Hakim's Aide Calls Premier to Help End the Crisis

Adil Abdul Mahdi, aide for the Shia leader Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, has asked prime minister Ibrahim al-Ja'afari to give up his nomination as prime minister of the new government, but Ja'afari has insisted on keeping the post. Abdul Mahdi, Iraqi vice-president and number two in the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, has asked Ja'afari to step aside to end the current impasse over forming the new government. He said (Ja'afari) lost his chance (to lead the new government) because his (current) government has not solved Iraq's issues and other blocs oppose his nomination. He added that there are some within the United Iraqi Alliance who oppose Ja'afari holding the post, and that it is important that he have full support.