Monday, September 10, 2007
Basrah’s Sadr Office Official Warns Americans: Do Not Enter Basrah
Security, Politics
(Addustour Newspaper) - 9 SEP - An official in Basrah’s Sadr Office warned, “US forces, do not enter Basrah…and try to take the place of the British forces.” Abd Al Razaq Al Nidawi delivered a speech in the Martyr Abu Qadr’s Square, located in western Basrah’s Hussein area. This speech was made at the end of a procession/parade of cars full of Sadr Movement followers who had driven through Basrah’s streets in celebration of the withdrawal of British forces from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
In this speech Al Nidawi said, “We congratulate Basrah’s residents because, we have defeated the British forces! We warn the US forces, not to take the place of the defeated British forces!” He added, “Although we were patient for a long time while defeating the British forces we will not be patient at all with the American forces if they attempt to enter Basrah!”
Al Nidawi continued, “The goal of the events in Karbala was to cause the spread of sectarian sedition. Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr has made a wise decision about ‘freezing’ the Mahdi Army in order to confront sedition. He (Al Sadr) wants to restructure the (Mahdi) Army in order to prevent anyone from infiltrating it or (falsely) using its’ name.” Al Nidawi went on, “The Occupation is not included in this decision (about the Mahdi Army). Resisting the Occupation is a legal (legitimate) action; we will not stop resisting them.”
Al Nidawi continued, “The goal of the events in Karbala was to cause the spread of sectarian sedition. Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr has made a wise decision about ‘freezing’ the Mahdi Army in order to confront sedition. He (Al Sadr) wants to restructure the (Mahdi) Army in order to prevent anyone from infiltrating it or (falsely) using its’ name.” Al Nidawi went on, “The Occupation is not included in this decision (about the Mahdi Army). Resisting the Occupation is a legal (legitimate) action; we will not stop resisting them.”
On Wednesday, the ceremony for the official signing of the memorandum which handed over responsibility for Basrah’s Presidential Palaces from the British forces, to the Iraqi government was completed.
Labels: Abd Al Razaq Al Nidawi, Basrah, British forces, Sadr movement, U.S. forces
Sadr Movement Holding Conference To Discuss Security Situation After British Withdrawal
Security, Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 9 SEP - The Sadr Movement has confirmed that the Mahdi Army “Companies” have been abiding by Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr’s order regarding the suspension of Mahdi Army activities for six months. The Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, has threatened that they will carry weapons against any foreign forces that attempt to replace the British forces in the center of the city.
He added that the Sadr Movement will organize a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Sadr Movement Parliament member, Maha Al Douri said, “The statement of Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr regarding the suspension of the Mahdi Army’s activities is clear and the Army has been abiding by this statement. No violations have been committed yet.”
Regarding the statement of the Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, Al Douri added, “I have not received any information yet. The Mahdi Army has its own command and is following its orders.”
Radio Sawa, based on the statements of Al Hammada, mentioned that the Mahdi Army will not pursue the British forces as long as they remain outside the city. Mahdi Army members will not carry weapons inside the city. The Mahdi Army will not disarm itself and rejects the agreement that was recently signed between 18 political entities in Basrah. This agreement was signed under the supervision of Basrah Operations Commander, Mohan Al Firaji.
Al Hammada, who also runs the Sadr Movement’s Martyrs of God Institution, said that the Sadr Movement will hold a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Regarding carrying weapons against foreign forces, Al Hammada added, “Resistance is the only option against any British or American presence. The Mahdi Army has no intention of raising weapons against the Iraqi governmental forces. The Mahdi Army’s goal is to maintain security.”
On the other, Maha Al Douri said, “The Sadr Movement has its obvious role and impact in Basrah’s streets. The Movement works to serve Basrah society. The Mahdi Army was the first to carry weapons as public resistance against the occupation and now we have been hearing many leaders claim that they lead the patriotic resistance but they all wear masks hiding their identity.” Regarding the security in Basrah, Al Douri said, “Basrah is secure and the British force’s withdrawal from Basrah is a victory and a clear defeat brought by the resistance. But the media has not covered it well.”
