Al-Maliki Asked To Form Iraq Government

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has asked Jawad al-Maliki to form Iraq’s first full-term government.
 
Talabani's invitation marks a breakthrough in a four-month deadlock that had prevented a government from being formed since national elections were held, in December.
 
The stumbling block was removed when, on Apríl 20, acting Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari withdrew his candidacy for a new term, following strong and sustained opposition from Sunni Arab and Kurdish minorities.
 
The predominantly Shi'ite United Iraqi Alliance, the largest bloc in the parliament, nominated al-Maliki as its candidate after al-Ja'fari’s withdrawal.
 
Though al-Maliki is described as an ally of al-Ja'fari, Sunni Arab and Kurdish politicians have reportedly indicated they are likely to accept him.
 
The Iraqi parliament, which met on Apríl 21 for only the second time since the elections, is expected to debate who should serve as its speaker and who to appoint to the three-man presidential council before discussing al-Maliki's position.
 
Members of parliament had earlier elected Talabani, a Kurd, to a second term in office.
 
(compiled from agency reports)