Maliki Offers Olive Branch to Insurgents

Since assuming the post of prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki has been trying to introduce a plan for national reconciliation for the sake of Iraq’s future. He has had intensive talks with the different political leaders, and sought to build a government of national unity to restore stability nationwide. On June 25, he announced the plan, which consists of four main points: an offer of amnesty to anyone not directly involved in warfare or terrorist attacks; a revision of the de-Baathification law; the dissolution of militias associated with political parties; and negotiations with forces which have not so far taken part in the political process. Members of parliament welcomed the plan as soon as it was announced.