Iraqi Prime Minister Calls For Reconciliation
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s prime minister says Iraqis should forgive and reconcile with those who collaborated with the former Sunni-dominated regime of Saddam Hussein.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki made the call at a reconciliation conference in Baghdad.
Many Shiites suffered under Saddam and resent moves toward reconciliation. Many Sunnis remain distrustful of the Shiite-dominated government.
Al-Maliki says if Iraqis put up a united front, this would deter insurgents and other criminals, including those who come to Iraq from abroad.
Al-Maliki is working toward creating tribal councils to advise local governments, a move critics say is aimed at bolstering the Shiite leader’s stature ahead of elections.
Meanwhile, roadside bombs in different areas of Iraq killed at least four people today.
