Maliki should clarify stance on US forces – MP

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Premier Nouri al-Maliki should clearly express his stance on the question of extending the presence of the U.S. forces in Iraq and stop shouldering the responsibility on other political blocs, MP Ali Shubar demanded today.   Shubar also demanded that Maliki submit a report detailing the specific capabilities of the Iraqi forces.  In a statement issued by his media office, a copy of which was received by IraqiNews.com, he added that “Maliki, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, should evaluate the security situation, and report on the preparedness of the Iraqi forces to handle the security dossiers.”   He described Maliki’s statements as “fleeing from bearing responsibility as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”  “Maliki knows the abilities and potentialities of the security forces, not the political leaders, because he has been responsible for the security question since 2006,” he added.  RM (TS)/SR 544