In his televised address, flanked by figures of his State of Law coalition including Abadi, Maliki said he would step down and endorse his successor in order to "preserve unity" in Iraq.
"I announce before you today, to ease the movement of the political process and the formation of the new government, the withdrawal of my candidacy in favour of brother Dr. Haider al-Abadi," said Maliki.
During his speech, the premier defended his time in power, saying that he had opened up Iraq to the international community, and stressed that Iraq is facing a serious terrorist threat. He also indiciated that he was not seeking any future post in government.
Maliki said his decision was based on his desire to "safeguard the high interests of the country," adding that he will not be the cause of any bloodshed.
"I will stay a combat soldier to defend Iraq and its people," he added.
End of power
President Fuad Masum on Monday tasked Abadi, a member of Maliki's Dawa party, with forming a new government, a move the two-term premier said was a violation of the constitution.Tehran and Washington, the two main foreign power brokers in Iraq, came out in support of Abadi, and Maliki was dealt another major blow when the office of Iraq's top Shiite cleric released a letter in which he called for Maliki to go.
Maliki went from relatively unknown exile to become a powerful premier who has been widely criticised for authoritarian tendencies.
His tenure will end with Iraq facing a major crisis to which his policies have contributed.
Jihadist-led militants are in control of major areas of five Iraqi provinces, after launching an offensive in June that swept aside security forces, of which he is the commander-in-chief.
A televised address from Maliki is expected shortly.
(Developing story)
Last Update: Friday, 15 August 2014 KSA 23:52 - GMT 20:52
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/08/15/State-TV-Iraq-s-Prime-Minister-Maliki-announces-resignation.html
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Statement by National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice on Iraq (The White House, Office of the Press Secretary)....
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/08/14/statement-national-security-advisor-susan-e-rice-iraq
14/8/14
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Maliki Steps Aside and Supports Al-Abadi (U.S. State Department).....
Press Statement, John Kerry, Secretary of State, Washington, DC, August 14, 2014:
We commend the important and honorable decision
by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to support Prime Minister-designate
Haider Al-Abadi in his efforts to form a new government and develop a
national program in line with Iraq’s constitutional timeline. This
milestone decision sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition
of power in Iraq.
We urge Mr. Abadi and all Iraqi leaders to move expeditiously to complete this process, which is essential to pulling the country together and consolidating the efforts of Iraq’s many diverse communities against the common threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Consistent with our Strategic Framework Agreement, the United States stands ready to partner with a new and inclusive government to counter this threat, and we will encourage other countries in the region and international community to do the same.
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/08/230631.htm
14/8/14
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We urge Mr. Abadi and all Iraqi leaders to move expeditiously to complete this process, which is essential to pulling the country together and consolidating the efforts of Iraq’s many diverse communities against the common threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Consistent with our Strategic Framework Agreement, the United States stands ready to partner with a new and inclusive government to counter this threat, and we will encourage other countries in the region and international community to do the same.
http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/08/230631.htm
14/8/14
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Iraq's Maliki gives up prime minister post to Abadi...
ReplyDeleteBAGHDAD, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki withdrew his nomination for a third term in office, and backed the nomination of Hader al-Abadi for the post of prime minister, Maliki said late on Thursday.
"I announce the withdrawal of my nomination (for the post) to Abadi, to preserve for the high interests of the country, and will stay a soldier fighting for the sake of Iraq and its people," Maliki said in a televised speech with Abadi beside him and a number of Maliki's Dawa Party members.
"I will not be the reason for spilling a drop of blood, despite unfairness," Maliki said referring to what he named earlier violation to the constitution by the Iraqi President Fuad Masoum who named Abadi to form the country's new government.
According media reports, Maliki made his decision after a meeting between him and Abadi with mediation by the country's Vice President Khudhair al-Khuzaie and the former prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who is also a leading figure in the powerful Iraqi National Alliance, a major Shiite bloc.
Maliki has been under growing pressure to give up his effort to stay on as the head of government as the political blocs prefer a new prime minister that is acceptable for the Kurds and Sunnis, while the United States and the regional power Iran have also insisted that it is the time he step aside, and vowed their supports for Abadi.
His eventual departure followed several days in which he insisted on his right to form a new government based on the results of a parliamentary election in late April.
However, it still remains unclear whether the announcement could help unite all sects in the conflict-ridden country that still is trying to cope with the extremist Sunni insurgency headed by the Islamist State, an al-Qaida breakaway group.
So far, the Sunni militants are in control of major areas of five Iraqi provinces, after launching an offensive in June that swept aside security forces.
http://english.cntv.cn/2014/08/15/ARTI1408058854021307.shtml
15/8/14
Maliki quits as PM to end deadlock...
ReplyDeleteIraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has resigned, in a move observers hope will end a political crisis in Baghdad.
Haider al-Abadi, a deputy speaker of parliament, has been asked by Iraq's president to form a government.
Mr Maliki's earlier refusal to resign after eight years in power had been blamed for deepening the crisis. The UN and US have welcomed his resignation.
The government has been unable to stop Islamist fighters from seizing vast areas in northern Iraq.
The offensive by the self-styled Islamic State (IS), a Sunni Muslim jihadist group formerly known as Isis, has triggered a security and humanitarian crisis, driving an estimated 1.2 million Iraqis from their homes.........................http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28798033
15/8/14