Iraq's Sunni-backed Ministers To Return To Cabinet

Published February 7, 2012 7:09AM (EST)

BAGHDAD (AP) — An official from Iraq's Sunni-backed bloc says its ministers have ended their boycott of the Cabinet, a move that could restore some stability to the war-ravaged nation.

Iraqiya spokeswoman Maysoun al-Damlouji says the overwhelmingly Sunni bloc's ministers will attend Tuesday's session of the Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's Cabinet.

The decision comes after weeks of boycott over the government's arrest warrant against the country's top Sunni official.

Al-Damlouji says the decision is Iraqiya's "second good will gesture" in efforts to ease sectarian tensions. Iraqiya lawmakers returned to parliament last week.

The political crisis erupted after U.S. troops left in December. Combined with a surge of bombing attacks, it has raised concerns of a reignited sectarian war.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff


Related Topics ------------------------------------------