Iraq's Sadr demands independent candidates for interior, defense ministers

by **GirlBye** Tue Nov 27, 2018 11:39 am

BAGHDAD, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr said on Tuesday that he will only accept independent candidates for interior and defense ministers amid heated debate among the political parties to win the sensitive posts.

"I am not behind delaying the conclusion of cabinet formation, but I am behind postponing their plots," Sadr said on his Twitter account.
Sadr accused some parties, who refuse anti-corruption reforms of working together "to bring back the corrupt people" against the will of the Iraqi people and the Shiite religious leadership.

"I will not accept non-independent ministers for defense or interior in order that Iraq would have an independent voice rather than from outside its border," said Sadr, who backs the Sairoon Coalition which appeared the frontrunner in May 12 parliamentary election.

"Our neighbors are our friends but not our masters," Sadr added, referring to rumors of interference by neighboring countries, particularly Iran, in choosing of candidates for the Iraqi cabinet.

He suggested Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to present to the parliament his candidates for the remaining portfolios "except for the candidates of defense and interior ministers."

On Oct. 24, Mahdi was sworn in as the new prime minister of Iraq after the parliament passed 14 out of his 22 cabinet members.

The parliament also approved Mahdi's government program, which included strengthening internal and external security through law enforcement, anti-terrorism and efforts to fight corruption.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-11/27/c_137635253.htm