ERBIL — The United States encouraged Iraq to “swiftly” undertake the process of forming the new government, US Embassy in Baghdad said in a statement on Monday.
The statement came a day after the newly-elected parliament of Iraq held its first session and elected Muhammad al-Halbousi for the second term as the speaker. Meanwhile, Hakim al-Zamili and Shakhawan Abdullah were elected respectively as first and second deputies.
“We offer our warm congratulations to re-elected COR Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi, as well as First Deputy Speaker Hakim al-Zamili, and Second Deputy Speaker Shakhawan Abdullah,” reads the statement.
“In consideration of the important role Iraq plays in regional stability and security, we share the hope that Iraq's leaders and the newly seated COR will swiftly undertake the process of forming a new government, so it can undertake the important work of continuing to protect democracy, upholding national sovereignty, and addressing the urgent challenges currently facing Iraq and the region,” the statement added.
The embassy emphasized that Washington hopes that the new government, once formed, reflects the will of the Iraqi people and will work to address Iraq’s governance, human rights, security, and economic challenges.