Maliki may demote Iraqi defence minister, Arabia Net

BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Close circles to Iraqi premier Nouri al-Maliki reported that he may demote his defence minister Saadoun Dulaimi, and others, for suspicions of corruption in the Russian arms deal.

The news, reported by Arabia Net, added that Maliki is awaiting the results of the investigations, formed by the Iraqi Parliament.

The Russian arms deal was stopped following reports that commissions were paid for Iraqi and Russian officials to pass the deal, which are estimated tens of millions of dollars.

The sources said that Maliki's advisors suggested demotion of Dulaimi for his role in the deal and not following the details of the negotiations before signing the contract, which led to corruption violations.

Interior, defence and national security ministries are run on acting basis since the formation of the government in Dec#