Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi called on the political blocs to meet after the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which ends next Tuesday, to agree on how to move forward with the formation of parliament and the government.
In a statement by his office, Abadi said: “I extend an invitation to political blocs to hold a high-level meeting after the end of Eid al-Fitr, in a place to be determined after consultations to protect the homeland and citizens, ensure the soundness of the political process and democratic gains and to agree on specific mechanisms to hasten the formation of constitutional institutions in the best form possible.”
“Once again, as Iraqis we face the challenge of preserving this country and the safety and security of its people. We are confident in passing this stage as long as we are committed to our unity and to the best interest of the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shiite factions continued their consultations to form the largest bloc. Al-Hikma Movement, led by Ammar al-Hakim, seemed to be out of the declared alliances between the most influential Shiite blocs, namely Sairoun of Moqtada al-Sadr and Fateh, which is led by Hadi al-Amiri.
According to leaked information, Al-Hikma might join the opposition and refrain from participating in the government.
A well-informed Iraqi politician told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sadr’s alliance with Al-Amiri has confused the calculations of the Shiite parties.
“There were expectations of a difficulty in the convergence of Al-Sadr Movement with Fateh, or at least with a major party in the Fateh bloc, the organization Asaib Ahl al-Haq led by Qais al-Khazali. But the agreement was reached through an Iranian arrangement, which made each of Hakim, Nuri al-Maliki and Haider al-Abadi reconsider the means to deal with the new situation,” the Iraqi politician added.
