‘Baseless claims’: State of Law slams reports of Maliki withdrawal

BAGHDAD — Hisham Al-Rikabi, head of the State of Law Coalition media office, on Tuesday denied reports claiming that Nouri Al-Maliki’s nomination for prime minister had been withdrawn or that alternative names were being proposed by the Coordination Framework.

Al-Rikabi described the reports as “baseless claims” and a “malicious media campaign… aimed at confusing public opinion,” stressing that the Coordination Framework remains committed to its publicly declared political positions and to its candidate for the next phase.

In a post on X, Al-Rikabi said: “In light of the malicious media campaign promoting claims of withdrawing Maliki’s nomination by the Coordination Framework and introducing alternative names, we affirm that these reports have no basis in truth, and the Framework remains committed to its political positions.”

He added, “Attempts to mislead public opinion will not succeed.”

The Shiite Coordination Framework nominated al-Maliki, who served from 2006 to 2014, prompting debate among Iraqi political forces. He stepped down in 2014 under pressure following security failures, including the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.

The nomination also drew reactions abroad. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that the United States would not continue its support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to office.

Earlier in day, State of Law Coalition spokesperson Aqeel al-Fatlawi said Tuesday al-Maliki’s nomination for prime minister remains in place and will not be withdrawn, dismissing talk of sanctions as unfounded and calling on Iraq’s political leadership to await clear communication from Washington.