Iraq opposes proposal for Muslim peacekeepers

ISLAMABAD, May 16 (Reuters) Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari rejected today a Pakistani proposal for a Muslim peacekeeping force to be sent to Iraq.

President Pervez Musharraf floated the proposal yesterday, at the start of a meeting of foreign ministers of Islamic nations being hosted by Pakistan.

''We have reservations on this proposal,'' Zebari told reporters, adding his government had objected to such suggestions in the past as well.

Zebari said his government wanted Iraqi troops to look after the country's security, when the time came for the United States and its allies to draw down their forces in Iraq.

''So, my government's position is not for welcoming any more troops,'' Zebari said.

The Iraqi minister met with his Iranian counterpart, Manouchehr Mottaki, on the margins of the foreign ministers' meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Zebari described the meeting as ''very good, positive'', and said they discussed upcoming security talks in Baghdad involving Iraq, Iran and the United States.

''I think this is a very good opportunity to ease the regional tension, to help the Iraqi government to succeed in its efforts to stablise the situation.'' REUTERS ABM KN1605