Sadrist delegation supports Maliki’s trimming of government

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Sadrist Trend sent a message from its leader Muqtada al-Sadr expressing his support to trim down the government and minimize ministries and honorary posts.  Bayan newspaper, close to premier Nouri Al-Maliki, reported in its issue of today (Wednesday) that Maliki received the letter which was delivered by Chairman of the Sadrist Trend’s Political Commission Karar al-Khafaji, Sheikh Salah al-Obaidi and MP Baha’ al-Araji, head of Al-Ahrar Parliamentary Bloc.  Earlier, al-Sadr expressed his support of Premier Maliki‘s suggestion, utilizing the opportunity to “end the occupation in one national deal,” as pointed out in a statement issued by his office.   Sadr, in the statement, as received by IraqiNews.com, noted that “the government’s step to trim down the ministries is “useful.” Accordingly, we support it and all should do so with the decision to minimize the salaries of the parliament and ministries in order to spend it on the needy people of Iraq.” RM (TS)/SR 449