Maliki tells Security Forces to avoid interfering in politics, vows to uphold oath to “defend Iraq and its people”

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed on Thursday evening to uphold his oath to defend Iraq and its people and point out that Iraq and its constitution was targeted by recent events, not al-Maliki.

al-Maliki said, in a televised speech in the presence of the designated Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, and members of the State of Law Coalition, that “I knew very well that I was not targeted in particular, but Iraq and its constitution. I have made efforts to thwart plots which target Iraq’s unity,” noting that, “I must correct any defects in respect to the trust given to me by the Iraqi people.”

al-Maliki said, “I will remain a soldier and defend the great Iraq and its people. I will support them and uphold my oath.”

al-Maliki said “I wish to thank the Iraqi armed forces, security agencies, volunteers and tribal forces. I advise them to focus on confrontation with our enemies and avoid interference in politics and sectarianism.”