Iraqi minister regrets US intervention in his country's affairs

Iraqi Trade Minister Muhammad Mahdi Saleh has expressed his country's strong denunciation and regret over the US intervention in its internal affairs.

In a statement to Monte Carlo radio on Tuesday the Iraqi minister asserted that the US project aimed at toppling the Iraqi government is viewed as a violation of international law, democratic principles and human rights.

He added that the Iraqi people "werre not and will not be subjected to any foreigner," stating the US and Britain provide the Iraqi opposition with weapons and supplies to be used against "the Iraqi people and to perpetuate the siege imposed on Iraq."

Saleh praised the French position which rejects any project aimed at toppling the Iraqi system. He added that this French stand is legal and inspired by international law and UN resolutions.

In earlier statement, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine said that France refuses to participate in any project aimed at toppling the current Iraqi government.