About the conference that will be held in Basrah regarding Mahdi Army’s role, Al Douri said, “If there is any direction from the Sadr Movement, this conference will be a success and will be good for the Iraqi people. But here I object to any claims against such a conference. Many political parties have held such conferences in Basrah.”
On the other hand, the Defense Minister’s advisor for the southern region, Majid Al Saari, believes that the British force’s withdrawal from central Basrah will lead to improvement of the political and security situations. Yesterday, Al Saari told Azzaman Newspaper, “Since the beginning, the British forces have not solved the security situation; rather, it was part of the security problem.”
Regarding the readiness of the army and IP in Basrah, Al Saari said, “The military and security forces are able to control security in Basrah and to fill the gap left by the British force’s withdrawal. We are still working to deal with the infiltration of the military and security forces.”
He added that the Sadr Movement will organize a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Sadr Movement Parliament member, Maha Al Douri said, “The statement of Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr regarding the suspension of the Mahdi Army’s activities is clear and the Army has been abiding by this statement. No violations have been committed yet.”
Regarding the statement of the Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, Al Douri added, “I have not received any information yet. The Mahdi Army has its own command and is following its orders.”
Radio Sawa, based on the statements of Al Hammada, mentioned that the Mahdi Army will not pursue the British forces as long as they remain outside the city. Mahdi Army members will not carry weapons inside the city. The Mahdi Army will not disarm itself and rejects the agreement that was recently signed between 18 political entities in Basrah. This agreement was signed under the supervision of Basrah Operations Commander, Mohan Al Firaji.
Al Hammada, who also runs the Sadr Movement’s Martyrs of God Institution, said that the Sadr Movement will hold a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Regarding carrying weapons against foreign forces, Al Hammada added, “Resistance is the only option against any British or American presence. The Mahdi Army has no intention of raising weapons against the Iraqi governmental forces. The Mahdi Army’s goal is to maintain security.”
On the other, Maha Al Douri said, “The Sadr Movement has its obvious role and impact in Basrah’s streets. The Movement works to serve Basrah society. The Mahdi Army was the first to carry weapons as public resistance against the occupation and now we have been hearing many leaders claim that they lead the patriotic resistance but they all wear masks hiding their identity.” Regarding the security in Basrah, Al Douri said, “Basrah is secure and the British force’s withdrawal from Basrah is a victory and a clear defeat brought by the resistance. But the media has not covered it well.”
About the conference that will be held in Basrah regarding Mahdi Army’s role, Al Douri said, “If there is any direction from the Sadr Movement, this conference will be a success and will be good for the Iraqi people. But here I object to any claims against such a conference. Many political parties have held such conferences in Basrah.”
On the other hand, the Defense Minister’s advisor for the southern region, Majid Al Saari, believes that the British force’s withdrawal from central Basrah will lead to improvement of the political and security situations. Yesterday, Al Saari told Azzaman Newspaper, “Since the beginning, the British forces have not solved the security situation; rather, it was part of the security problem.”
Regarding the readiness of the army and IP in Basrah, Al Saari said, “The military and security forces are able to control security in Basrah and to fill the gap left by the British force’s withdrawal. We are still working to deal with the infiltration of the military and security forces.”
The Sadr Movement Office in Basrah has described the British forces withdrawal there as a historical moment. Azzaman Newspaper has received a copy of a statement issued by the Sadr Movement in Basrah, which states, “There were three main factors that led to this withdrawal: First, your patience and the burdens you have bared; Second, the honorable resistance which taught the occupiers lessons through the Imam Mahdi Army’s attacks; And third, the encouragement of the British peoples’ attitude which pressed the Brown and Blair governments.
