Iraqi PM says not worried by Saudi intervention

From Reuters:

BAGHDAD, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki on Thursday dismissed an article by a Saudi security adviser suggesting that the oil-rich Gulf state would back the country's Sunnis in the event of a wider sectarian conflict.

"I know this article doesn't represent Saudi policies. I am in contact with the Saudi government and they realise the necessity of protecting the democratic process," said Maliki, on his return to Baghdad from talks with U.S. President George W. Bush in neighbouring Jordan. [Emphasis mine - C]

I'll say this for Maliki - whatever else he may or may not be capable of, he can obviously smell a White House story plant or a neocon put-up job from a mile off. Then again, by now he's had plenty of practice.