The Iraqi premier, Haider al Abadi, received the UN envoy to Iraq, Jan Kubis. According to a note from the Abadi office, at the center of the talks the need to hold elections on schedule. Moreover, Abadi and Kubis discussed the issue of security in the country, stability and future reconstruction. For his part, the Iraqi premier stressed the need to hold the elections within the time frame provided for by the Constitution. Furthermore, Abadi condemned any attempt to postpone voting consultations. Kubis, for his part, highlighted international support for Iraq and the need to hold elections within the time limits established by law. Yesterday, January 18, the Iraqi parliament postponed consultations to set the date of the elections to January 20. During the session behind closed doors, the Shia Alliance withdrew, boycotting the session. For their part, Vice President Nuri al Maliki, the leader of the Badr Organization, Hadi al Amiri, and Asaib Ahl al Haq's head, Qais al Khazali (funded by Iranian Pasdaran) have condemned the attempts to postpone the elections. The Council of Ministers voted on the proposal of the Electoral Commission to allow the provincial elections to take place on 12 May, in conjunction with the parliamentary consultations.
