Iraq needs Iraqiya, Iraqi FM says

[SteveI]

Iraq needs Iraqiya, Iraqi FM says

BAGHDAD, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The secular Iraqiya slate in Iraq should participate in the next Iraqi government no matter who is in charge, the Iraqi foreign minister said.

Iraq is moving toward 230 days since March 7 elections secured a two-seat victory for the Iraqiya slate of former interim Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. Allawi says Iraqi law gives him the right to form the next government first, though he lacks the 163-seat majority to do so alone.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, meanwhile, wrapped up a tour of the Middle East this week, a visit that followed a trip to Tehran where he won the support of the Iranians for a second term in office.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told Iran's semiofficial Fars News Agency following the visit last week that he appreciated Iran's support for political developments in Iraq.

"The Islamic republic of Iran has always supported democratic changes in Iraq," he said.

In an interview with London's pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat, he said that no matter who takes the lead in the next Iraqi government, Iraqiya and its supporters must play a role.

"We cannot proceed forward without the Iraqiya list that has a huge presence among the people," he said. "It should participate in one way or another."

Iraq leaders are trying to persuade Kurdish officials to back one of the two competing alliances trying to hit the 163 mark needed to form a government.

"I will not set a time ceiling," said Zebari. "In my opinion, however, and as a negotiator with the blocs, I can say in the next two weeks (a government will develop)."

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/10/22/Iraq-needs-Iraqiya-Iraqi-FM-says/UPI-53361287765304/

[OhioTom]

Thank you

Tom

[ha ha]

Next two weeks the Gov't will form.

[gregp]

Thank you. I see (Nov. 1st government formed). (Nov. 2nd U.S. election.---Republicans take back the house). This is due to poor policies, and budget. (Nov 3rd--R.V.) Bush steps in and takes credit and saves the day! Budget fixed by the Republicans. Obama looses the next re-election!

[Trimark]

The Islamic republic of Iran has always supported democratic changes in Iraq," he said.

And in other news ... Iran supports women's rights, Israel and the freedom of the press ......

[SteveI]

Thank you. I see (Nov. 1st government formed). (Nov. 2nd U.S. election.---Republicans take back the house). This is due to poor policies, and budget. (Nov 3rd--R.V.) Bush steps in and takes credit and saves the day! Budget fixed by the Republicans. Obama looses the next re-election!

I will buy that logic. I love it!! God Bless all of you, and everyone just hang in there and just let it unfold.

[Bobbydee]

We have waited this long, what's another two weeks. It will be nice when it's over. God Bless Semper Fi

[Traconesu02]

Thanks for the post SteveI - I can't believe Maliki actually thinks it is a good thing Iran is on his side. At most he would be their puppet.

[Richardk]

Thank you. I see (Nov. 1st government formed). (Nov. 2nd U.S. election.---Republicans take back the house). This is due to poor policies, and budget. (Nov 3rd--R.V.) Bush steps in and takes credit and saves the day! Budget fixed by the Republicans. Obama looses the next re-election!