Some sides try to reignite sectarianism – Maliki

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said on Saturday that Iraq today has become unified, stressing that some other sides are still trying to employ sectarianism to hit the accomplishments achieved by the Iraqi government in its political process. “We have achieved a state of institutions, a unified federal state with an elected federal government that works with local authorities,” al-Maliki said according to a release issued by his office. He said that the course requires more efforts to eliminate sectarianism. “To do so, we need to cooperate and integrate,” he said. He stressed that local provincial authorities should be activated so that the federal government can concentrate on big and strategic issues, such as national reconciliation. “We need to explain the concept of national reconciliation,” al-Maliki said. “We will not re-concile with those who have Iraqi blood on their hands.” He said that Iraq also needs to re-establish itself within its Arab, regional and international surroundings. “We tell other countries that Iraq today enjoys full sovereignty,” he said. “Iraqis need to preserve this sovereignty and prevent others from intervening in Iraq’s local affairs.” MH (S)/SR 1