Iraqi PM criticizes neighboring countries

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Iraqi PM criticizes neighboring countries for interfering in forming government

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Saturday criticized Iraq's neighboring countries for interfering in the formation of the country's new government, calling for all political rivals to join the negotiations to end the seven-month impasse.

"The external interference, particularly from the neighboring countries, reached to the level of rejecting or accepting certain persons to fill (government's) positions," Maliki told a conference of tribal chiefs in Baghdad.

"This is our own affairs and all our factions must sit together to hold a national dialogue, even if it is a long one, until we reach a common point," Maliki said in his speech broadcasted on the state-run television of Iraqia.

Maliki also called on all political rivals to end the seven- month impasse by joining talks to "form national partnership government based on the constitution and national reconciliation, not sectarianism."

Moreover, Maliki called for former political opponents outside the country to return as part of the reconciliation efforts, saying "we must turn a new page with all those who went too far and made mistakes."

"I don't mean those who had their hands stained with blood, but those who objected the political process," Maliki said.

Maliki, fighting for another term for the prime minister post, is facing bitter resistance from his rival Ayad Allawi, head of the cross-sectarian political bloc.

However, Maliki seems getting closer to gaining a parliament majority to form a new government after he won over religious Shiite faction that once opposed his nomination for the head of the next government.

Source: Xinhua

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