The deadlock on the formation of the biggest parliamentary bloc to nominate the prime minister has entered its fourth month with no solutions in sight despite early announcements on forming blocs and understandings among a number of political parties. Disputes among the same Iraqi political blocs concerning the president, the prime minister and the speaker of parliament have not dissipated. They are topped by US and Iranian attempts to have a say in the alliances that would lead the formation of the government. Iraqi Forces Alliance MP Mohammed al-Karbouli told Asharq Al-Awsat that there is a standstill despite intense meetings held among political blocs. Fatih Alliance lawmaker Naeem al-Aboudi shared a similar point of view, saying discussions have so far failed to bring anything new on the formation of coalitions. “We are engaged in dialogue with all sides. Some understandings could come up with a result in the coming few days,” he told the newspaper. Atheel al-Nujaifi, a leader in the Iraqi Decision Alliance, said that the National Axis Alliance is unified in its main policies despite rumors of disputes among its members. He added that Sunnis are waiting to know the standpoint of the main Shiite blocs. A statement issued by Iraq’s Al-Wataniya revealed that the bloc’s leaders held their regular meeting to discuss the latest developments in addition to the ongoing consultations to form the biggest bloc. The statement said that the meeting witnessed thorough discussions and an exchange of viewpoints regarding the topics on its agenda. The conferees highlighted the unity of the National Coalition, reiterating their rejection to strike any understanding on sectarian bases. They adopted a series of recommendations, mainly an affirmation on the government program and reforms plans, a call on political forces to avert sectarian and partisan tension and an urge to unify efforts in backing a national initiative that reinforces partnership and national accord.