BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Iraqiya bloc MP Arshad al-Salihi stated that his bloc's ministers will not attend today's Cabinet meeting, due to "unclear stands of the government on the demands of the demonstrators all over Iraq".

Salihi told Aswat al-Iraq that the non-participation in today's meeting "comes in solidarity and sympathy with the demands of the demonstrators".

On the other hand, National Alliance MP Khalid al-Asadi described the non-participation of Iraqiya bloc as "irresponsible attitude", pointing that Iraqiya bloc ministers are "part of the government that called to meet the demands of the demonstrators".

Iraqiya bloc administers 8 ministries in the present government, including finance, electricity, industry, technology, agriculture, education, communications and state ministry for provinces' affairs, in addition to the post deputy premier for services affairs.

Since 22 December 2012, Anbar province witnessed massive demonstrations and sit-in, in addition to Ninewa, Salahal-Din, Diala, Kirkuk and Baghdad demanding the release of innocent detainees and prisoners, while others called for toppling Maliki's government.