In a statement on Saturday, Maliki called it an exclusive right of the Iraqi people to elect a person whose ability and competence they trust at this critical stage, and that it should not be ignored under any circumstances.
Referring to the political process in Iraq, Maliki described November’s parliamentary election as “successful,” saying, “We will not relinquish this achievement, nor will we compromise the Iraqi people's right to choose whomever they trust and deem competent to lead the country.”
He also noted that Iraq seeks to establish balanced political, economic and security relations with all countries in the region and with major powers elsewhere based on mutual respect and common interests.
The leader of the State of Law Coalition made the remarks after US President Donald Trump vehemently rejected his candidacy for prime minister and threatened to end all support to Iraq if Maliki was elected.
Trump cited the experience of Maliki's previous tenures as the reason for this stance, criticizing him for pursuing “insane policies and ideologies," the comments that were roundly met with criticism from Maliki and his allied factions.
"We categorically reject the blatant American interference in Iraq’s internal affairs, and we consider it a violation of its sovereignty," Maliki responded to Trump's remarks in a statement on Wednesday.
IRNA