Iraq's Sistani backs new prime minister, urges unity
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 August 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraq's Sistani backs new prime minister, urges unity, 15 August 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54003f05b.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 15, 2014
Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has backed the country's Prime Minister-designate Haidar al-Abadi.
Sistani, in comments on August 15, said the transition was a rare opportunity to resolve political and security crises.
He also said battling corruption should be one of the priorities of the new government.
In a national televised address earlier on August 15, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki announced that he would step down and support Abadi to "safeguard the high interests of the country."
Maliki has been prime minister since 2006.
He has been widely accused of fueling sectarian tensions as Iraq battles Islamist militants.
He had previously rejected Abadi's nomination and said he would go to court to stay in his post.
The United States and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed his decision to step down.
Based on reporting by Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website