KSA ambassador: ’We are exposed to threats but Iraq refuses to boost security’

BAGHDAD: Thamer Al-Sabhan, Saudi ambassador to Iraq, said the Iraqi government is not responding to the embassy’s requests to provide its personnel with armored vehicles and other equipment to protect the staff of the diplomatic mission.
Al-Sabhan blamed the delay of more than six months on several political groups with agendas, and said that the threats to the embassy come from Iran, according to intelligence reports.
The ambassador said Iraqi authorities have been requested to take all necessary measures to protect the members of the Saudi diplomatic mission.
He also said that the Saudi Embassy to Iraq took up the issue of photos offensive to Saudi Arabia, and its leaders, that appear on the streets of Baghdad, with the Iraqi government.
“We know who are behind this vicious campaign and their political goals, Al-Sabhan was quoted as saying by local media.
He said that Saudi Arabia does not prevent any Muslim from visiting holy places and performing religious rituals as long as they abide by and respect the law and security procedures.
“The reassuring thing for us is that the overwhelming majority of Iraqis rejects these things, but they are helpless in the face of certain political or military forces,” he added. The envoy denied reports in the Iraqi press claiming that he visited Saudi Daesh prisoners.
He also stressed that any Saudi proved to have participated in terrorist acts must be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the country.
He said the number of Saudis in Iraqi prisons is estimated at about 70. They face various charges.