WASHINGTON: The United States expressed concern on Monday after Iraq issued an arrest warrant for its vice president on anti-terror charges, just days after the last US troops left the country.
The warrant was issued against Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi, leading to fears for the unity cabinet after President Barack Obama declared America was leaving behind a "stable" Iraq with a government elected by the people.
"We're monitoring reports that an arrest warrant has been issued for vice-president Tareq Al-Hashimi in Iraq," said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
"We're talking to all of the parties and have expressed our concern regarding these developments.
"We're urging all sides to work to resolve differences peacefully through dialogue, in a manner consistent with the rule of law and the democratic political process."
At least 13 of Hashemi's bodyguards have been detained in recent weeks, though it was unclear how many were still being held. Hashemi's office said only three were arrested.
Hashemi's Iraqiya bloc, meanwhile, said it would boycott cabinet to protest the "dictatorship" of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, after earlier saying it was suspending its participation in parliament.
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