Biden urges Iraqi leaders to get their act together

Dubai: A top US official on Sunday warned Iraqi politicians that Washington will not wait long for them to agree to form a government and said that the American troops will withdraw on schedule.

Joe Biden, US Vice-President, who was on a visit to Iraq, told Iraqi leaders in two meetings that they should form a government soon or ‘face the consequences'.

Biden met former prime minister Eyad Allawi, winner in the March 7 election, and conveyed a "clear message" on the importance of a speedy formation of a government, according to a top aide of Allawi, who spoke to Gulf News on condition of anonymity.

The US official then met Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and reportedly conveyed a similar message. Biden stressed that the US is not throwing its weight behind any candidate for the prime minister's post. Biden's meetings with Iraqi leaders are seen as Washington's strong commitment to see the rule of democracy functioning in the country that it invaded in March 2003 to topple its dictator.

"Biden said that Iraqis have to agree on how to run their country and form their government. The US will not interfere in internal Iraqi politics," the source said.

"Biden's visit to Iraq is the second this year. It reflects the urgency the administration puts on resolving the deadlock since the election four months ago," the source said. Allawi told reporters in Baghdad that Biden came with no specific suggestions.

Meanwhile, firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr called on Iraqi leaders not to be swayed by the United States in their efforts to resolve the deadlock.

"I advise Allawi and Al Maliki not to allow the occupier to intervene," said Al Sadr, whose Mahdi Army has repeatedly clashed with US forces.

— With additional inputs from agencies

Do you think Biden will be successful in convincing Allawi and Al Maliki to end their rivalry this time? What do you think needs to happen for them to agree on a new government?