6 MPs quit Iraqiya bloc – Damluji

BAGHDAD / Awat al-Iraq: Six legislators members of the al-Iraqiya quit the former Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi’s bloc, according to spokeswoman Maysoon al-Damluji on Monday. “So far al-Iraqiya was not officially notified about the six turncoats but five lawmakers plus a minister who all belong to the bloc gave a press conference and announced their withdrawal from al-Iraqiya,” Damluji told IraqiNews.com news agency. “The minister who withdrew from al-Iraqiya has obtained his post through the bloc,” she said, not mentioning their names. On the possibility other members of al-Iraqiya could follow suit, she replied that the bloc is not concerned about any future splits. “There is no coercion on any members of al-Iraqiya to stay within the bloc,” Damluji said.   AmR (TP)/SR   669