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Iraqi Islamic Party dismisses minister of planning

Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban
Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban
BAGHDAD, Sept 14 (KUNA) -- The Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP) announced Friday dismissal of Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Baban against the backdrop of the latter's non-compliance with the decision of the Sunni Iraqi Accord Front (IAF) to boycott government.
Baban reneged on his pledge to comply with the IAF decision to boycott the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and resumed his duties," the IIP said in a statement received by KUNA here.
"He disregarded the fact that he was one of the makers of the boycott decision.
"Baban's move goes counter to the national interests of Iraq. He could raise his new grounds and justifications, if he had any, during the meetings of the IAF meetings.
"We can not accept such move from an IIP member especially after we preferred him (Baban) to other members and nominated him to the his post," the statement pointed out.
The decision to dismiss Baban was unanimously adopted by the IIP politburo, the statement concluded.
Earlier in the day, the IAF regretted Baban's decision to resume his duties as minister in the cabinet of Nouri Al-Maliki.
In a statement, the front said the "disappointing personal decision" decision would not influence the IAF 's boycott decision.
Baban returned to Al-Maliki's cabinet on Thursday, arguing that his boycott affected implementation of several key projects.
He said at a news conference that he believed that the higher national interests should be placed above all partisan or political considerations.
The IAF contested Baban's argument, saying Al-Maliki's government had been ineffective for some time and its failure to perform properly prompted millions of Iraqis to flee to neighboring countries.
At least 15 ministers, including five IAF members, quitted the government in August. (end) mhg.gb KUNA 150054 Sep 07NNNN