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Allawi agrees to join Iraq coalition

BAGHDAD, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Opposition leader Ayad Allawi indicated Sunday he will join a unity government his archrival, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, plans to present to Parliament.

Allawi, a former prime minister, said his al-Iraqiya bloc "will play our role actively, productively and cooperatively, and in a spirit of good faith and trust-building, as long as we find that this spirit is echoed and reciprocated," CNN reported.

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Allawi's bloc led the March elections with 91 seats, followed by Maliki's 89, but neither group has the 163 seats needed to govern solo.

The deal hinges on establishing a National Council for Higher Policies. Its authority is unclear, but it is understood as a check on Maliki. Allawi's statement confirmed that he would lead it.

"The aim of this council is not to weaken or undermine the executive, legislative or judiciary authorities but rather to strengthen them by playing the role of a guarantor to push the agreed-upon programs and reforms," Allawi said.

His confirmation of heading the council and Parliament's lifting of a ban Saturday on three politicians accused of Baathist ties were conditions for presenting a government Monday.

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Maliki and Allawi met Saturday, a Maliki legislator said.

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