Wathab Shaker: Blocs support my nomination for parliament’s speakership

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Lawmaker Wathab Shaker on Monday said that his nomination to occupy the position of parliament speaker is supported by a number of political blocs, explaining that he is an independent legislator, not affiliated with any political entity. “I represent Iraq, not any political bloc,” Shaker said in a press conference in Baghdad that was attended by IraqiNews.com news agency. He did not name the political entities that support him, but noted “any parliamentarian can be nominated for this position according to the constitution.” “The Parliament will hold a first round of secret voting to decide who will occupy this position in Feb. 2009,” he added. In a special session of the Iraqi Parliament on Tuesday (Dec. 23), former speaker Mahmud al-Mashahadani was retired, after addressing some insulting words to lawmakers who later demanded his resignation. MH (P)/SR   1