Al-Ja'fari Says Iraqi Shi'ite Alliance Will Decide On Nomination

Acting Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari (file photo) (epa) April 20, 2006 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari today said it is up to the Shi'ite-led United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) to confirm his nomination for a second term.

Iraqi leaders have so far failed to agree on the makeup of the national government. Al-Ja'fari said on April 19 that stepping down was "out of the question."

Members of the UIA have been deadlocked on whether to drop al-Ja'fari as their nominee. Al-Ja'fari faces stiff opposition from Kurdish and Sunni parties, who blame him for failing to end sectarian violence.

Alliance leaders are set to meet on April 22 to discuss the formation of a new government.

(AP, Reuters)