PM’s advisor to present view of Iraq in Washington

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s senior political advisor, Sadiq al-Rikabi, on Thursday will present a view of Iraq at Washington-based United States Institute of Peace. “One of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s closest advisors will discuss the current situation in Iraq and take your questions,” according to a release published by the institute and received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s Da’wa Party scored a decisive win in Iraq’s January 2009 provincial elections and has emerged as a leading force in Iraqi politics. The remainder of 2009 promises to be eventful, with local elections scheduled for July, a possible referendum on the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the US, national elections slated for the end of the year, and a drawdown of US forces,” it added. The event will be moderated by the vice president of the Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace, Daniel Serwer. SS (P)/SR 1