13 March 2013
BAGHDAD: Iraqiya leading member and secretary general of National Future Assembly Dhafir al-Ani denied that resigning finance minister Rafi' al-Issawi was trying to flee to Jordan, stressing that Anbar tribes are ready to defend him.

In a statement to Saudi al-Sharq al-Awsat disclosed that when Anbar tribes heard the Issawi was intercepted near Trebeil (border vent with Jordan), they were gathered to defend him.

Issawi is member of a big tribe in Anbar region.

He added that Issawi was not intending to leave, but to attend a funeral ceremony to one member of our bloc in the same area.

Al-Ani said that his bloc decided to withdraw from the government and the two ministers who attended the cabinet are "no longer members of Iraqiya bloc".

He disclosed that minister of technology will submit his resignation after his return from Saudi Arabia.

© Aswat Aliraq 2013