Obama did not ask to delay security agreement, Iraqi FM says
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/12/art.obamaphi.gi.jpg caption="The Iraqi foreign minister weighed in Sunday on a stateside campaign trail controversy."]BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama did not urge Iraqi officials to delay a decision on a security agreement with the United States, Iraq's foreign minister told CNN on Sunday.
The statement by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari refutes a recent published report and a statement by Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin that Obama tried to influence Iraqi politicians negotiating with the United States to score political points.
Fact Check: What did Obama tell the Iraqis?
Obama "never, ever discouraged us not to sign the agreement," Zebari said. "I think this was misrepresented, and I have clarified this case in a number of interviews back in the United States recently."
The Washington Times reported Friday that in June, Obama told Iraqi leaders in Baghdad that an agreement between the United States and the leaders to allow U.S. troops to stay in the country after 2008 should not go into effect unless it had congressional approval.
The newspaper quoted Samir Sumaidaie, the Iraqi ambassador to the United States, about a June 16 telephone conversation between Zebari and Obama.
But the article did not contain a comment from Zebari.
The campaign of Obama's Republican rival, Sen. John McCain, argued that Obama's call interfered with U.S. efforts to reach a "status of forces agreement" with the Iraqi government. The United States and Iraq have yet to announce an agreement despite numerous reports that one was near.
During a Friday fund-raiser in Madeira, Ohio, Palin said Obama tried to influence the negotiations "in a way that would set back America's cause there, while advancing his campaign here."
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ANOTHER example of Sarah lying! What kind of status will the USA have with committed lairs like John and Sarah in office?
How many more lies doe this woman have to tell?? Sarah Palin brings shame to women who have put their sincere efforts in advancing the cause and stature of women.
Another Palin Lie exposed. No wonder they Bood her in Philly. This woman has no credibility left.
who knows what is the real truth.
What republicans were lying about Obama's record? Like they do every time they open their mouth. Its all they got to run on now adays.
Again, why is this news?! Of course Obama did not ask to delay anything. This is just another lie in a host of lies being spread by the McCain camp.
As the old expression goes: if McCain's or Palin's lips are moving, they're lying.
Yeah, and this will TOTALLY stop Sarah "Campaign to Nowhere" Palin from repeating. That woman has met a lie she doesn't like yet.
I wan under the impression that in this country we are not to make unfounded allegations against someone. Many people have been know to be sued for this behavior.
We have come to expect this behavior from the airhead, because, well, she's an airhead.
However, the Washington Post needs to be held accountable.
Just my opinion.
Sarah's lying again? Eh, what else is new.
There she goes again, lie, lie, lie.....
Alas, just another lie in the slimy long line of them from the McCain / Palin ticket. They are truly pathetic.
Bush..er..I mean Palin's lying again? Eh, what else is new.
Sarah Palin needs to keep her mouth closed and listen for a change. She is no diplomat, and is so unqualified to be in a leadership position, that it is frightening. Go back to Alaska, Sarah, and clean out from under your own doorstep before trying to do it to others.
Well, there goes another 'conspiracy' theory inspired by the hate filled Neo-con Stalin youth, aka GOP.
But, Palin was still guilty, ironic eh? how does a ticket with two convicted criminals get elected? It's either because we have stupid people or racist people...there is no other answer.
The records stand for themselves. McCain did, FACT, commit treason as a POW. This pathetic notion that the right wing morons at the rallies cling to about Obama are hypocritical in light of the fact that they are supporting a known TRAITOR of the USA.
Go figure....I think that leads me to believe it's racist, because nobody would be stupid enough to believe that McCain was a good man.
Obama/Biden '08. Because I want a leader that has never committed treason against my country.
there we go again.. once again.. the pit-bull with a lipstick is caught lieing. I don't know how many times I am going to say shame, shame shame Sarah Palin!!!!!... Keep lieing and it will always be brought to light.
Maybe we should be asking who is Sarah Palin?
These lies are only a pattern of how McCain would run his administration. They have no problem lying to the American people.
Trust and Honor are two words that can be found on the bathroom toilet tissue in the McCain campaign.
Would the Repugnicans Lie? Whoa... that's news to me. I feel so.... let down.
Palin will never admit she was incorrect in making such an inflammatory statement. Even after she was found to have abused her position as governor, she has been characterizing the report as completely vindicating her from any wrongdoing. She continues to misrepresent Obama's history and positions–the McCain campaign is wholly lacking in integrity.
Just another lie in a long list of lies from the Hockey Mom. I guess if you deliver a lie with a wink and a "you betcha", she thinks it makes it true. Check the facts everyone.
THE IRAQI FM OUGHT TO KNOW. JUST ANOTHER LIE BY MC CAIN -PALIN
I AM VOTING FOR THAT ONE
GO O AND JOE
more palin/mccain lies aided by washington times. disgusting politics. we are sick of people lying to us about our politicians. we just want truth. america doesn't know what truth is anymore. all because of bush/cheney/rove/rumsfeld and republican supporters.
This story should be HEADLINES. Palin's lies, once again, show her lack of ethics.
Oh wait – a legislative panel in Alaska already proved that!
Again the McCain/Palin repugs have to resort to twisting the truth to fit their inflamatory stump speechs for ginnig up the neocan and racist base.
Fear smear, mock and LIE – The dishonorable hallmark of the geezer and princess campaign becasue that's all they have...