Talking about an alternative to Talabani may turn to a new Iraqi crisis

5-15-13 Shafaq News / Deputy Secretary-General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Barham Saleh who is the only candidate for the position of president of the republic succeeding, President Jalal Talabani said that talking about an alternative to the latter is “inappropriate” and “unfeasible”.

“President Talabani is the President of Iraq and is currently undergoing treatment from health problems “adding that “we are waiting for his return safe and sound,” Saleh said, in a press statement that talked about his candidacy for the presidency of the Republic of Iraq, briefed by “Shafaq News”.

The Iraqi Presidency of prosecution had asked in a statement yesterday by the Parliament Speaker to initiate legal procedures to fill Talabani’s position due to his absence for long time, through the implementation of Article 72 of the Iraqi Constitution, which identified certain period of absence from the position, and that this demand is based on the text Article I of the Public Prosecution Law No. 159 of 1979, as amended.

Talabani arrived in 20th of December to Germany to follow-up his treatment from a stroke, accompanied by his medical team, while conflicting reports about his health confirmed as the Parliamentary Legal commission confirmed on Tuesday, that the Commission will determine its position on the replacement of President , Jalal Talabani after his doctor visits Talabani in Germany to identify his health.

While independent MP of Kurdistan Alliance bloc, Mahmoud Othman said it is the interest of the Kurds to nominate someone for the position of President of the Republic in case it is proved that the President, Jalal Talabani is unable to do his duties.

Muqtada al- Sadr, expressed support to nominate a replacement for the presidency of the Republic.

In a related development, United Nations Office in Kurdistan Region announced on Tuesday, the reasons that prevent from naming an alternative to Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani.

The official of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq’s Office “UNAMI” in Kurdistan Region, Sokol Conde said in a statement issued by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, that the ruling in Iraq was built on the basis of consensus and partnership among the blocs and the basic components, which impose achieving national consensus towards various national issues, including the issue of naming new President of the Republic.

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