Iraqi premier Nuri al-Maliki called for a national dialogue Sunday after President Jalal Talabani said his rivals lacked the votes to oust him, but a protracted political row looked set to drag on. Opponents of the prime minister have for months accused him of monopolising decision-making, with a political crisis that began in December worsening in recent weeks with open calls from multiple political parties to withdraw confidence from Maliki’s national unity government. But late Saturday, Talabani said groups opposed to the premier lacked the 163 parliamentary votes required to sack him, with Maliki pushing on Sunday for the country’s leaders to unite to rebuild the conflict-racked country. “I take this opportunity to renew a call for all political partners to sit at the table for negotiations, and to be open to discuss all disagreements,” the prime minister said in a statement issued by his office. “I am sure we will be able to overcome all challenges and difficulties that are in our way,” he added, while also thanking Talabani for his “constructive” role. On Saturday, Talabani’s office issued a statement, saying there was insufficient backing to pass a vote of no confidence against Maliki. “Due to a lack of (support), the letter of his excellency the president of the republic, although its text was prepared, was not given to the parliament,” the statement said.
