Can a court appoint counsel in a habeas proceeding?

Petitioner requested that the court appoint counsel. There currently exists no absolute right to appointment of counsel in habeas proceedings. See Nevius v. Sumner, 105 F.3d 453, 460 (9th Cir. 1996). The court may appoint counsel at any stage of the proceedings "if the interests of justice so require." See 18 U.S.C. 3006A; see also, Rules, 1(b), 8(c), Rules Governing 2254 Cases. The court does not find that the interests of justice would be served by the appointment of counsel at this stage of the proceedings. Accordingly, petitioner's request for appointment of counsel is denied.