Labels: Basrah, British forces, Mahdi Army, Martyrs of God Institution, Mohan Al Firaji, Nazzar Al Hammada, Sadr movement
Prominent Sadr Movement Member Assassinated
Security
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 9 SEP - On Saturday, IPs said that an explosion in Kufa Market killed five and injured eight. The local hospital mentioned that four were killed and six were injured. A police source said that a bomb was placed on the road and that caused the explosion, while other sources said that the bomb was thrown. Kufa is one of three holy cities for Shiites in Iraq. It is located south of Baghdad.
On the other hand, the IPs announced that unidentified gunmen assassinated one of Muqtada Al Sadr’s assistants in Najaf. Najaf Police Chief, Brigadier General Abdul Karim Mustafa said unidentified gunmen assassinated Sheikh Mohammed Al Karawi [Iraqi dialect- Garawi], the manager of Najaf Tribal Relations Office in the Sadr Movement, in front of his house in Najaf. Gen. Mustafa added that the assassination was conducted Friday afternoon in front of Al Karawi’s house in the Al Jamiaa area in northern Najaf. The gunmen escaped. Mustafa added, “We have surrounded the entire neighborhood and the search continues to pursue, and we will arrest the criminals.”
A source in the Sadr Office confirmed the incident and demanded an investigation as to who was behind this incident. Al Karawi was responsible for tribal affairs in the Sadr office. Najaf has recently witnessed many assassinations of religious authority’s aides and political movement members. The three latest assassinations were of senior religious cleric Ali Sistani’s aides during the past three months.
On the other hand, the IPs announced that unidentified gunmen assassinated one of Muqtada Al Sadr’s assistants in Najaf. Najaf Police Chief, Brigadier General Abdul Karim Mustafa said unidentified gunmen assassinated Sheikh Mohammed Al Karawi [Iraqi dialect- Garawi], the manager of Najaf Tribal Relations Office in the Sadr Movement, in front of his house in Najaf. Gen. Mustafa added that the assassination was conducted Friday afternoon in front of Al Karawi’s house in the Al Jamiaa area in northern Najaf. The gunmen escaped. Mustafa added, “We have surrounded the entire neighborhood and the search continues to pursue, and we will arrest the criminals.”
A source in the Sadr Office confirmed the incident and demanded an investigation as to who was behind this incident. Al Karawi was responsible for tribal affairs in the Sadr office. Najaf has recently witnessed many assassinations of religious authority’s aides and political movement members. The three latest assassinations were of senior religious cleric Ali Sistani’s aides during the past three months.
COMMENT: Several SIIC key figures in the south have been assassinated in the last few months. SIIC and the Sadr movement are vying for control of the south. SIIC and it's militia, the Badr Corps, have suspected the Mahdi Army of being behind the assassinations, so it is possible this incident is in retaliation. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: assassination, Kufa, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Najaf, Najaf Tribal Relations Office, Sadr movement, Sheikh Mohammed Al Karawi
Friday, September 07, 2007
Al Rubaie: “Dangerous Decisions” Could Be Made During Meeting With Sadr Movement In Najaf
Security, Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 6 SEP - The Chief of the Sadr Bloc in Iraq’s Parliament – Nassar Al Rubaie has confirmed that “dangerous decisions” could be made during the upcoming meeting, in Najaf, between: Sadr Movement Parliament Members and Sadr Movement political office (headquarters) meetings. This meeting’s purpose is regarding the events in Karbala.
Meanwhile, the (Iraqi) Council of Ministers has released 46 detainees (people initially rounded up as suspects of involvement in Karbala’s clashes) who have been determined to have been detained under “insufficient grounds”. Yesterday, the Council of Ministers issued the following statement, “The investigative committee, which was established in accordance with PM Nuri Al Maliki’s instructions, has released 46 detainees. This committee will continue to execute its’ duties in checking the files (circumstances) of other detainees.”
The Sadr Movement has given the (Iraqi) government a deadline which expired yesterday about releasing the (Sadr Movement/Mahdi Army) detainees. If their prisoners were not released, the Sadr Movement has threatened the government with “disobedience” and “surprising reactions”.
