Iraq denies helping Iran avoid sanctions

Iraq insisted on Monday that its trade with neighbouring Iran was above board, and denied reports that it was helping the Islamic republic skirt sanctions by smuggling oil and secretly moving cash.

Ali Mussawi, spokesman for Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, said that Baghdad's trade and dealings with Tehran were below "the permitted level" for neighbouring countries, and dismissed claims Iraq was selling oil on Iran's behalf as a "big lie". (AFP)