Baghdad: Iraq's Shiite-led Coordination Framework on Saturday reaffirmed its backing for former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for the premiership, dismissing external pressure and stressing that selecting the head of government is a sovereign constitutional matter.

According to Anadolu Agency, the bloc reiterated its support for al-Maliki at its 261st regular meeting, held at his office in Baghdad. In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the bloc emphasized that the choice of the prime minister is a purely Iraqi constitutional matter, conducted in accordance with the mechanisms of the political process and in a manner that serves the national interest, independent of external dictates.

The Coordination Framework reiterated its commitment to nominating al-Maliki for the post, highlighting Iraq's capability to manage its political entitlements through constitutional institutions and the will of elected representatives. The bloc also stressed its aspiration to cultivate 'balanced relations with the international community, particularly influential global powers,' founded on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

It further asserted that Iraq is a state of institutions capable of navigating its political process in line with the constitution and democratic norms. On January 24, Iraq's Coordination Framework announced the nomination of al-Maliki for the post of prime minister, stating that the decision was made by a majority vote, a move that has reignited political debate amid domestic divisions and external reactions.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump urged Iraq to refrain from appointing al-Maliki as prime minister, warning that the United States would no longer assist Iraq if he returned to office, a call the former premier dismissed as 'blatant interference' in Iraq's internal affairs.