The State of Law Coalition (SLC) headed by PM Nouri al-Maliki today denied the media reports about the coalition collecting signatures to withdraw confidence from parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi due to his support for Iraqiya leader Ayad Allawi.

The SLC added however that it may be forced to consider withdrawing confidence from Nujaifi if he continues to be close to Allawi.

Coalition spokesman MP Ali al-Shallah said: "The members of the National Alliance criticize Nujaifi's remarks, where he must act as head of the council and not as an aide to Ayad Allawi.

"We've noticed recently that Nujaifi deals with the events as a member of Iraqiya List and this is increasing the crisis instead of resolving it."

Shallah continued: "A number of members of the NA, especially in the SLC, wanted to deliver a message to Nujaifi that he should act as chairman of the Council of Representatives and otherwise we'll have to withdraw confidence and overcome the sectarian and partisan situation."



AKnews