Commending Decision by Iraqi Prime Minister to Withdraw Candidature,

 

Secretary-General Says Action Allows for Orderly Transfer of Power

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General commends the decision of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to withdraw his candidature and his pledge to support Mr. Haider al-Abbadi as nominee to succeed him.  This will allow the crucial process to form a new Government to proceed swiftly and within the timeframe provided for in the Constitution.  He acknowledges Mr. al-Maliki’s decision as a demonstration of his commitment to the orderly transfer of power in the best interest of the country.

The Secretary-General urges all political leaders in Iraq to build on this historic opportunity by redoubling their efforts to work together so as to build consensus on how to address the many urgent and grave challenges facing their country.  He looks forward to the swift formation of an inclusive, broad-based Government ready to immediately tackle these pressing issues.

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For information media • not an official record