On the other hand, Sadr Movement leaders have presented the “Karbala investigation committee” with evidence which proves that the Sadr Movement is innocent about starting the clashes which occurred in Karbala. A Sadr Movement leader confirmed, “CDs [video downloads?] that have been presented to the Committee show that ‘another group’ started these clashes…not the Sadr group.” According to this leader, the Committee has been convinced by this evidence; therefore, they have begun releasing the Sadr Movement members who had been arrested.
Meanwhile, the (Iraqi) Council of Ministers has released 46 detainees (people initially rounded up as suspects of involvement in Karbala’s clashes) who have been determined to have been detained under “insufficient grounds”. Yesterday, the Council of Ministers issued the following statement, “The investigative committee, which was established in accordance with PM Nuri Al Maliki’s instructions, has released 46 detainees. This committee will continue to execute its’ duties in checking the files (circumstances) of other detainees.”
The Sadr Movement has given the (Iraqi) government a deadline which expired yesterday about releasing the (Sadr Movement/Mahdi Army) detainees. If their prisoners were not released, the Sadr Movement has threatened the government with “disobedience” and “surprising reactions”.
On the other hand, Sadr Movement leaders have presented the “Karbala investigation committee” with evidence which proves that the Sadr Movement is innocent about starting the clashes which occurred in Karbala. A Sadr Movement leader confirmed, “CDs [video downloads?] that have been presented to the Committee show that ‘another group’ started these clashes…not the Sadr group.” According to this leader, the Committee has been convinced by this evidence; therefore, they have begun releasing the Sadr Movement members who had been arrested.
Meanwhile, Sadr Movement Parliament Members and the Sadr Movement Headquarters Office in Najaf will soon hold a meeting in order to reach an important decision about: what actions to take regarding the events in Karbala.
The Chief of the Sadr Bloc in Parliament – Nassar Al Rubaie said, “This is the first time that such a meeting will be held in order to (decide) how to deal with the current situation; and, determine a ‘final Sadr Movement stance’ regarding this situation.” He added: this meeting will focus on the events in Karbala and the ensuing “tremendous pressures which have been applied against” the Sadr Movement.
Iraq’s Voices News Agency reported that Al Rubaie stated, “There are dangerous ‘human rights violations’ which have been committed against the (Sadr Movement) detainees by militias in Karbala! The Sadr Movement members who have been detained since the events in Karbala last week have been tortured, and some have been killed!” Karbala Governorate Council Member – Hamid Khanoush, who is a senior leader in Karbala’s Sadr Movement, was arrested by the “3rd Brigade” and was tortured. Al Rubaie has called for the Iraqi Minister of Human Rights – (Ms.) Wijdan Mikhail (Salim) to: visit the prisons, and report on the “human rights violations” which are occurring.
Iraq’s Voices News Agency reported that Al Rubaie stated, “There are dangerous ‘human rights violations’ which have been committed against the (Sadr Movement) detainees by militias in Karbala! The Sadr Movement members who have been detained since the events in Karbala last week have been tortured, and some have been killed!” Karbala Governorate Council Member – Hamid Khanoush, who is a senior leader in Karbala’s Sadr Movement, was arrested by the “3rd Brigade” and was tortured. Al Rubaie has called for the Iraqi Minister of Human Rights – (Ms.) Wijdan Mikhail (Salim) to: visit the prisons, and report on the “human rights violations” which are occurring.
Labels: Hamid Khanoush, human rights violation, Karbala, Mahdi Army, Najaf, Nassar al-Rubaie, Sadr movement
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Iraqi List: Signs Of An Agreement Soon Between Allawi And The Sadr Movement
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 4 SEP - Iraqi List Parliament member, Hussam Al Azzawi said that Iraqi List leader, Ayad Allawi is continuing his negotiations with important blocs and Parliament members. Al Azawi added that these negotiations are with the Accord Front, the Iraqi National Dialogue Front, The Fadhila Party and the Sadr Movement.
