Official Denies Formation of 3-Way Alliance in Iraq Government Talks

Rasa – A representative of Iraq’s Hikma movement dismissed speculation that his list has formed an alliance with two other major blocs in the coalition talks for forming the next Iraqi government, saying what has been reached was only a rough agreement on general plans.

News ID: 438161

Date: 09 June 2018 - 22:58

RNA - Seyed Zarqam Hussaini, representative of Iraq’s National Hikma or Wisdom Movement in Iran, in an interview said it is not right to say that his movement led by Ammar al-Hakim, Muqtada al-Sadr’s Sairoon alliance, and the al-Wataniya list led by Ayad Allawi, have formally entered into coalition with each other.

Asked about reports of a final trilateral coalition, Hussaini said the parties have only reached a general agreement on the principles and political plans for a majority bloc in the parliament, describing it as a bedrock of a national alliance.

“There is still a long way to go before announcing the majority fraction,” he explained.

Hussaini also noted that what has been reported as an eventual coalition of the three blocs was indeed the minutes of a meeting on general issues and political plans that would be favorable for all groups.

Asked about any consensus on the senior posts in the next cabinet, the Hikma movement’s representative said the negotiating blocs are still discussing the government’s policies and plans before reaching a conclusion on any name.

According to Tasnim News Agancy, Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoon coalition took 54 out of 328 seats in the May 12 parliamentary election in Iraq.

With no bloc winning the 165 seats required for an outright majority, negotiations to form a coalition government in Iraq began after the polls.

847/940