Iraq’s Abadi Abandons Deal with Shiite, Accepts Zurfi’s Designation

Arab World

March 24th, 9:24am

Baghdad - Hamza Mustafa

Iraq’s Abadi Abandons Deal with Shiite, Accepts Zurfi’s Designation

Iraq'a Nasr coalition headed by ex-PM Haidar al-Abadi has called for granting Prime Minister-designate Adnan al-Zurfi a chance to form the new government. “The ongoing talks to nominate a new candidate for the PM post indicate a clear constitutional violation,” the coalition said in a statement on Monday. “Since President Barham Salih has carried out his constitutional duty and designated Zurfi, parties don’t have the right to annul this designation and decide on a new figure before the end of the constitutional period,” the statement stressed. The statement said the designated figure shall take his constitutional opportunity, in compliance with the legal contexts and national solidarity. The coalition’s stance was announced five days after Salih designated Zurfi to form the government, and Shiite blocs began holding daily meetings to reject this designation. The Shiite bloc includes the State of Law coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Fatah Coalition, which is headed by Hadi al-Amiri, and Ammar al-Hakim’s National Wisdom (al-Hikma) Movement, which only objects the designation mechanism. This indicates a gap in the positions of these blocs, which haven’t yet been able to choose an alternative for Zurfi. The crisis seems to only be resolved if Zurfi withdraws, so that Salih can designate the figure nominated by the other parties. In light of the opposing blocs’ failure to agree on an appropriate alternative, they are considering another option that appears to be legally and constitutionally impossible. They are hinting they’d collect enough signatures to oust the president. Law experts in Iraq believe that resorting to this option is not possible because this action, according to the constitution, passes through very complex stages and requires his conviction either by high treason or by violating the constitution, with the approval of the Federal Court. It is noteworthy that the Federal Court granted Salih the right to designate Zurfi.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2196666/iraq%E2%80%99s-abadi-abandons-deal-shiite-accepts-zurfi%E2%80%99s-designation