Iraqi MP criticizes Al-Iraqiya Leader’s statement on possible withdrawal from political process

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: A Legislature from the National Coalition, led by Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, has said on Saturday that the recent statement by al-Iraqiya Coalition’s Leader, Iyad Allawi, about its possible withdrawal from the political process, “shall further complicate the   political situation, at a time when the process needs further strengthening of national ranks.”   “The statements of al-Iraqiya Leader, Iyad Allawi, regarding its possible withdrawal from the political process at this time was an incorrect step at this time, because there exists no possibility to lay a ceiling for dialogue between al-Iraqiya and the National Coalition,” Abbas Hmoud told IraqiNews.com news agency, adding that “such statement shall lead to further complications, at a time when the political process needs further strengthening of the national ranks.”   Answering a question about fears of the State of Law Coalition, led by Prime Minister Maliki, from al-Iraqiya’s withdrawal from the political process, Hmoud said that “the State of Law Coalition expects anything, and in the event of their (al-Iraqiya)’s withdrawal, Maliki shall form a majority government.”   Hmoud added that “the State of Law had been committed to the Arbil Conference, that had brought (Deputy Prime Minister, Saleh al-Mutlaq), (Parliament Speaker), Usama al-Nujeify and other officials to power, calling “for the continuation of dialogue among different political blocs, taking into consideration the general interest of Iraq, which is above everything else.”   Al-Iraqiya Coalition had held a news conference last Friday, in which its Leader, Iyad Allawi, had said that the “dialogue with the State of Law Coalition is considered a waste of time,” threatening to withdraw from the political process, in the event of non-implementation of Arbil Agreement,” based on the initiative of Iraqi Kurdistan President to settle the differences among Iraq’s political blocs.   Noteworthy is that the initiative of Kurdistan President to settle the political crisis was issued on 16/9/2010, had followed Iraq’s nationwide elections, comprising an 8-12 member committee,   representing different political blocs, in order to settle the suspended differences and the discussion of forming a government of national-partnership.   Al-Iraqiya Coalition, led by Iraq ’s former Prime   Minister, Iyad Allawi, possesses 91 in the 325-seat Iraqi Parliament, whilst the National Coalition possesses 160 seats, and the Kurdistan Coalition – 35 seats.   SKH (FT)