Iraq PM discusses filling government posts with top cleric

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Iraq PM discusses filling government posts with top cleric
Wed Sep 5, 2007 7:23AM EDT

NAJAF, Iraq (Reuters) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki
met on Wednesday with the reclusive leader of Iraq's
Shi'ite majority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to
discuss a government crisis in which nearly half his
cabinet has quit.

Sistani is the sponsor of the prime minister's ruling
United Alliance and rarely leaves his home in the holy
Shi'ite city of Najaf in southern Iraq.

Speaking after the meeting, Maliki told reporters he
had come to Najaf to seek Sistani's advice on filling
empty ministerial posts and to get his thoughts on
the possibility of reforming the government.

"I discussed with him the case of the government. I
asked his help in forming a government and nominating
new ministers, or if there is the possibility to form a
new government based on technocrats," he said.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSCOL53555320070905