Leading Shiite cleric calls for new government in Iraq

The call by grand ayatollah Ali al-Sistani contained thinly veiled criticisms that Shiite prime minister Nouri al-Maliki was to blame for the nation’s crisis over the march of al Qaida-inspired Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis).

Mr al-Sistani’s message was delivered by his representative Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalaie in the holy city of Karbala.

He said the future government “should open new horizons toward a better future for all Iraqis”.

Mr al-Maliki’s Shiite-led government has faced criticism over discrimination against Iraq’s Sunni and Kurdish populations, and the US has challenged him to create a more inclusive government or risk all-out sectarian war.

Mr al-Sistani’s message said: “It is necessary for the winning political blocs to start a dialogue that yields an effective government that enjoys broad national support, avoids past mistakes and opens new horizons toward a better future for all Iraqis.”

The Iranian-born cleric, who is believed to be 86, lives in the holy city of Najaf, south of Baghdad. A recluse, he rarely ventures out of his home and does not give interviews.

Iraq’s Shiites deeply revere him and a call to arms he made last week prompted thousands of Shiites to volunteer to fight against Isis.

Iraq’s newly elected parliament must meet by June 30 to elect a speaker and a new president, who in turn will ask the leader of the largest bloc to form a new government.

With Iraq in turmoil, Mr al-Maliki’s rivals have mounted a campaign to force him out of office, with some angling for support from Western backers and regional heavyweights.

On Thursday, their effort received a boost from Mr Obama, who said: “Only leaders that can govern with an inclusive agenda are going to be able to truly bring the Iraqi people together and help them through this crisis.”