Iran expects benefits from democratically elected Shiite government in Ira

[True_Blue]

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iran strongly criticized the U.S. invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein and opposed the American occupation of its neighbor, but with Iraqis voting Sunday for a new government, Iran stands to reap huge benefits.

``This is a unique opportunity, not seen for centuries, for Iraqi policy to go in Iran's favor,'' said political analyst Hamid Reza Jalaipour.

Iran's state-run television hailed the vote as ``the beginning of democracy and the end of occupation and insurgency in Iraq.''

``I hope the election leads to the exit of the occupiers from Iraq,'' Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency.

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