KARBALA, Iraq, June 20 (UPI) -- Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq's leading Shiite cleric, called for formation of a new and inclusive government in Iraq Friday.
His statement Friday followed similar suggestions by opponents of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, and was interpreted by some as a recommendation that Maliki be removed from office, but was no more strongly worded than previous pronouncements. The Ayatollah also clarified his call for volunteers, earlier in the week, to defend Baghdad from insurgents who have overtaken much of the country and are believed to be planning an invasion of the capital; his summons was meant for all Iraqis, he said, and not restricted to Shiites.