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Iraq's top Shiite cleric appeals to politicians

Arab World Materials 1 August 2014 16:56 (UTC +04:00)
Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric is appealing to politicians not to be "an obstacle" in the process of transition as Iraq nears a deadline to select its next prime minister
Iraq's top Shiite cleric appeals to politicians

Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric is appealing to politicians not to be "an obstacle" in the process of transition as Iraq nears a deadline to select its next prime minister, AP reported.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said in comments delivered by his spokesman on Friday that the next government must "command broad acceptance" from the entire political spectrum.

The spokesman, Ahmed al-Safi, quotes the reclusive cleric as saying that "no one should make himself an obstacle in achieving national consensus."

The remarks are seen as another appeal by al-Sistani to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to step down.

Iraq's newly-elected president, Fouad Massoum, is required to select a candidate for the post of premier from the largest political bloc by next Friday.

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