government on establishing essential principles for the U.S. presence in Iraq.