Al Azzawi pointed out that there are some agreements with the Sadr Movement, but recent problems between the Sadr Movement and the government as well as with the American forces are making these conversations difficult. He also said the Iraqi List has been in contact with prominent people in the Shiite Alliance and many of them have shown cooperation and support for the national project of the Iraqi List.
About the Iraqi List’s leaders visit to Kurdistan, Al Azzawi said it was a successful visit with positive negotiations that will solve the political crisis in the country. Al Azzawi added, “The Iraqi List’s project to solve the current crisis, which Allawi has introduced to the Kurdish parties, was welcomed by these parties.” He said, “The two Kurdish Parties are an important side in the political domain and they are a number you cannot ignore, and in the end, they are close to the patriotic liberal national project.
On Saturday, Allawi ended his visit to Sulaymaniya where he met with President Jalal Talabani and other Kurdish officials. About the Iraqi List’s vision to solve the crisis Al Azzawi said, “The solution is in the patriotic conversations between the political blocs and to participate in decisions, and not to put aside others.”
He added, “The Iraqi List is not an enemy of the Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki. We have some notes on the nature and performance of the government which have led the country into more fighting and disputes.” About their withdrawal from the government, Al Azzawi said, “Our position is unwavering on our withdrawal because there are many reasons and disagreements.” Al Azzawi believes that the crisis will not end because the government is continuing in its ignoring of other’s opinions. The Iraqi List has suspended its ministers, but they have given them time to run their ministries.
Al Azzawi pointed out that there are some agreements with the Sadr Movement, but recent problems between the Sadr Movement and the government as well as with the American forces are making these conversations difficult. He also said the Iraqi List has been in contact with prominent people in the Shiite Alliance and many of them have shown cooperation and support for the national project of the Iraqi List.
About the Iraqi List’s leaders visit to Kurdistan, Al Azzawi said it was a successful visit with positive negotiations that will solve the political crisis in the country. Al Azzawi added, “The Iraqi List’s project to solve the current crisis, which Allawi has introduced to the Kurdish parties, was welcomed by these parties.” He said, “The two Kurdish Parties are an important side in the political domain and they are a number you cannot ignore, and in the end, they are close to the patriotic liberal national project.
On Saturday, Allawi ended his visit to Sulaymaniya where he met with President Jalal Talabani and other Kurdish officials. About the Iraqi List’s vision to solve the crisis Al Azzawi said, “The solution is in the patriotic conversations between the political blocs and to participate in decisions, and not to put aside others.”
He added, “The Iraqi List is not an enemy of the Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki. We have some notes on the nature and performance of the government which have led the country into more fighting and disputes.” About their withdrawal from the government, Al Azzawi said, “Our position is unwavering on our withdrawal because there are many reasons and disagreements.” Al Azzawi believes that the crisis will not end because the government is continuing in its ignoring of other’s opinions. The Iraqi List has suspended its ministers, but they have given them time to run their ministries.
Labels: Accord Front, Ayad Allawi, Fadhila Party, Hussam Al Azzawi, Iraqi List, Iraqi National Dialogue Front, Jalal Talabani, Sadr movement
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Iraqi List Suggests Political Commission To Run The Country
Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 13 AUG - The Iraqi National List has suggested forming a political commission that will include all the parties in the government in order to run the country. They pointed out that this commission will not take the place of the leaders. The list has denied reports about its withdrawal from the political process or of it trying to destabilize the Al Maliki government.
Iraqi List Parliament member, Izzat Al Shabandar, announced yesterday that there is now a project to form a political commission from the main political entities. This commission will look like a front, but this front will not take the place of the leader. It will just say to him, do not be autocratic with political decisions which are connected with the present and the future of the country. Al Shabandar also said that the Al Maliki government can not continue under these circumstances.
