Shafaq News- Baghdad
An Iraqi lawmaker from the Sadiqoon bloc, thepolitical wing of US-sanctioned Asaib Ahl al-Haq, on Wednesday accused theUnited States of pressuring Iraq by obstructing dollar transfers, warning themove could disrupt salary payments for public employees and retirees.
Speaking to Shafaq News, MP Habib al-Halawi arguedthat Washington has exerted “direct and indirect pressure” on successive Iraqigovernments since 2003 without achieving its objectives. He linked the allegedmeasure to ongoing political negotiations, suggesting it is intended toinfluence the Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest parliamentary blocwith about 162 seats, of which Asaib Ahl al-Haq is a member, in selecting thenext prime minister.
Parliament, al-Halawi added, is preparing legislationto safeguard sovereignty, with legal advisers drafting measures to counterforeign interference.
Earlier today, the Wall Street Journal reported thatthe United States blocked the transfer of roughly $500 million in Iraqi oilrevenues to Baghdad, pointing to US dissatisfaction over Iraq’s “slow progress”in curbing Iran-aligned armed factions.
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