BAGHDAD, April 9 (UPI) -- Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi called for a national dialogue to bring all political parties back to the Iraqi national government.
Hashemi, a Sunni, made his statements following a meeting with former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who also heads the coalition Iraqi National List.
A statement by Hashemi's office said the "national project" of reconciliation needed the support of all political parties and the respect of the Iraqi national government to succeed, Voices of Iraq reported.
The VOI report says the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faced contention among many Iraqi leaders following the departure of several ministers from Allawi's party, the Sunni coalition party Iraqi Accord Front and the party of Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, the Sadrist Movement.
Allawi, a Shiite, stressed national unity over political infighting following the meeting. Hashemi took the opportunity to remember the recent initiative calling for the armed factions of the political parties to stand down.
Allawi also stressed that Iran needs to "clarify" its position in Iraqi affairs and honor its commitment to not meddle in Iraqi internal affairs.
