Iraq: Al-Maliki says will not run for prime minister

Iraqi Vice President and leader of the State of Law coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, announced yesterday that he will not run for the post of prime minister.

“When I announced years ago that I will not run for prime minister, I was serious and it came from a vision that I am still committed to. Today, I confirm my decision and for the same reasons and vision,” Al-Maliki said in a statement issued by his media office.

He added that he will support anyone who takes over the post to contribute to correcting the situation in Iraq and achieving national interests.

Local media recently reported that Al-Maliki offered the head of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), Faleh Fayadh, the post of prime minister if he withdrew from outgoing Prime Minister, Haider Al-Abadi’s coalition and joined his.

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On Friday, Al-Abadi dismissed Al-Fayadh from his post as national security adviser and head of the PMF and the national security apparatus because of “his involvement in political and party work which runs against his sensitive security tasks”.

Al-Maliki served as prime minister in 2006 and won a second term from 2010 to 2014.

The new Iraqi parliament is due to hold its first session today to elect a speaker and two deputies.