Problems with Syria, Iran should not be aired publicly: Allawi

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said he would use all available means to defend Iraqis against neighboring states harboring "terrorists," but appeared to rebuke his defense minister who has repeatedly slammed Syria and Iran.

"The interim Iraqi government is entrusted with ensuring the security of Iraqi citizens with all available means -- be they diplomatic, political or otherwise -- and we will not hesitate to use them," he told the Dubai-based daily Al-Bayan on Saturday.

"Some neighboring countries host terrorist elements who make plans to undermine Iraqi national security from inside these countries," Allawi said.

But asked about Defense Minister Hazem al-Shaalan's "fiery" remarks about Syria and Iran, which he has repeatedly blamed for violence by anti-US insurgents in Iraq, Allawi said differences within the government were not about substance but about "ways of dealing" with the issue.

"In my judgement, that should be through diplomatic channels, not in a media auction that does not help resolve any problem with this or that country," he said. more

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