BAGHDAD — An Iranian-sponsored Shi'ite militia has warned against a project along the Kuwaiti-Iraqi border.

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In Kuwait, parliament has expressed anger over the threats from Iraq. One leading parliamentarian urged the Gulf Cooperation Council sheikdom to demonstrate firmness against the country that invaded Kuwait in 1990.

"Ever since the days of the monarchy through the days of the Baath party, Iraqis have been the same," Kuwaiti parliamentarian Musalam Al Barak said. "They don't want to acknowledge our borders. We don't need Maliki's permission to build our port."

The brigades warning marked an escalation in tension between Iraq and Kuwait. Iraqi parliamentarians have warned that the Kuwaiti port at Mubarak Al Kabir would hamper the neighboring Iraqi port of Basra, Middle East Newsline reported.

"This indicates Kuwait's recklessness and mockery of the Iraqi people," Iraqi parliamentarian Iskandar Watwat said.

The Mubarak project has been led by South Korea's Hyundai and began in May. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has complained that Kuwait did not inform Baghdad of the project.

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