Iraqi groups unite for negotiations to form government

The Iraqi National List led by the former prime minister Eyad Allawi (Secular, Shiite) , al-Tawafuk (Sunni) National Front and the Iraqi Front For National Dialogue agreed to join negotiations for the formation of the next government as one bloc with the aim of establishing a national unity government.

Chairman of the Independent Democratic Coalition, Adnan al-Naja Jee, who is also member in the Iraqi National List said that the three sides discussed the issue of taking part in the government, and it was agreed that they would negotiate as one bloc.

Al-Baja Jee explained that the three lists are competing for 80 seats at the national assembly (parliament), and in case other smaller blocs will be joining, the seats will add up to 85 or 88, noting that this bloc would have important influence.

The Shiite and the Kurds who got 180 seats at the parliament seek to establish a government in light of the elections results, However, president Jalal al-Talibani, a Kurd, stressed that the "next government should relate to both the election and national requirements, together," a reference to the need of having a unity government that will allow Iraq to overcome the critical juncture it is passing thru.