Welcoming Iraq’s New Inclusive Government, Prime Minister, Secretary-General Calls

 

Decision Positive Step towards Country’s Political Stability, Peace

 

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

The Secretary-General welcomes today’s announcement of the formation of a new inclusive Government in Iraq and congratulates Haider al-Abadi on his confirmation as Iraq’s Prime Minister.  At this challenging moment for Iraq and the region, today’s decision by the Iraqi Council of Representatives is a positive step towards political stability and peace in the country.

The Secretary-General calls on all Iraqi political leaders to build on the current momentum of collaboration to ensure that a decision is made without delay on the pending appointments of Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior.

The Secretary-General hopes that the ministerial programme approved today will be implemented in a timely manner, taking into account the needs of all Iraqi communities.  The Secretary-General pays tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki for his leadership in this time of transition.

The United Nations looks forward to working with the new Government of Iraq in its efforts to serve all Iraq’s communities while confronting major challenges.

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