US,UN welcome formation of new Iraqi government

UNSC said this decision reflects the will of the Iraqi people.

The US and UN on Wednesday welcomed formation of a new government in Iraq saying it reflects the resolve of Iraqi people to thwart extremist designs and settle differences through open exchange of ideas.

“We encourage its (Iraq’s) leaders to continue to pursue a federal,democratic,pluralistic and unified Iraq based on the rule of law and respect for human rights,” UN Security Council said in a statement.

UNSC said this decision reflects the will of the Iraqi people as displayed by the parliamentary election of March 7,2010.

Story continues below this ad

US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden each spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to congratulate him on the formation of an inclusive government of national partnership that reflects the results of the national election.

“President underscored US support for a long-term partnership with Iraq and his desire to strengthen cooperation with the Iraqi government and people in a range of fields according to the bilateral Strategic Framework Agreement,” the White House said in a statement.

Terming it as a significant moment in Iraq’s history and a major step forward in advancing national unity,Obama said the Iraqi people’s decision to form an inclusive partnership government is a clear rejection of the efforts by extremists to spur sectarian division.

Welcoming the announcement of a new government in Baghdad as “a major step forward in Iraq’s democratic progress” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement that prompt attention should be given to national reconciliation,reconstruction and long-term stability.

Story continues below this ad

“This government is a testament to the desire of Iraqis to settle their differences through free debate and an open exchange of ideas. Iraq’s leaders must now take next steps to tackle many important challenges still facing their nation and realise a brighter future for all Iraqis,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

In another statement,Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon,also welcomed the formation of new government in Iraq and congratulated President Jalal Talabani,Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Speaker of Council of Representatives Usama al-Nujayfi,as well as Iyad Allawi,who will head the new national strategic policy council.

“With the establishment of a new government,Iraq’s elected leaders can continue working to provide stability and opportunity for its people and ensure the protection of its minorities,including Christians,” Cannon said.