SIIC leader Hakim warns of disunity

BAGHDAD, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The head of the Shiite Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council warned of external and internal forces that were attempting to divide the country.

Ammar al-Hakim was elected Sept. 1 to head the influential SIIC following the death of his father and former leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim in August.

Iranian and Iraqi lawmakers alike were quick to note the swift appointment of Ammar was a sign of unity as Iraq prepares for national elections in January.

Hakim in an address to supporters warned of attempts to undermine the unity effort, reports the Iranian news agency al-Alam.

"We believe that there are agendas exercised by some inside and outside Iraq to destroy the unity and divide us," he said.

SIIC is expected to lead the newly formed grand unity slate Iraqi National Alliance in the January national elections in Iraq, considering several candidates as possible challengers to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Hakim encouraged his supporters to take part in the January election, describing the democratic process as a privilege for the Iraqi public.

"Dear and honest people, the concept of democracy and following the will of the Iraqi people in deciding their destiny is considered a great privilege that we should preserve," he said.