US, Iran and Saudi agree on Maliki's third term

The United Sates, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to allow Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki to stay in office for a third term, Al-Araby Al-Yawm newspaper reported.

The news agency quoted an Iraqi source familiar with the agreement details as saying “according to the agreement Al-Maliki will have to give up sovereign ministries and the security file, and abide by the 2010 agreement and establish a National Security Council for Iraq, headed by a Sunni figure.”

Sunni, Shia and sections of the Kurdish Jalal Talabani’s group have united to counter Kurdistan’s attempts to separate from Iraq, the source said.

It is expected that the agreement will be concluded before the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, at the end of July, during a meeting to choose the three government prominent posts.

According to the source, Barham Saleh will be chosen as president while Saleem Al-Jbouri will act as parliament speaker, and Al-Maliki as prime minister.

“Tarek Najm is expected to become vice president, and Hussein Al-Attiyah will act as foreign minister succeeding Hoshyar Zebari,” Al-Araby Al-Yawm said.

The source noted that Sunni figures from Tikrit and Mosul will be chosen for sovereign ministries.

The Iraqi parliament announced yesterday that it has decided to bring forward its second parliamentary session. “We have decided to bring forward the second parliament session to Sunday July 13,” acting parliament speaker, Mehdi Al-Hafez, said in a statement.

Military sources said the Iraqi forces continue to bomb Sunni areas in Tikrit, Baquba and Diyala where elements of the former Iraqi army and Baath Party affiliates are believed to be positioned.

According to the source, Sunni leaders describe Sunni militants as rebels who revolted against Al-Maliki’s sectarian policies.