Maliki Steps Aside, Backs New Iraqi PM

Local Editor

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has stepped aside, ending political deadlock in Baghdad as the government struggles against insurgents.

He resigned on state TV to make way for Haider al-Abadi, who was asked by Iraq's president to form a government.

Maliki had been under intense pressure to make way for Abadi, a deputy speaker of parliament.

An offensive led by the so-called "Islamic State" [IS] terrorists in the north has triggered a security and humanitarian crisis.

Appearing on state TV flanked by Abadi and other politicians from the Shia Muslim majority, Maliki spoke of the grave "terrorist" threat from IS before announcing his own exit.
"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 favor of brother Doctor Haider al-Abadi," he said.

President Fuad Masum on Monday tasked Haidar al-Abadi, a member of Maliki's Dawa party, with forming a new government.
Maliki's move defuses a political deadlock that has plunged Iraq into uncertainty and opens way for the formation of a new government that could take on a growing insurgency by "IS" militants.

The White House commended Maliki's move and expressed hope that the power shift "can set Iraq on a new path and unite its people" against the threat from militants, national security adviser Susan Rice said in a statement.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said the move "sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition of power in Iraq."

The UN Security Council urged Abadi to work swiftly to form "an inclusive government that represents all segments of the Iraqi population and that contributes to finding a viable and sustainable solution to the country's current challenges."

Iraqis of all sects welcomed Thursday's announcement.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team