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Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said he has agreed to leave office and clear the way for his designated successor to take over.
The move ends a political impasse and may enable Prime Minister-designate Haidar al-Abadi to pull together a more inclusive government better able to counter Islamist militants advancing in the country’s north, and to heal sectarian and ethnic rifts threatening to tear Iraq apart.
Speaking in a televised address with Abadi by his side, Maliki said he didn’t want to be the reason for a drop of blood to be spilled and called on other lawmakers to back Iraq’s constitution.
“In order to ease the political process and the formation of the new government I announce in front of you today that I am withdrawing my bid for prime minister,” Maliki said.
Referring to Abadi by name, he said the decision was “for the higher benefit of the country.”
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The move ends a political impasse and may enable Prime Minister-designate Haidar al-Abadi to pull together a more inclusive government better able to counter Islamist militants advancing in the country’s north, and to heal sectarian and ethnic rifts threatening to tear Iraq apart.
Speaking in a televised address with Abadi by his side, Maliki said he didn’t want to be the reason for a drop of blood to be spilled and called on other lawmakers to back Iraq’s constitution.
“In order to ease the political process and the formation of the new government I announce in front of you today that I am withdrawing my bid for prime minister,” Maliki said.
Referring to Abadi by name, he said the decision was “for the higher benefit of the country.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
