Kurd president denounces Shi'ite premier as block to unity

[ECH1969]

IRAQ'S President Jalal Talabani said yesterday that the nomination of Shi'ite prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari for a second term was an obstacle to uniting the country.

"Opposing Al-Jaafari's nomination is not a personal issue," said Talabani, a Kurd. "It is in the interest of forming a government of national unity."

The ruling Shi'ite Alliance is facing mounting pressure from would-be partners to ditch Al-Jaafari whom, critics say, has failed to staunch sectarian violence that has pushed Iraq towards the brink of civil war.

The stalemate has complicated efforts to form a unity government of Shi'ites, Sunnis and Kurds that Washington sees as its best hope to stabilise Iraq and allow it to withdraw troops. "The United Alliance has the right to nominate the prime minister but the parliament has to approve it," said Talabani.

http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=332752006

[cantstandbush]

1. Holy shit! Whose on first? n/t

[redphish]

2. Yeah, we sure are getting closer to a government in Iraq, ain't we?

[Drum]

3. I was wondering when the Kurds where going to speak up...

Now, let's hope the ole bumbler-in-chief doesn't piss them off by calling them "Turds."

[IndianaGreen]

4. The Kurds have allied themselves with the secular Shias

led by our thug Allawi. I rather have a secular thug than a religious one.

[Drum]

5. I like your avatar

I think we used the same photographer, didn't we?