Iraq's Sadrist movement rejects results of national dialogue

By Raed al-Hamed

BAGHDAD (AA) - The Sadrist movement in Iraq on Thursday rejected the results of a national dialogue meeting.

The movement led by Shia cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr refused to participate in the talks that were called by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

The Wednesday's session was attended by UN envoy to Iraq Jeanine Plasschaert to find a solution to the ongoing political crisis which has hindered the formation of a new government.

Salih Muhammad al-Iraqi, a leading member of the movement, accused most of the attendees of seeking to remain in power.

"This secret meeting of yours does not concern us with anything," and "the people do not want people to do anything but to step aside," he said in a statement.

The meeting urged the movement to engage in talks to set mechanisms for a comprehensive solution.

It also encouraged proceeding with talks to lay down a legal and constitutional road map to address the crisis, and stop all forms of field, media or political escalation.

Tension flared in Iraq in recent days following the nomination of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the new prime minister by the Coordination Framework, a coalition of groups close to Iran.

The move triggered mass protests from supporters of al-Sadr, who called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections.

Last June, 73 lawmakers of al-Sadr's movement resigned from the 329-seat parliament after failing to form a "national majority" government, as the Coordination Framework hampered the Cabinet formation.

Iraq has been in a political deadlock for nine months following general elections last October, which has since failed to agree on a new government between rival parties.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat