NCRI – The main Iraqi bloc that won the majority of votes in March parliamentary elections said after a leadership session in Jordan that it will not participate in a government headed by the incumbent prime minister Nouri al-Maliki.
In a statement released on Wednesday by al-Iraqiya bloc’s leader, Ayad Allawi, the coalition said it will not retreat from its demands for participation in political decision making and “ending political sectarianism” as “the two main conditions” for the creation of the next government, according to Assawat al-Iraq.
Al-Sharqiya TV reported that the grouping’s spokesman, Heday Molla, said, “In Amman, Iraqiya emphasized its unity and the strength of its position in the face of challenges. At the meeting, it was also stressed that the identify of Iraq must be preserved and its Arab roots and the imperative of heralding a new era of ties with neighboring countries and the region were also emphasized.”
According to NINA news agency, following the session, a senior official of Iraqiya, Zafer al-Ani, described Maliki’s chances of becoming prime minister for a second term as “slim.”
Al-Ani added, “There are various obstacles to Maliki’s second term. First, there is disenchantment within the State of Law coalition with respect to the policies of the Dawa party.”
Maliki has also failed to create a broader coalition with the Sadrist faction, he said.