Maliki to IraqiNews.com: We fear Baathist conspiracy

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Wednesday told IraqiNews.com news agency that his government fears Baathist conspiracy to destabilize the country. The remark came in response to a question about a recent statement by former U.S. Envoy to the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad, in which he said that Maliki understands the need for reconciliation with former Baathists, but fears that they would conspire to return to power. “We fear the return of their (Baathist) dictatorship and racist thoughts. The constitution prevents us from reconciling with them as a party because this would contradict the necessity to ensure the soundness of the political process,” Maliki noted. The premier said that reconciliation is possible with “those whose hands have not been stained with the blood of innocent Iraqis.” Maliki was included in the 2009 Time 100 List. SS (P)/SR 1