He added, “Al Maliki will not continue with this government; it is impossible and we do not care who takes his place as long as the next leader is chosen is a nationalist and is away from sectarianism and religion. The Communist Party, which is part of the Iraqi List, announced that it has created a project to save the country from the recent crisis. The Communist Party Central Committee Secretary and a Parliament member, Hamid Majid Moussa, confirmed that negotiations between his party and other political powers are continuing to solve the crisis.
Iraqi List leader, Ayad Allawi, has told his list’s ministers to continue with their duties, but do not attend the cabinet meetings as a first step before their withdrawal. The Sadr Movement confirmed that their movement is still in the political process. The Movement also confirmed that Ahmed Al Sharifi does not represent the Movement or the political council. Ahmed Al Massoudi (Sadr Movement) has denied what Al Sharifi announced during his press conference Saturday, that there will be changes in the Sadr Movement.
Iraqi List Parliament member, Izzat Al Shabandar, announced yesterday that there is now a project to form a political commission from the main political entities. This commission will look like a front, but this front will not take the place of the leader. It will just say to him, do not be autocratic with political decisions which are connected with the present and the future of the country. Al Shabandar also said that the Al Maliki government can not continue under these circumstances.
He added, “Al Maliki will not continue with this government; it is impossible and we do not care who takes his place as long as the next leader is chosen is a nationalist and is away from sectarianism and religion. The Communist Party, which is part of the Iraqi List, announced that it has created a project to save the country from the recent crisis. The Communist Party Central Committee Secretary and a Parliament member, Hamid Majid Moussa, confirmed that negotiations between his party and other political powers are continuing to solve the crisis.
Iraqi List leader, Ayad Allawi, has told his list’s ministers to continue with their duties, but do not attend the cabinet meetings as a first step before their withdrawal. The Sadr Movement confirmed that their movement is still in the political process. The Movement also confirmed that Ahmed Al Sharifi does not represent the Movement or the political council. Ahmed Al Massoudi (Sadr Movement) has denied what Al Sharifi announced during his press conference Saturday, that there will be changes in the Sadr Movement.
Labels: Ahmed Al Massoudi, Ahmed Al Sharifi, Hamid Majid Moussa, Iraqi Communist Party, Iraqi National List, Iyad Allawi, Izzat Al Shabandar, political commission, Sadr movement
Friday, August 03, 2007
Situation in Basra shaky as political parties wrangle for control
Politics
(UPI) - Politics in Iraq's oil capital, Basra, are tense as its governor faces dismissal amid allegations Shiite parties are angling for control. Iraqi media reports indicate the area, where the vast majority of Iraq's 1.5 million barrels per day of oil exports are sent to market, is in danger of becoming inflamed. Mohammed Musbah al-Wa'ili, a Fadhila Party member and governor of Basra province, was dismissed in a vote dominated by another party, the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council.
SIIC is one of two major Shiite parties in Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's governing coalition. Fadhila was a partner until it withdrew earlier this year over disagreements with Maliki's leadership. The Sadr Movement, another Shiite party with weight in Basra, has also quit Maliki's coalition, as has the largest Sunni bloc, the Accord Front.
Maliki was asked to overturn the council's vote on Wa'ili but refused. "I will appeal to the Iraqi Judicial System," Asarq al-Awsat reports Wa'ili saying. It goes on to say the Fadhila Party accuses the parties with more power in Baghdad of attempting to obtain power in Basra. It says a proposed federal oil law, which SIIC supports, will give local authorities more decision-making powers in the oil sector.
The law is far from approved as numerous political, religious and ethnic factions, as well as unions and civil society, are at odds over how strong the federal government's arm should be in the oil sector and to what extent foreign companies should be allowed. The Azzaman newspaper reports the Fadhila Party is urging its followers not to launch massive protests, as was planned, as negotiations continue.
