Maliki, PUK’s Talabani discuss top posts as Iraq heads toward government talks

BAGHDAD — State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki met Sunday with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani to discuss Iraq’s three top leadership positions as political blocs move to form a new government following the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections.

According to a statement from Maliki’s office, Talabani visited Maliki at his office in Baghdad, where the two reviewed political developments and stressed the need to finalize what they described as “constitutional entitlements” and form a government that ensures “political stability.”

The statement said the talks covered “the file of the three presidential positions,” referring to the presidency, the premiership and the speakership of parliament, and approaches to managing the process “in accordance with constitutional procedures.”

Talabani’s meeting with Maliki came a day after he held talks with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The Prime Minister’s Media Office said that meeting reviewed “the country’s overall situation across various fields” and emphasized continuing reconstruction and development projects and strengthening stability nationwide.

Iraq’s Nov. 11 elections filled all 329 seats in the Council of Representatives. The Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by al-Sudani won 46 seats, short of a majority, leaving government formation dependent on negotiations among multiple blocs.

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid issued a decree on Dec. 16 calling the newly elected parliament to convene its first session on Dec. 29. Under the decree, the opening session will be chaired by the oldest member of parliament, in line with constitutional requirements.