Iraq’s Vice-President says prepared to receive Defense Minister’s post

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq ’s Vice-President, Tareq al-Hashimy, has said on Monday he was prepared to receive the post of Defense Minister on original or on acting basis, whenever his al-Iraqiya Coalition decided that.   Hashimy, in a statement to al-Sharq al-Awsat ( Middle East ) Newspaper, said that “his nomination for the said post took place after several calls by all the leaders of political blocs under al-Iraqiya Coalition.”   “I shall stay as a soldier, pending a sign for action in any post, through which he can employ his potentials to serve the country,” he said, adding that he “is prepared to accept the said post on acting or original basis, whenever al-Iraqiya Coalition decides that.”   On his part, the Legislature of the State of Law Coalition , Sami al-Askary, told al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper that his Coalition had not received an official demand to nominate Tareq al-Hashimy for the Defense Minister’s post, adding that “all talks about that topic had been mere statements by Iraqi legislatures.”   As regards to the position of Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki and his State of Law Coalition towards the said topic, Askary said that “through previous experiences, it is difficult to reach an understanding between Maliki and Hashimy for clear reasons,” adding: “I don’t think that this process would succeed.”   “The motive behind Hashimy’s nomination for the Defense Minister’s post is to put Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, in an embarrassing position.” Askary stated.   SKH (RT)