Sunni parties informed Al-Halbousi that his return as Speaker of Parliament is not currently feasible.
A source close to the Iraqi National Political Council told Al-Ma’ulouma News Agency: “Sunni parties in a meeting held at the home of Thabit Al-Abassi, leader of the “National Resolution” coalition, in Baghdad. They gave 3 messages to Muhammad Al-Halbousi, head of the “Advance” coalition.
He emphasized that in last night’s meeting of the Iraqi National Political Council, several files were discussed, the most prominent of which was giving 3 messages to Muhammad Al-Halbousi.
The source noted: “The participants in this meeting told Al-Halbousi that the current situation is not suitable for you to return to the presidency of the parliament and that they do not support this option. They said that there is a possibility of choosing another person from Al-Halbousi’s faction or choosing a figure from the Al-Azm coalition that is agreed upon by all.”
The participants in this meeting also conveyed to Al-Halbousi the message that none of the Sunni parties should veto and that all parties should participate in the next government, and that the media attacks should stop.
News sources say that Mohammad al-Halbousi is upset about this because he has concluded that the other parties do not support his candidacy for the post of parliament speaker and that it is very difficult to gain their consent.
The source added: “Losing the post of parliament speaker is very difficult for al-Halbousi.” It was also agreed that any decision would be postponed to the next stage, especially since negotiations and discussions are still ongoing.
Last night’s meeting of the Iraqi National Political Council, attended by the heads of parties and coalitions that are members of the council, reviewed the council’s legal obligations and emphasized the importance of determining its tasks to facilitate the completion of consultations within the National Political Council.
The statement of the Political Council states: The National Political Council held a meeting on Sunday evening, and the participants in it emphasized their adherence to the legal timetables of the parliament, which the Iraqi president has called for to hold its first session on December 29 (8th of Dima 1404).
According to the power structure in Iraq, the prime minister is elected from among the Shiites, the speaker of parliament from among the Sunnis, and the president, who has a ceremonial role, is elected from among the Kurds.