ISTANBUL

Iraq’s Shiite-led Coordination Framework on Saturday reaffirmed its backing for former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for the premiership, dismissing external pressure and stressing that selecting the head of government is a sovereign constitutional matter.

In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the bloc reiterated its support for al-Maliki at its 261st regular meeting, held at his office in Baghdad.

“The choice of the prime minister is a purely Iraqi constitutional matter, carried out in accordance with the mechanisms of the political process and in a manner that serves the national interest, away from external dictates,” the statement said.

The Coordination Framework said it remains committed to nominating al-Maliki for the post, underscoring Iraq’s ability to manage its political entitlements through constitutional institutions and the will of elected representatives.

The bloc also emphasized its desire to build “balanced relations with the international community, particularly influential global powers,” based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

It added that Iraq is a state of institutions capable of navigating its political process in line with the constitution and democratic norms.

On Jan. 24, Iraq’s Coordination Framework announced the nomination of al-Maliki for the post of prime minister, saying the decision was made by a majority vote, a move that has reignited political debate amid domestic divisions and external reactions.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump urged Iraq to refrain from appointing al-Maliki as prime minister, warning that the United States would no longer help Iraq if he returned to office, a call the former premier rejected as “blatant interference” in Iraq’s internal affairs.