Sudani bloc chief meets Maliki, urges Kurds to resolve presidency

BAGHDAD — Baha al-Araji, head of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development bloc, met with State of Law leader Nouri al-Maliki to discuss political developments and the regional situation, according to a statement.

Both sides called on political blocs — “particularly the Kurdish forces” — to accelerate remaining constitutional entitlements, “foremost among them resolving the position of the presidency,” as a step toward forming a government.

They also stressed “the importance of strengthening joint coordination within the Council of Representatives” to activate the legislature’s “legislative and oversight role.”

Iraq’s government formation has stalled since the Nov. 11 elections. Parliament must elect a president before a prime minister can be tasked, but a scheduled session was postponed without a new date. The presidency requires a two-thirds majority, historically leading to lengthy negotiations.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan have not reached consensus on a candidate. The presidency has been held since 2003 by figures linked to the PUK, including Jalal Talabani, Fuad Masum, Barham Salih and current President Abdul Latif Rashid. The PUK has named Nizar Amedi as its candidate.

Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim met Monday with a PUK delegation led by Amedi. Hakim stressed “the importance of adhering to the constitution” and called for “unifying the Kurdish position and agreeing on a single candidate.”

The Shiite Coordination Framework has nominated al-Maliki, who served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014. President Donald Trump said the United States would not continue support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to office.