Tasnim � Leader of Iraq�s Badr Organization Hadi al-Amiri withdrew his candidacy for prime minister on Tuesday, putting the country one step closer to forming a government after months of political stagnation.

Amiri heads the Fath (Conquest) Alliance, an electoral bloc which came in second in May�s national election. His coalition has been vying to build the largest bloc which would form the government, with him as prime minister.

�I would like to announce to the dear Iraqi people the withdrawal of my candidacy for prime minister, to open the way for serious dialogue to elect a prime minister and his government according to the vision of the Supreme religious authority,� he said in a news conference, Reuters reported.

Amiri�s Alliance has been in advanced talks with cleric Moqtada al-Sadr to form a new alliance in recent days.