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Politics : Idea Of The Day -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: IQBAL LATIF who wrote (47941)	3/4/2005 8:57:27 PM
From: IQBAL LATIF	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 50167

The outgoing Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi, whose list scored third in the recent elections, affirmed his interest in keeping his job on Friday, after a party bolted the winning Shia political list. The defection of the National Coalition Movement from the United Iraqi Alliance (UIA) could be a boon for Allawi, whose hopes rest on splitting the Shia list and then cutting a deal with the Kurds. Allawi told reporters in Baghdad, "My list nominated me and the decision was taken by my list. It was a decision from allies of the list that is why I ran and the issue of me continuing is up to the list." He vigorously denied the rumours that he was bowing out of the race. Allawi said he was in contact with political leaders and factions of all stripes, including those who chose not to take part in January’s parliamentary elections, in order to forge a bloc in the next parliament. The prime minister tacitly acknowledged his chances for survival were tied to the fate of the UIA, which is a banner for a large number of Shiite parties. "I hope that lists will be unified. But I expect that some might split and this might improve the democratic process," Allawi said. The UIA is currently locked in intense negotiations with the Kurds, the number two vote-getters, to form a coalition government. But the first sign of cracks in the UIA’s armour emerged on Friday as the two-seat National Coalition Movement withdrew from the Shia alliance. "The meetings and negotiations go on to divide power and influence without consideration for the people’s dreams and aspirations," Ali Yushaa, the head of the small grouping of politicians and tribal leaders from Nassiriyah, announced in a press conference. Allawi also told reporters that he met with Abdel Aziz al-Hakim, a leading figure on the UIA list, but he refused to discuss details of the meeting.