Labels: Basra, Fadhela party, Mohammed Musbah al-Wa'ili, Sadr movement, SIIC
Monday, July 02, 2007
Sadr Movement Rejects New Political Entity
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 1 JUL - The Sadr Movement has rejected the new political front project that consists of SICI, Dawa Party, PUK, and the KDP. The Sadr Movement Parliament chief, Nassar Al Rubaie said, “This alliance will fail due to the objection of many entities and Parliament members. The current Iraqi situation is not the right time for marginalization. This marginalization will damage the political process. These alliances are based on narrow and private interests. There are old alliances that should be respected by others. These new alliances intend to divide the old alliances and start new alliances by marginalizing others.”
Labels: Dawa party, KDP, Nassar Al Rubaie, new political front, PUK, Sadr movement, SICI
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Sadr Movement Opposes Some New Ministers
Political
(Al Bayyna Newspaper) - 14 MAY - The Iraqi Parliament has postponed the assignment of seven new Ministers who will replace the six Sadr Movement Ministers and the Minister of Justice. It was believed that the vote on the new Ministers would occur on Tuesday but arguments among the political entities forced the Parliament Chief, Mahmoud Al Mashahdani, to end the session.
Sources anticipate that the Parliament will witness strong disagreements about the new Ministers. The Sadr Movement clarified that they will object to some Ministers because the nominated Ministers belong to political entities while Sadr Movement told Al Maliki that the new Ministers should be independent and professionally qualified.
Sources said that Al Maliki will face problems in the Parliament regarding the new Ministers. It is expected that the Parliament will reject some of them. Al Maliki promised to replace Al Sadr Ministers with independent Ministers and the nominated names are not independent. This issue will make the Sadr Movement angry.
Sources anticipate that the Parliament will witness strong disagreements about the new Ministers. The Sadr Movement clarified that they will object to some Ministers because the nominated Ministers belong to political entities while Sadr Movement told Al Maliki that the new Ministers should be independent and professionally qualified.
Sources said that Al Maliki will face problems in the Parliament regarding the new Ministers. It is expected that the Parliament will reject some of them. Al Maliki promised to replace Al Sadr Ministers with independent Ministers and the nominated names are not independent. This issue will make the Sadr Movement angry.
The sources added, “The new Ministers names are; Dr. Mayada Abd Al Khadhm Al Hajami as Minister of Civil Society Affairs, Dr. Sabr Al Issawi as Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed Habib Al Abbas as Minister of Justice, Dr. Ridha Shurba as Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Adnan Abid Anouz as Minister of Health, Sami Atiya as Minister of Transportation, and Dr. Rafiya Shubr as a Minister of Province Affairs.
The Al Maliki government includes 32 Ministries and a Minister of State. On April 16th, six of Al Sadr’s Ministers withdrew from Al Maliki’s government because Al Maliki refused to present a [US] withdrawal schedule.
The Al Maliki government includes 32 Ministries and a Minister of State. On April 16th, six of Al Sadr’s Ministers withdrew from Al Maliki’s government because Al Maliki refused to present a [US] withdrawal schedule.
Labels: Iraqi parliament, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Nouri Al-Maliki, Sadr movement
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
New president chosen for Independant Electoral Commission of Iraq
Politics
(Al Adala Newspaper) - 7 MAY - The new IECI Board of Commissioners has elected Farij Mirza Al Haidri as the new President of the IECI. The new board was chosen by the Parliament on April 28th, 2007. The new board also elected Asawa Abdul Hamid from the National Dialogue Front as the Vice President and Karim Mahmoud Al Tamimi from the Sadr Movement as the Chief of the Electoral Office. Hamdia Al Hassani made an unsuccessful attempt to become the new president of the IECI. Moreover, Christian entities protested because there are no Christian representatives among the commissioners. The first task of the new board will be selecting Governorate Election Offices.
Labels: Asawa Abdul Hamid, Farij Mirza Al Haidri, IECI, Independant Electoral Commission of Iraq, Karim Mahmoud Al Tamimi, National Dialogue Front, Sadr movement
