BREAKING: Maliki to step down

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has decided to step aside, ending the political deadlock in Baghdad as the government struggles against insurgents. His successor, Haider al-Abadi, has been asked by Iraq's president to form a new government. Mr Maliki was under immense pressure to make way for Mr Abadi, a deputy speaker of parliament..





Mr Maliki's spokesman, Ali Mussawi, told AFP news agency that the outgoing Shia Muslim prime minister would drop his bid to remain in his post.

"Maliki will withdraw the complaint against the president and will back the prime minister designate," he said.

The move, also confirmed by Shia Muslim members of parliament to AP news agency, was announced by state TV.