Iraqi PM Jaafari says his fate is in party's hands

BAGHDAD, Apr 20 (Reuters) Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, whose refusal to step down has blocked efforts to form a government, reiterated in a televised speech today that it was up to his Shi'ite bloc to decide his fate.

''I left the choice with them (the Alliance), to do whatever they want,'' said Jaafari.

But his 20-minute speech stopped short of saying he was ready to resign in order to break a long deadlock over forming a government Washington hopes can avert a sectarian civil war.

REUTERS PG PM0148