Iraq's Sunni Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi told Reuters Saturday that he had been the target of a personal and political vendetta by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.<br/> Earlier this week, Maliki sought Hashemi's arrest and moved to fire the Sunni deputy, triggering Iraq's worst crisis in a year.<br/> The timing comes as the U.S. has withdrawn forces from Iraq.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI VICE PRESIDENT TAREQ AL-HASHEMI, SAYING:<br/> "The timing is regrettable and the proof is that the timing is deliberate. Maliki said that he had a three-year-old file. Why is he bringing it up? Why has he presented it to the legal system? This issue has a political dimension and, by any means, it is to get rid of Hashemi politically."<br/> Iraq's interior ministry has shown broadcast taped confessions it said were from Hashemi's security detail, talking about payments to carry out assassinations and bombings.<br/> He denies all charges.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQI VICE PRESIDENT TAREQ AL-HASHEMI, SAYING:<br/> "The political dimension of this issue is to get rid of all those who oppose Maliki, it is clear. So Iraq can stay in the grip of one-man rule and one-party rule. With great regret, Mr Maliki has not accepted other opinions. Therefore, it is hard for the man to be part of the political consensus, or to be a main part in building a state of law, of institutions or to consolidate democracy."<br/> On Saturday hundreds of protesters in Hilla took to the streets calling for Hashemi to be called before the courts.<br/> Earlier in the week at least 72 people were killed in multiple bombings across Baghdad in mainly Shi'ite neighborhoods, in what some say may have been the first sign of a possible violent backlash against Maliki's moves.<br/> Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
