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Isolated Maliki says he would not quit

Nouri al-malikiIraq’s caretaker premier Nouri al-Maliki said on Wednesday the appointment of Haider al-Abadi to replace him as Iraq’s prime minister “had no value” and warned of more turmoil if replaced.

In a televised speech, Maliki said everyone should accept a pending federal court ruling on an objection he filed against Abadi’s appointment, and said his government would continue until a final decision was made.

President Barack Obama applauded the nomination of a new Iraqi prime minister Monday but urged Mr. Haider al-Abadi to form an inclusive cabinet as quickly as possible.

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah expressed his hope the new prime minister, president and parliament speaker would restore cohesion and unity among the Iraqi people.

But Maliki has so far refused to step aside after eight years as premier. Maliki said the decision to appoint Abadi as prime minister was not valid without a decision from the Federal Court on an appeal he said he filed on Tuesday against the decision to task Abadi with forming a new government.

“This government is continuing, and will not be changed except after the Federal Court issues its decision,” he said.

Source: News agencies