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| Iraq |
| Shiite cleric accuses Iraq ministers of corruption |
| 2010-02-27 |
| [Al Arabiya Latest] One of Iraq's most senior Shiite clerics sharply criticized several ministers close to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki late on Thursday, less than 10 days before a general election. Bashir al-Najafi, one of four members of the Marjaia, Iraq's most senior Shiite council, singled out Education Minister Khudair al-Khuzai but also accused several other ministries of corruption and negligence. "There are people in the executive authority who have betrayed the country, who have stolen public money or create sectarianism in the country like Education Minister Khudair al-Khuzai," the cleric said, according to comments read by an aide to a conference at Kufa University. Kufa is the twin city of Najaf, 150 kilometers (95 miles) south of Baghdad and one of Shiite Islam's holiest cities. "He (Khuzai) is insisting on imposing one sect's control on another sect in the country, and he does not listen to advice given to him with love by religious authorities in Najaf," Najafi, who is of Pakistani origin, added. According to one of Najafi's aides, the cleric was referring to the publication of an official textbook, "Islamic Education", distributed by the education ministry in 2008. The book, intended for primary school pupils, includes a chapter titled "Ablutions and Prayers" that details the differences in prayer between Sunnis and Shiites. Najafi also slammed "corruption and negligence in most fields providing services to the population like water, electricity, agriculture, oil and ration cards." Khuzai, acting Commerce Minister Safaldin al-Safi, who is responsible for the ration card system, and Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani are all standing for election as part of Maliki's State of Law bloc. Electricity Minister Karim Wahid and Agriculture Minister Ali al-Bahadli are also seen as close to the premier. Water Minister Latif Rashid is a Kurd. |
| Posted by:Fred |