Iran weighs in on SOFA

TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Tehran on Monday expressed full support for the sovereignty of Iraq and its territorial integrity as Iraqi lawmakers vet the security agreement with Washington.

Iraqi lawmakers Monday weighed in on the negotiated Status of Forces Agreement, a bilateral pact set to replace the expiring U.N. mandate for Iraq. Despite positive statements from U.S. officials, several Iraqi leaders expressed doubt over its movement through Parliament.

A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Hassan Qashqavi, said Tehran is a steadfast supporter of the democratic process in Iraq and respects its complete independence as a free nation, the Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

Thousands of supporters of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr thronged the streets of Baghdad during the weekend in opposition to the measure. Other religious leaders, including the revered Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, have said the issue is a matter for the people of Iraq to decide.

For its part, Tehran noted several Iraqi lawmakers have expressed their displeasure with the agreement but added it would respect the decision of the Iraqi people and its religious leaders.