Iraqi PM accepts resignation of justice minister

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has accepted the resignation of Justice Minister Hashim al-Shebli and named a temporary replacement.

Mr Al-Shebli, a Sunni Arab, announced last week that he had offered his resignation, citing differences with the government and the political group that backs him, the secular Iraqi List of former prime minister Ayad Allawi.

He said he would continue in office until the Cabinet approved his resignation.

Mr Al-Shebli has been involved in a dispute over the Cabinet’s recent decision to relocate and compensate thousands of Arabs who moved to the oil-rich northern city of Kirkuk during “”Arabisation“ campaign in the 1980s.

The Iraqi List and several Sunni politicians have objected to the decision, saying it failed to address key issues, including property claims.

Mr Maliki’s office said the prime minister accepted the resignation and named Minister of State Safa al-Safi as acting justice minister.

Mr Maliki has said recently that he planned to hold a government reshuffle and government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said Mr al-Shebli quit before he could be fired.