Maliki Proposes Dissolving Government
Najaf, Sept 5, (VOI)- Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Wednesday spoke of a possible formation of a new government after meeting the top Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani in Najaf.
“I told Sayyed Sistani about my plans for forming a new government of technocrats,” said Maliki denying reports that he conveyed a message to the top Shiite cleric from the U.S. President George W. Bush.
“We have now two options: to fill the vacant portfolios or to form a new government,” the Iraqi Prime Minister concluded.
The Prime Minister, who arrived on Wednesday in the Shiite sacred city of Najaf, said “Ayatollah al-Sistani focused during the meeting on rendering the political process in the country a success and on regaining security and providing citizens with services.”
“Ayatollah al-Sistani called for confronting sectarianism advocates as Muslims of all sects are bothers without any discrimination,” Maliki noted.
“I acquainted Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani with latest political developments after visiting some neighboring countries and signing the four and five-party agreements with other political blocs,” Maliki told a news conference in Najaf following his meeting with Sistani.
One of the biggest blocs in the United Alliance, the movement of fiery Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, pulled out of the government in April in protest at Maliki’s refusal to set a timetable for a U.S. troop withdrawal.
The biggest Sunni Arab bloc in parliament, the Accordance Front, has also pulled out its ministers, accusing Maliki of sectarianism.
Amid calls by some Democrats in Washington for his ouster, Maliki is under growing pressure to show political progress to match the military gains that have been made in certain areas.
Maliki also said he was considering a proposal to declare Iraq’s holy cities, which are home to some of the most important shrines in Shi’ite Islam, weapons-free zones, with only the military entitled to be armed.
“I am considering that holy shrines and sacred cities be peaceful places and disarmed of weapons and under the protection of the Iraqi army,” Maliki said, without elaborating.
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geeez, pretty soon this will look like the government of Italy
September 5th, 2007 at 10:12 amSo what if Maliki was conveying a message from W? Of course he has to deny it. He maybe wants to save his ass. And besides, this al-Sistani guy looks like a relatively moderate Iraqi with the best interest of his country at heart.
“Ayatollah al-Sistani focused during the meeting on rendering the political process in the country a success and on regaining security and providing citizens with services.”
Unless I’m missing something, this looks like real progress on the political side of things. Must be freaking out Pelosi, Reid, Murtha, and their ally Soon-to-be-Dead Mookie.
September 5th, 2007 at 10:14 amhaha you said it Steve
September 5th, 2007 at 10:43 amBeing like the Government of Italy is a whole lot better than what they had under Saddam Hussein, and better than the autocratic or worse governments found in nearly all other Arab nations. Progress,yes indeed.
September 5th, 2007 at 11:01 amDissolving the government means leaving the Sunnis out to dry. If he wants to dissolve the government, integrate the local tribal governments into the mix; that includes Sunnis.
September 5th, 2007 at 11:51 amWhat??? Removing guns from the very people who are fighting AQI??? What’s good for US is good for them.
Right is right regardless of what is means.
September 5th, 2007 at 12:24 pmI have to agree with Dan on that - which he has brought up many times throughout this war. Each sect or tribe should have leadership in Iraq with all groups and/or religions of the people living there represented in order to create stability.
The ideal government is not going to be set up and sustainable as quickly as is needed. Tribal representation will be best. Everyone will have a voice in the future of Iraq.
September 5th, 2007 at 1:05 pmI also do not think it would be good to disarm the people. With the way the locals have been assisting in taking out the terrorists over the last several months it would be unwise. I know I sure as hell would not want to be living over there without being able to protect myself as needed.
September 5th, 2007 at 1:09 pmSandy,
I agree with you and Dan. I’ve always thought there should be an Iraqi Senate of sorts made up of tribal Sheikhs. The lower house should be popularly elected instead of these lists they currently use. That would give balance to the people and the tradional tribal system.
September 5th, 2007 at 1:32 pmMy understanding is that when Bush took Maliki to Anbar on Monday’s visit that is part of what was discussed with the tribal sheiks, getting them involved in the political process at the national level.. so see how smart y’all are?
September 5th, 2007 at 2:24 pmSistani is one of those rare Muslims that believes in a “separation of Mosque and State” but because of this he also wont step up and make overtly political statements. He just issues “fatwas” about the importance of voting etc….very frustrating.
September 5th, 2007 at 6:54 pm“weapons free zones.” OMG Maliki is a democrat!
September 6th, 2007 at 6:14 am[…] Maliki Proposes Dissolving Government […]
September 7th, 2007 at 4:20 amIf Sistani sticks to his anti-sectarian government line, there may be hope yet for the current setup. Unfortunately the “voting for lists” provision in the constitution heavily rewards exactly such groups.
September 8th, 2007 at 3:42 pm