[15 December 2004] BAGHDAD,(Saba)- Iraq's Defense Minister Hazem Shaalan accused Iran of orchestrating terrorist attacks in Iraq, saying its neighbor country was the "most dangerous enemy of Iraq".

Concerns have been raised over rising Iranian influence in the political future of Iraq, where the majority Shiites are expected to dominate elections scheduled for Jan. 30. Campaigning for the vote began Wednesday.

"Terrorism is Iraq is orchestrated by Iranian intelligence, Syrian intelligence and Saddam loyalists. The financing and training of the terrorists comes from Syria and Iran, Shaalan said .

TD

SABA