Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race
Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki dismissed on Tuesday US President Donald Trump’s criticism of his candidacy for the premiership, claiming it was a result of “foreign interventions” but expressing a desire to work with the United States if he returns to the role.
Maliki spoke to the Iraqi news outlet Al Sharqiya Tuesday evening local time. The interview was his first since the Shiite-led political alliance the Coordination Framework nominated him last month as their candidate for prime minister.
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Maliki began the interview by vowing to not withdraw from the race to become prime minister, but said that he would "respond with openness" if the Coordination Framework decides to make a change.
