Those who withdrew from the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition, led by former Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, have begun taking practical steps to unify their ranks and form new political alliances within the Shiite “coordination framework,” hoping to return to the political scene, whether in parliament or the government.
MP Hassan Qasim Al-Khafaji announced his withdrawal from the “Reconstruction and Development” alliance, in search of a “broader space” for political action.
Al-Khafaji stated in a press release that “after a journey of political work within the Reconstruction and Development Alliance, I announce my withdrawal from the alliance, based on a firm conviction that the next stage requires working with greater independence and with a wider scope that enables me to perform my parliamentary role in a manner consistent with the aspirations of citizens and the requirements of the current stage.”
He added: “I had an important political experience within the coalition, characterized by cooperation and responsible engagement with many national issues. It was a milestone that I cherish in terms of joint work and the exchange of visions to serve the public interest.”
There is talk that MP Hanan al-Fatlawi, head of the “Will” movement and a member of the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition, is close to deciding to withdraw from the Sudanese coalition as well.
The head of the coalition, former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and the members of the coalition were thanked “for the cooperation and responsible work we have witnessed throughout the past period.”
As for the most prominent defectors from the Sudanese coalition, the “National Contract Alliance” led by the head of the “Popular Mobilization Forces” Faleh al-Fayyad, and the “Sumerian Movement” headed by former minister Ahmed al-Asadi, along with a number of other MPs who defected from the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition, they finally made their decision to form the “National Statement Alliance.”
A statement issued by the new alliance said that “the signatory forces decided, after studying the Iraqi political arena and the requirements of political action and coordination with national political forces, to announce the formation of the new alliance.”
The statement added that “the coalition takes upon itself the responsibility of continuing to support the government and the unity of the coordinating framework, and to adhere to the national and legitimate principles from which we proceed in all our political positions.”
According to the statement, the coalition indicated its commitment to “preserving national sovereignty and the independence of national decision-making, supporting state institutions, and standing against any attempt to weaken or compromise them.”
Meanwhile, there is talk that MP Hanan al-Fatlawi, head of the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition and leader of the “Will” movement, is close to making a decision to withdraw from the Sudanese coalition as well.
According to statements by Hassanein Al-Rikabi, a member of the political bureau of the “Sumerians” movement, “The story began with the nomination of Nouri Al-Maliki for the premiership by a unilateral decision by Al-Sudani, which surprised the coordination framework and all parties of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition. This was followed by his decision to choose Ali Al-Zidi, in addition to choosing ministries that were described as being used up, without consulting the coalition.”
He added that “on the night of the vote on the cabinet, there was another candidate for the Ministry of Electricity, but Al-Sudani nominated Ali Saadi Wahib, despite objections within the coalition, which led to escalating disputes, and reached the point of Hanan Al-Fatlawi withdrawing, pending confirmation of this after her return from Hajj.”
The new National Statement Alliance includes about 22 deputies, among them the Sumerian Movement, which now has 6 deputies after the joining of Deputy Ali Anhir.
He confirmed that “the new National Statement Alliance includes about 22 deputies, including the Sumerians Movement, which has 6 deputies after the joining of Deputy Ali Anhir, in addition to the National Contract, which includes 12 deputies, as well as other deputies.”
He pointed out that “only about 30 MPs remained within the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, which is contradicted by the coalition leader, Mashreq Al-Fariji, who confirms that their number is 37 MPs with new additions.”
He added that “Al-Sudani promised Ahmed Al-Asadi a ministerial position in the next government, which prompted him not to take the constitutional oath as a deputy,” denying “the existence of an American veto against him.”
He concluded by saying that “Faleh al-Fayyad and al-Asadi had no intention of withdrawing from the coalition, but the disagreements escalated after the coalition refrained from voting for al-Maliki’s candidates in the session to vote on Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet.”
This comes at a time when the “coordination framework” and the rest of the political forces that won in the elections are scheduled to complete the selection of the “second batch” of Ali al-Zidi’s government, which is scheduled to include 9 ministers, in addition to deciding on the candidates for deputy prime ministers and deputy presidents, after the end of the Eid holiday.
Late Wednesday evening, the “Coordination Framework” held an “important and urgent” meeting at the office of Hadi al-Amiri, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, to discuss developments in the political phase and upcoming entitlements, according to a press statement.
The leaders of the “framework” decided to proceed with “completing the cabinet after the Eid holiday in accordance with constitutional contexts and national understandings.”
According to the statement, the attendees began the meeting by “offering congratulations to the Prime Minister on gaining the confidence of the House of Representatives, wishing him success in performing his national duties and serving the people of Iraq.”
Those present affirmed “the unity and cohesion of the coordination framework, and its commitment to continuing joint work in a way that enhances political stability and preserves the country’s higher interests.”
The attendees expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani during his tenure as Prime Minister, and for the service and executive efforts witnessed during the past period, which received widespread public appreciation.
The leaders of the “framework” decided to proceed with “completing the cabinet after the Eid holiday in accordance with constitutional contexts and national understandings,” according to the statement.
The “Framework” also reiterated its “rejection of any attack or aggression targeting neighboring countries or Arab countries,” stressing “the importance of respecting the sovereignty of countries and sparing the region further tension.” It also called on the security services to “complete the ongoing investigations and take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of Iraq’s security and sovereignty.”
Tags:
asiawest
