INC Denounces CIA Smear Campaign WASHINGTON, DC (3 May, 2004): The Iraqi National Congress today denounced a CIA-orchestrated smear campaign aimed at damaging the INC and Ahmad Chalabi. Newsweek magazine has published false allegations by anonymous CIA sources that the INC has provided sensitive information to the government of Iran that may endanger the lives of US service personnel.
"The allegations in Newsweek are absolutely false," said INC spokesperson Entifadh Qanbar. "The INC is an ally of the United States and our personnel are risking their lives daily to support US military and intelligence operations," he said. "It is well known that the CIA is opposed to the INC and our objective of defeating Baathism and bringing democracy to Iraq," Qanbar said. "Newsweek has confirmed to us that US intelligence officers known to be hostile to the INC were the source of their story. We urge the Bush administration to distance itself from these false and dangerous allegations. The Bush administration must recognize and support America's allies if it hopes to be successful in Iraq," Qanbar said. Contact: Entifadh Qanbar tel +1-202-497-1797 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]