Iraq: Sadr Calls for Maliki’s Resignation

Iraq’s Shia cleric leader Muqtada al-Sadr today called on Iraqi premier Nouri al-Maliki to resign in order to end the government’s paralysis. Sadr told reporters in Najaf that he would not bow to pressure from Iran to continue supporting Maliki.  Sadr has accused Maliki of keeping Kurds and Sunnis away from power. He instructed his party's 40 lawmakers to support a no-confidence vote against Maliki if other political blocs in parliament provide the rest of the 163 votes needed to unseat the premier.

Sadr Visits Kurdistan – Mediating Crisis with Baghdad

Iraqi Shiite leader Mogtada Al Sadr arrived in Iraqi Kurdistan today to mediate a growing crisis between Kurdish President Massoud Barzani and Iraqi Premier Nouri Al Maliki. Barzani has accused Maliki of moving toward dictatorship and has strongly hinted that Kurdistan would declare independence from Iraq if the minorities were continued to be excluded from participating in political and security decision-making process.

“I met Nuri al-Maliki in Tehran, and I came to listen to the opinion of the Kurdish leaders and their views,” Sadr told reporters at Erbil airport, after arriving on a private plane from Tehran.

“Everyone should look out for the public interest and the unity of the Iraqi people, and I hope that everyone will be responsible,” Sadr said.

“Minorities are an important part of Iraq, and we have to bring them to participate in building Iraq, politically, economically and in security,” he added.

Sadr, who spends most of his time on religious studies in Iran, will meet Barzani today.


Source: AFP, 26 April 2012