Maliki accused of dual nationality law ban

The Iraqi National Dialogue Front has accused the State of Law Coalition led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of trying to prevent a law banning those with dual citizenship in running in future elections. The Front noted that 70 percent of the members of the coalition hold dual citizenship, adding that former ministers accused of corruption have used their second nationality to escape from any legal accountability in Iraq. So far the National Dialogue Front has gathered 100 signatures from members of parliament in support of the law preventing those with dual citizenship to run for office. Under the proposed law ministers, lawmakers, governors, ambassadors and security officers would have to choose between giving up their second citizenship or leaving their post. Several senior Iraqi officials hold dual citizenship, including Vice President Khudayr al-Khuzaie, who has Iranian nationality, and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who also has a British passport.