BAGHDAD—In a televised address on Thursday evening Nouri Maliki withdrew his bid for the post of prime minister in favor of Haider al-Abadi who was endorsed by the Shiite National Alliance earlier this week.
“I withdraw my candidacy for prime minister in favor of my brother Haider al-Abadi to safeguard the unity and stability of Iraq and the political process,” said Maliki.
According to Rudaw sources, leaders of the Dawa Party had held hours of extensive talks with Maliki to persuade him to step down.
Maliki who served as prime minister for eight years lost the support of Iraqi politicians and the international community, particularly the United States and Iran.
In his speech, the former prime minister defended his time in office and praised his achievements.
Maliki asked Iraqi security and armed forces to stay in their positions “and defend the country against terrorism.”
On Monday, Iraqi president Fuad Masum tasked al-Abadi with forming a new government four months after the country’s general elections.
The presidential move was welcomed by Iraq’s Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish groups. Washington, Tehran and the United Nations also backed al-Abadi's nomination.
Initially Maliki rejected the president’s decision, describing it “violation of the constitution” while there was fear of hostiles from security forces loyal to Maliki.
An official source told Rudaw that Maliki is expected to remain active in the political process and that he has demanded to be granted the post of the vice president.
