 Reporter: What is your opinion about Alarabiya news channel's last interview with PM Almalki?
VP Mahdi: He attacked everyone and considered them as conspirators and misleading the Iraqi people. He did not discharge anyone but himself. A researcher or a citizen can make these statements, but to be released from the Prime Minister of Iraq, while in office, this is an issue that must be reviewed. He accused the others lack of literature.
He accused the scientists and the States. The interview had a lot of contradictions which refutes each other.
Reporter: Is it true what PM Almaliki says that his government is one that has full powers and not a caretaker government?
VP Mahdi: It is true; his government says that there are two constitutional articles on this subject. The first is the resignation or dismissal of the Prime Minister and thus the government will be a caretaker government, the second is the dissolution of COR. We also have to add that there is no constitutional provision that directly states that by the time of elections the government would be considered as a resigned government and becomes a caretaker government. But is this is enough for us to conclude that the government is not a caretaker government? "The government is a caretaker government according to the same constitutional article, which states that at the time of the dissolution of the parliament, the government turns immediately to a caretaker government. Thus, the COR is dissolved, and absent constitutionally.
Reporter: The Prime Minister said that all lists had been manufactured abroad, except two lists: SOL and the Kurdish alliance. Is that true?
VP Mahdi: This is a serious accusation against the democratic process and political developments in Iraq. Then why is he negotiating with Aliraqiah list? He has branded it with a strong accusation. And why has he insisted to ally with INA and asks for their help in electing him for another term? Why does he seeks support from lists which he says are made abroad, and then attacks it when they do not agree with him. We cannot deny that there is external interference, and we have reiterated repeatedly that what we regard as interference in Iraqi affairs is when the official or the Iraqi political accepts decisions abroad. The understanding of the circumstances and the ability to make decisions based on inner vision and patriotism, this is normal. Everybody consults in the world today. The standard is the decision being made, is it for national considerations or implementation of foreign agendas.
I repeat and say that the Prime Minister's last speech was unrealistic, illogical, and unworkable. Political Roles and responsibilities push everyone to meet inside and outside of Iraq, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as is in accordance with the criteria mentioned.
Reporter: Mr. Almaliki says that he has won votes for himself, which gives him the right to insist on the prime minister post?
VP Mahdi: It is the right of the Prime Minister to nominate himself? He needs to work within the framework and the context and rules not outside them. If he gets 163 votes, then he will be the president of the council of ministers and there is no dispute about that. But he cannot assume things and begin to work and speak about the future accordingly. What he wants from others is that they walk behind him and be subjected to his arrangements.
Reporter: Mr. Almaliki said that INA is rejecting his candidacy for another term and does not nominate a candidate of their own. He challenged INA to nominate a candidate who can get 80 seats, and that he is willing to freeze his nomination, if anyone can get 80 or 163 votes in the parliament?
VP Mahdi: This is a good question. First, SOL is not the largest bloc to be able to nominate a candidate. The largest bloc is the "National Alliance" if it manages to agree on one candidate. Then that person would be National Alliance's candidate. If it fails, then according to the constitution Aliraqiah is the next largest bloc. The National Alliance is not a merger between the two lists, so that Maliki has got the right because he owns 89 seats and INA got just 70 seats, it does not work like that.
Mr. Maliki has to settle between two paths. Either he goes to the members of the national stage to get their support with the absolute majority in COR, or he goes to the National Alliance to get support for his nomination. There is no third option between the two. He has tried and went to all national parties, and he did not achieve anything concrete.
Reporter: Mr. Vice President is there something else you want mention in particular?
A: Despite the sadness and grief, these interviews had a lot of concepts and things that must be considered and diagnosed. Nevertheless, I say that modern and fragile democracies have all gone through such tests until they established their traditions and provided statesmen and public opinion that appreciate the work of institutions and compliance with the rules and procedures. I have no doubt, that brother Almaliki is one of the senior leaders who can contribute to the consolidation of this experience, but with a different style. These debates, despite their negative aspects and complications, remain one of the ways that we recognize our mistakes and learn from each other. Everyone involved in the political process and who abides by the constitution is our partner and friend. Our differences do not mean swearing or estrangement and hostility; it means self-examination and puts everything in its right place. |
Interviews 
