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January 27, 2012
ANKARA: A top Iraqi Shiite official said on Thursday that the political crisis pitting Shiite officials against his country’s largest Sunni-backed bloc must end.
“I want to invite Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc to return to parliament and take its place in parliament,” Ammar Al Hakim, a powerful cleric and leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC) said during his visit to Turkey.
“We say that we will examine their just demands and do whatever is necessary.”
Hakim, however, did not offer any change in the legal challenge that started the standoff: an arrest warrant that Iraq’s Shiite-led government filed against the Sunni vice president, Tareq Al Hashemi, on terrorism charges.
Hakim said that an administration run by members of only one sect was impossible, but he didn’t say what Iraq’s government should do to end the crisis.
Hakim also was scheduled to meet Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
Hakim also appealed for calm in relations with Turkey, warning that neighbourly ties should not be tarnished by mutual accusations.
“The solid and friendly relations between Turkey and Iraq being overshadowed by daily political matters is unthinkable. This cannot be allowed,” Hakim told a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
“We are in need of relations which will strengthen our bonds of friendship,” said Hakim.
Erdogan has angered Maliki by phoning him on Jan.10 about a standoff with Hashemi as Erdogan warned Iraqi leaders against fomenting sectarian tensions, the Iraqi premier accused Ankara of intervening in Iraqi affairs and the two countries have called in each others’ respective ambassadors to express their displeasure.
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ANKARA: A top Iraqi Shiite official said on Thursday that the political crisis pitting Shiite officials against his country’s largest Sunni-backed bloc must end.
“I want to invite Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc to return to parliament and take its place in parliament,” Ammar Al Hakim, a powerful cleric and leader of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC) said during his visit to Turkey.
“We say that we will examine their just demands and do whatever is necessary.”
Hakim, however, did not offer any change in the legal challenge that started the standoff: an arrest warrant that Iraq’s Shiite-led government filed against the Sunni vice president, Tareq Al Hashemi, on terrorism charges.
Hakim said that an administration run by members of only one sect was impossible, but he didn’t say what Iraq’s government should do to end the crisis.
Hakim also was scheduled to meet Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
Hakim also appealed for calm in relations with Turkey, warning that neighbourly ties should not be tarnished by mutual accusations.
“The solid and friendly relations between Turkey and Iraq being overshadowed by daily political matters is unthinkable. This cannot be allowed,” Hakim told a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
“We are in need of relations which will strengthen our bonds of friendship,” said Hakim.
Erdogan has angered Maliki by phoning him on Jan.10 about a standoff with Hashemi as Erdogan warned Iraqi leaders against fomenting sectarian tensions, the Iraqi premier accused Ankara of intervening in Iraqi affairs and the two countries have called in each others’ respective ambassadors to express their displeasure.
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