Iraq’s Leading Political Bloc Backs Nouri al-Maliki as Prime Minister Nominee
Iraq's Coordination Framework, the nation's leading parliamentary coalition, has declared its nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for the position of prime minister.
The Iraqi News Agency reported on Saturday that the Coordination Framework released a statement following an extensive leadership meeting. During the gathering, they deliberated on current political developments and the upcoming steps in the process, leading to their recent decision.
The bloc announced that following a comprehensive and thorough discussion, al-Maliki has been nominated as the framework’s candidate through a majority vote.
The bloc highlighted al-Maliki’s extensive political and administrative experience, as well as his capabilities in managing state affairs, as key factors influencing their decision to support his candidacy.
Al-Maliki held the position of Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014 before transitioning to serve as vice president from 2014 to 2015 and once more from 2016 to 2018. Presently, he leads the political movement of the Islamic Dawa Party.
The Coordination Framework has reiterated its unwavering commitment to following the constitutional pathway and emphasized its willingness to collaborate with all national political entities. The goal is to establish a robust and effective government that can tackle challenges, provide essential services, and ensure the security and unity of Iraq.
The statement further urged the Iraqi Council of Representatives, the national legislative body, to hold its session for the election of a president of the republic, in accordance with constitutional deadlines, as a step towards fulfilling the remaining constitutional obligations.
An announcement has surfaced as reports suggest that the United States has issued warnings to Iraqi officials, indicating the possibility of financial sanctions against the Iraqi state. These potential sanctions could involve limitations on access to crucial oil revenues, contingent on the inclusion of specific political factions in the forthcoming government, according to four sources familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters.
Over the course of the past two months, a significant communication has been conveyed multiple times by US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris to prominent Iraqi leaders. Among those receiving the message were Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the influential cleric Ammar al-Hakim, head of the Fatah (Conquest) Alliance in the Iraqi parliament, and Kurdish representative Masrour Barzani. This information comes from three Iraqi officials as well as an additional source.
According to sources, the United States has issued a warning that incorporating a group of 58 members of parliament, who have been specifically targeted by Washington, could result in the suspension of diplomatic relations and a cessation of dollar transfers.
Iraq, a leading oil producer in the West Asia region, deposits its oil revenues into an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, managed by its Central Bank.
Observers note that while previous U.S. administrations have targeted specific banks in Iraq with sanctions, suspending dollar transfers derived from oil revenues would represent a significant escalation in measures.
According to an Iraqi official, the United States conveyed a stance indicating that it would halt interactions with the newly formed government if any of the 58 MPs were appointed to the cabinet. This position implied a cessation of diplomatic dealings with that government and a suspension of dollar transfers.
