Iraqi premier accuses neighbors of meddling to influence election outcome

Iraqi premier accuses neighbors of meddling

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi prime minister says neighboring states are meddling in his country’s internal affairs in efforts to influence domestic politics after March 7 elections produced no clear winner.

Nouri al-Maliki told a government committee meeting on Monday that he was upset to hear representatives of neighboring states talking on television as if they were Iraq’s “guardians.”

He says other countries should not interfere in Iraqi affairs.

The election left al-Maliki’s coalition trailing former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s alliance by two seats. Neither side won enough to govern alone and has been scrambling to cobble together a coalition.

Both coalitions, as well as other parties, have been rallying neighboring countries for support.