Sunnis ‘distrust Baghdad’ says Iraq’s deputy president

BAGHDAD - Anadolu Agency

REUTERS Photo

Sunnis in Iraq do not trust the central government in Baghdad, the country’s deputy president has claimed.

Usama al-Nujayfi - a prominent Sunni - made the claim on June 9, which coincided with the first anniversary of the fall of the northern province of Mosul to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) jihadists.

“Sunnis do not trust the government led by the Shiite,” Nujayfi said. “Baghdad still continues its policy of politically targeting Sunnis.”

Nujayfi said he was disappointed in the performance of Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi’s government and complained about a lack of effort to liberate Mosul, claiming that Baghdad’s failure had forced local people to establish camps to train volunteer fighters without support.

“Ninawah [province] will only be liberated by its sons and they are united in brigades ready to defend their land… they are waiting for weapons,” Nujayfi said, stating that it is the government’s responsibility to support volunteers.