Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Sistani speaks out
Jax
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 21 - The most powerful Shiite cleric in Iraq called late Sunday for quick agreement on a new government, expressing displeasure with the weeks of drawn-out haggling, which has begun to stir unrest in the Iraqi public.
The cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, appeared to be putting pressure on Kurdish politicians in talks on forming a governing coalition.
Even though he has no constituency in the mostly Sunni Kurdish territory, the ayatollah has proved to be the most influential authority in the new Iraq. He brought together the largest and most successful Shiite bloc in the elections, and he has been able to call up huge street protests and get voters to the polls.
A leading Shiite politician, Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, told reporters that the ayatollah felt "discontent" over the delay and was calling for speed in forming a government "on the basis of maintaining equality for everyone." Mr. Hakim made his remarks in Najaf after meeting there Sunday evening with Ayatollah Sistani.
The main Shiite and Kurdish blocs together have more than two-thirds of the 275 seats in the new assembly, enough to install a government, but have been at odds over the conditions for an alliance since the elections on Jan. 30. The Kurds have been trying to extract promises that would let them retain their strong autonomy and gain vital territory in northern Iraq, particularly Kirkuk, the center of an oil-rich region.
"Sayed Sistani has affirmed the principles he believes in, which are national unity, giving rights to the Iraqi people and not marginalizing the rights of others," said Mr. Hakim, using the honorific reserved for direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.
The statement was the first public sign of displeasure from Ayatollah Sistani over the negotiations. The long process has demoralized many Iraqis who turned out to vote despite insurgent threats.
