Iraq's Coordination Framework (CF), an umbrella alliance of Shiite parties and the largest parliamentary bloc, reaffirmed on Saturday its support for the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership, rejecting foreign interference in the government formation process.
During a regular meeting at al-Maliki's office, the alliance discussed the country's latest political developments and constitutional obligations, according to a CF statement.
The CF emphasized that the selection of the prime minister is a "purely Iraqi constitutional matter", which is free from external dictates.
The bloc emphasized its commitment to building balanced relations with the international community, particularly with influential international powers, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs. The statement stressed that Iraq is a state of institutions capable of managing its political obligations according to the constitution and the will of its people's representatives.
The CF statement came as the Iraqi parliament is scheduled to hold a session on Sunday to elect the country's next president.
Iraq held parliamentary elections in November. Under the constitution, the parliament must elect a president within 30 days of its first session, which was held on Dec. 29. The president then has 15 days to nominate the leader of the largest parliamentary bloc as the prime minister to form a new cabinet, which must win a confidence vote within 30 days.
On Jan. 24, the CF nominated al-Maliki to head the next government.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that Washington would "no longer help Iraq" if al-Maliki returned to power. Al-Maliki dismissed the comments on Wednesday as "blatant U.S. interference" and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
Su Xiaohui, an associate research fellow with the China Institute of International Studies, said the United States is interfering in Iraq's internal affairs to strengthen its control power in the middle east.
"The Islamic Dawa Party, to which Maliki belongs, is an Iraqi Shiite party. The United States believes that if Maliki were to become prime minister, he could strengthen ties between Iraq and Shiite-led Iran, disrupting the U.S.'s Middle East strategic layout. The U.S. has previously exerted pressure on the Shia Crescent in an attempt to undermine Iran's overall influence in the region. So we can see that currently the U.S. is resorting to any means necessary to achieve its goals in interfering in Iraq's internal affairs," she said.
Iraq's Shiite alliance reaffirms al-Maliki as PM nominee despite US threats
