Sudani, Halbousi discuss government formation and political dialogue
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Thursday with Mohammed Rikan al-Halbousi, president of the Taqaddum Party, to discuss political coordination and steps toward forming a government, according to statements from both offices.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office said the meeting addressed “developments in the situation in Iraq and the region,” stressing “the importance of unified Iraqi discourse and understanding among national political forces to confront challenges and prioritize the country’s supreme interests,” in a way that supports security, stability and development.
In a separate statement, the Taqaddum Party said the meeting highlighted “the importance of unified political discourse and mutual understandings among national forces to confront challenges and prioritize the country’s supreme interests,” and called for enhanced dialogue “to shape a unified vision that leads to the formation of a government capable of continuing the path of development and economic revival and meeting the aspirations of all Iraqis.”
Political maneuvering continues over the formation of Iraq’s next government following the Nov. 11 parliamentary election, with the Shiite Coordination Framework — the major alliance of Shia parties — moving toward nominating former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for the premiership. Sources said al-Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, gained the backing of most groups within the framework after current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani withdrew his bid for a second term in favor of al-Maliki.
Full statements:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani Receives the President of Takadum Party
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received, today, Thursday, the President of the Takadum Party, Mr. Mohammed Rikan Al-Halbousi, along with the accompanying delegation.
The meeting discussed developments in the situation in Iraq and the region, emphasizing the importance of unified Iraqi discourse and understanding among national political forces to confront challenges and prioritize the country’s supreme interests, in a manner that contributes to consolidating security and stability and achieving development across various sectors.
The meeting also underscored the necessity of strengthening dialogue among all political parties and Iraqi national forces to formulate a unified vision that would lead to the formation of a government capable of continuing the path of development and economic advancement and meeting the aspirations of all Iraqis.
In addition, the security situation in Syria was discussed, with emphasis on supporting the recent measures taken by the government to ensure that terrorists do not escape from prisons within Syrian territory.
President of Taqaddum Party Meets Prime Minister
The President of the Taqaddum Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and his accompanying delegation met on Thursday with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The meeting discussed developments in the country and the region, stressing the importance of unified political discourse and mutual understandings among national forces to confront challenges and prioritize the country’s supreme interests, in a way that contributes to consolidating security and stability and advancing development across various sectors.
The meeting also emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue among all parties to shape a unified vision that leads to the formation of a government capable of continuing the path of development and economic revival and meeting the aspirations of all Iraqis.
The security situation in Syria was also discussed, with emphasis on supporting the government’s recent measures to ensure that terrorists do not escape from prisons inside Syrian territory.