BAGHDAD/ Aswat al-Iraq: Iraqiya bloc expressed astonishment for the rejection of Premier Nouri al-Maliki for the law limiting his governing term, describing it as "avowed interference in Iraqi legislation system and an attempt to intimidate the MPs who voted for it.

In a statement, copy received by Aswat al-Iraq, the bloc called the Federal Court to firmly stand against intervention in its work.

"It seems Maliki is trying to cancel the legislative role of the parliament and paraphrase the constitution as he likes", the statement added.

More than 170 Mps voted to limit the governing terms of the three presidencies by two terms only.

Premier Nouri al-Maliki rejected parliamentary resolution to determine his governing period, stressing the law "will not pass because it is contrary to the constitution.

In an interview with Al-Arabia TV station, he added that the suggestions of the laws should be submitted by the cabinet or republican presidency, "which was not submitted by them, so it will not pass by the Federal Court".