Baghdad, June 4 (ANI): Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had expressed 'deep concern about security and economic deterioration' in his country in 2006, saying that the withdrawal of Western forces and Britain's failure to bring order to Basrah could lead to chaos across his country, Wikileaks has revealed.
Al-Maliki expressed his concern to US officials on his return from a visit to Basrah in June 2006.
"Maliki, who several times during the meeting noted his 'deep, deep concern' about the situation in Basrah, cited the long list of urgent problems: violent tribal and political rivalries; totally dysfunctional and compromised police force; mafia-like gangs menacing the city; probable nefarious foreign involvement; and overall collapse of the infrastructure," The Scotsman quoted the cable, as saying.
"In his discussions with Basrah leaders, Maliki said that he had heard complaints about British forces, including allegations that they are assassinating people," he added.
The cable also stated that the Prime Minister told Americans that stability across whole of Iraq is at stake.
"The PM insisted that the people of Basrah are ready for change, and if he loses Basrah he said he fears that other Iraqi cities could also collapse," it said, adding that in a later meeting Maliki "hoped the US/UK Coalition would not withdraw our personnel from Basrah because doing so would be the wrong signal to send to those instigating the violence." (ANI)
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