In a statement while condemning Iranian meddling in Iraq, more than a thousand Iraqi tribal sheikhs from all over Iraq expressed their support for a democratic alternative headed by Dr. Ayad Allawi in order to end the country’s disastrous condition.

This statement, released by the Association of National Iraqi Democratic and Independent Tribes broadcasted by Iraqi News Agency, reads: “Simultaneous with the discussions going on in the international circles about the future of Iraq, more than 1000 tribal Sheikhs from all over Iraq , with signing a statement, have called on for national unity to end the disastrous present situation and described the solution as establishment of a democratic and nationalist government headed by Ayad Allawi.”

The Iraqi tribal sheikhs who reflect the voice of Iraqi tribal society asserted in their statement: “The Iranian regime tried to intimidate the Iraqi people, divert their attention from the main enemy, dissipate the political forces and pay for its survival from the Iraqi people’s account at the cost of slaughtering hundreds of people everyday by militias and death squads.”

The statement continued: “In our opinion, Iraqi nationalist and democratic forces must unite and introduce a strong alternative under the leadership of Dr. Ayad Allawi and compel the regional and international forces to recognize this Iraqi alternative which is the best alternative for salvation of the country at present time instead of relying on Iran’s allies.”