Iraq's Maliki rejects efforts to topple the government

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, warned on Wednesday against what he described as attempts to destabilize Iraq's political scene and disrupt its balance, rejecting any move to change or bring down the government. He said the Coordination Framework continues to back Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's administration and that it opposes efforts to remove it. Maliki stressed that the file on consolidating arms under state authority must be handled away from escalation or confrontation, cautioning that any clash between the state and armed groups would be extremely dangerous. He added that any internal conflict would be a loss for all of Iraq and that the government and the Coordination Framework would not allow the country to be dragged into civil war. The State of Law leader called for filling vacant ministerial posts and finalizing the cabinet swiftly, noting that Sudani has shown the will to resolve the issue. He said criticism of the government's performance does not equate to seeking its removal, urging instead that shortcomings be addressed through dialogue and a focus on national interest. The armed groups file remains one of the most sensitive issues facing the Iraqi government, tied to a September 30 deadline set for consolidating weapons under official institutions.