BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Iraq's Parliamentary Integrity Commission is to hear the testimony of Premier Nouri al-Maliki on the Russian arms deal, while MP Izzat al-Shahbandar, a member close to Maliki, denied he is liable for investigation, but confirmed having submitted "advice only" to the commission.

 

 Integrity Commission MP Talal al-Zoba'I stated to London based al-Hayat daily, issued on Friday, that his commission is continuing the investigation in Russian arms deal, which is expected to be finished by the next week.

 

He added that the testimonies of resigned government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh, MP Izzat al-Shahbandar, Acting Defense Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi and Presidency Advisor Abdul Aziz al-Badri.

 

"The call for Premier Maliki to testify does not imply his accusation, but rather an attempt to garner more knowledge on some matters related to the deal", he added.

 

On the other side, Shahbandar stated to al-Hayat daily that his recalling to the commission is "not to investigate him, but just a private dialogue to determine the outlines of the investigations as well as submitting some advices."

 

He added that he had informed Premier Maliki that some people were trying to have 10% commission of the deal, taking into consideration that the deal "has been stopped and a new one shall be conducted with new criteria."

 

Earlier, Media Adviser Ali al-Mussawi stated that the deal was abrogated, but new talks will be conducted, while Defense Minister Dulaimi denied abrogating the deal.

 

RM (TI)/SR