BFF-17 Spy chief named Iraq’s third PM-designate this year

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Spy chief named Iraq’s third PM-designate this year

BAGHDAD, April 9, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Iraqi President Barham Saleh nominated
spy chief Mustafa Kadhemi on Thursday as the country’s third prime minister-
designate this year, moments after predecessor Adnan Zurfi ended his bid to
form a government.

The nomination ceremony was attended by the country’s top political
figures, indicating widespread support for Kadhemi that both previous PM-
designates had not enjoyed.

Kadhemi, the 53-year-old head of Iraq’s National Intelligence Service, has
long had close links with the United States but political sources say he has
also improved ties with Washington’s foe, Tehran, in recent months.

BSS/AFP/MMA/1545HRS