Maliki wants out

IRAQI Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has told a US newspaper he wishes he could leave office before his four-year term is up and would not run again.

“I didn’t want to take this position,” he told the Wall Street Journal.

“I only agreed because I thought it would serve the national interest, and I will not accept it again.”

Mr Maliki became prime minister in May 2006. His time in office has been defined by sectarian violence and lack of progress in improving services, curbing soaring unemployment and fighting crime.

Mr Maliki said disharmony within the coalition has made his tenure difficult. After decades of rule by Sunnis, they have not accepted the Shi’ite majority role.