Maliki launches campaign to involve political parties in political process

BAGHDAD, May 8 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki is soon to launch a campaign to involve political parties not represented in parliament in the political process and to open communication channels with armed groups, according to state press.
The governmental Al-Sabah newspaper Tuesday said the Iraqi premier would launch his campaign within days and that it comes into five segments. The objective is to bolster national unity and adopting the recommendations of the recent Sharm El-Sheikh meetings, the paper said.
The government publication added the campaign comes in response to demands within Iraq that the government, as well as other political entities, actively contribute to efforts at viable solutions for crises and avoid blaming external parties for the state's troubles.
According to MP Abbas Al-Bayyati, "the plan involves expanding the scope of political participation to include parties that are not represented in parliament or the cabinet." The plan also involves furthering the national reconciliation initiative and extending it to parties and individuals who hold views opposed to those of government but do not engage in violence.
The government is to open communication channels with armed groups, reconsider the debaathification process and efforts, and giving room for contributions of local blocs and powers who would not take part in the political process.
The plan also involves implementation of mechanisms to create balance in state institutions so that these can serve their set purposes as well as finding means to involve all in the decision making process on important issues.
The plan also involves measures to protect ministries against influence of political and sectarian tug and pull through ministerial reforms to bring qualified technocrats to the portfolios and also through reconsidering structure of state institutions.
There would be a parallel tough security plan, the MP noted, and the aim would be "final" solutions for militia issues. Al-Bayyati stressed such an approach is overdue and any delay in settling these issues would compromise international commitment to assisting Iraq.
The MP further added that "there is, though somewhat in the background, much effort to support the premier, which is an evident shift from the pre-Sharm El-Sheikh era of strong differences and stances that almost compromised the political situation in Iraq." Observers meanwhile believe responsibilities and duties are more clearly defined now and the political powers would not therefore be able to overweigh the government with political tactics such as walking out of the government or threatening such move to pressure the government on any issue.
Putting all in consideration, Al-Maliki's odds with and probability of the premier seeking the support of the technocrats are ever better, observers believe.(end) ahh.wsa KUNA 081013 May 07NNNN