29.01.2026 06:52
Leaders of the Coordination Framework, under which Shia political parties in Iraq have gathered, reacted strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks targeting Prime Minister candidate Nuri Kamil al-Maliki, stating that he would cut aid to Iraq if Maliki were elected. It was emphasized that the government formation process is a completely national issue that reflects the will of the Iraqi people, and that relations with all allies, including the U.S., should be based on mutual respect and the principle of non-interference in sovereignty.
Reactions continue to the statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump targeting Nuri Kamil al-Maliki, who has been nominated as a prime ministerial candidate in Iraq.
In a statement made by the Imara and Development Coalition, led by Prime Minister Shiya Sudani, the winner of the general elections held in Iraq last November, it was emphasized that the process of forming a government is a completely national issue that reflects the will of the Iraqi people.
THEY WARNED THE U.S. OPENLY
In the statement, it was reminded that the Coordination Framework, the largest group in the parliament, has the exclusive authority to determine candidates, and it was stated that relations with all allies, including the U.S., should be based on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in sovereignty.
"FORMING A GOVERNMENT IS A NATIONAL IRAQI ISSUE"
In the statement, it was expressed that the establishment of an inclusive government that will ensure Iraq's security cannot be postponed, stating, "The formation of the government is a national issue of Iraq that arises from the will of the people manifested through free and transparent elections, representing the expectations of citizens and guaranteeing priorities such as security, stability, development, and services. Due to its importance for the future of Iraq and the region, it is essential to continue the process of forming a government to reach an inclusive outcome that considers the interests of all Iraqis."
The statement emphasized the necessity of establishing positive and balanced relations with friendly and allied countries, especially the U.S., based on mutual respect for national sovereignty, constitutional processes, and the results of the democratic process.
SUPPORTERS OF MALIKI TOOK TO THE STREETS
Supporters of Nuri Kamil al-Maliki, who was nominated as the prime ministerial candidate by the Coordination Framework, which is gathered under the umbrella of Shia political parties in Iraq, took to the streets in the capital Baghdad. The demonstrators, carrying Iraqi flags, shouted slogans against the U.S. and Israel. The protesters gathered near the Asma Bridge at the entrance of the fortified Green Zone to protest U.S. interference in internal affairs.
WHAT DID TRUMP SAY?
U.S. President Donald Trump stated yesterday, "I hear that Iraq could make a very bad choice by re-electing Nuri Kamil al-Maliki as prime minister. When al-Maliki was last in power, the country was plunged into poverty and complete chaos. This must not be allowed to happen again. Because of his crazy policies and ideologies, if he is elected, the U.S. will no longer help Iraq, and if we do not help, Iraq will have zero chance of success, prosperity, or freedom." - ERBIL