MP says will give up privileges if elected speaker

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Independent MP Wathab Shakir on Wednesday vowed to give up all financial privileges if he is elected as speaker of the Iraqi Paraliament. During a press conference held at the headquarters of the Parliament in Baghdad’s Green Zone, which was attended by IraqiNews.com news agency, Shakir said that he has nominated himself for the position of the speaker “based on my deep conviction that this position is not as much of a privilege as it should serve public interest.” The parliamentarian said that if elected he will give up “all merits and privileges of the position and will keep only his as a parliamentarian.” In December 2008, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani stepped down as Parliament speaker following a heated argument with members of parliamentary committees, during which he allegedly used “offensive” language that prompted many parliamentarians to call for his resignation. SS (P)/SR 1