Shiites Discuss Plan to Replace Al-Jaafari

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Shiite politicians suggested a formula Saturday for replacing their nominee for prime minister to break the deadlock over Iraq's new unity government, officials said. At least 12 Iraqis died in a car bombing near a Baghdad restaurant and other attacks.

Two Shiite officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the sensitivity of the discussions, said the formula called for Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to step aside in favor of another candidate from his Dawa party.

In return, the biggest Shiite party, the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, would not push Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi for the post, the officials said.

It was unclear, however, whether al-Jaafari had signed off on the plan, and it appeared there was no agreement even among Dawa on a replacement. Al-Jaafari, who defeated Abdul-Mahdi for the nomination in a vote among Shiite lawmakers in February, and has refused to give up his bid for a second term.