Iran consulate blockade in Iraq denied
Iraq-Iran, Politics, 5/1/2007

An official at Iran's embassy in Baghdad denied speculation on Iran consulate blockade in the holy city of Karbala.

The official said that a group of angry Iraqis attacked the governor-general's office in Karbala Saturday evening after the deadly explosion which killed over 70 people.

A parked car exploded near the Imam Hussein (AS) holy shrine in Karbala killing at least 70 people and injuring over 100 others.

The angry protesters vented anger at poor performance of Iraqi security forces to maintain security of the holy city, about 100 km southwest of the capital Baghdad, said the official.

He added that the protesters later left the scene upon request from the governor-general's officials.

However, while withdrawing the scene, the protesters threw stones at the police forces.

A number of the protesters scuffled with police while they were leaving the area, said the official.

He added that while approaching building of Iran's consulate, a small number of the protesters attacked the Iraqi guards who were watching over the building.

The protesters threw stones at the guards and then left the scene, he said.

He added that the Iraqi security forces were presently positioned in Karbala and have blocked the city's gates.

Previous Stories:
  Two car bombs near Iran embassy in Iraq kill one person   (4/23/2007)
  Larijani: US accusations against Iran described as a 'joke'   (4/23/2007)
  Blast in Iraq's parliament condemned by Iran   (4/16/2007)

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