Seistani denies intervention in politics, a government is expected very soon in Iraq
Iraq, Politics, 3/28/2005

The Shiite clergy on Iraq Ayatullah al-Seistani said on Sunday he does not interfere in the political life except when it is necessary, especially in crisis times. This was expressed during his meeting with the UN envoy to Iraq, Ashraf Qadhi.

Qadhi, who met with Seistani in his house in Najaf, said he had discussed with him the political developments on the Iraqi arena and expected that the Iraqi government to be formed within a short time.

The interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi suspended his participation in the next Iraqi government in the absence of the influence of the religious establishment, calling on the men of religion to stay away from politics.

Allawi called for not getting religious leaders involved in the political action under the pretext this will preoccupy them from their educational role. He also called for the independence of the Iraqi security department "which should not be in the hands of any political party."

On the next government, the candidate for the post of the Iraqi prime minister Ibrahim al-Jafaari expected the formation of a new government within days in a step which is expected to end two months of negotiations between the leaders of the Shiite and Kurdish parties on distribution of posts.

Al-Jaafari stressed his care to form the government as soon as possible but he indicated that all requirements of success should be provided. Since more than one month Iraqi politicians announce the nearby reach of an agreement.

Iraq's interim deputy prime minister Barham Saleh expected reaching an agreement to form the government by the fall of next Tuesday.

Previous Stories:
  Iraq's parliament convenes again on Monday   (3/26/2005)
  Iraqi scholars see legitimate constitution as key to the future   (3/25/2005)
  Inclination to appoint a Sunni minister of defense in Iraq, scores of gunmen killed   (3/24/2005)

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