Iraq’s Sistani says new PM must be chosen without foreign interference

Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani said he would have no involvement in efforts to replace Abdul Mahdi. (File/AFP)

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s top Shiite Muslim cleric said on Friday that a new prime minister must be chosen without foreign interference after Adel Abdul Mahdi announced his resignation a week ago.
Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani urged political leaders to abandon partisan politics in choosing a new head of government and said he would have no involvement in efforts to replace Abdul Mahdi.