News / Politics / Iraq

Iran’s Foreign Ministry welcomes nomination of Iraq’s new PM-designate

Thursday, 09 April 2020 5:57 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 09 April 2020 5:58 PM ]

A handout picture released by the media office of the Iraqi Presidency on April 9, 2020 shows President Barham Saleh (3rd R) and his new prime minister-designate Mustafa Kadhemi (1st R) along with others during a meeting in Baghdad. (Via AFP)

The Iranian Foreign Ministry felicitates Iraq on the nomination of a new prime minister-designate, calling the move a step in the right direction.

Spokesman Abbas Mousavi made the remarks on Thursday after President Barham Salih named Mustafa al-Kadhimi, director of Iraq's National Intelligence Service, as the new prime minister-designate and tasked him with forming a new government in a month.

“The Islamic Republic has invariably supported independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political stability in Iraq, and considers formation of consensus among all of its political movements through democratic pathways to be the only peaceful solution for all differences,” Mousavi said.

Iraq’s Saleh tasks PM-designate Kadhimi with forming new government

Iraqi President Barham Saleh officially tasks PM-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi with forming a government.

Iran, therefore, perceives the current consensus that has led to al-Kadhimi’s appointment to be “a right step in the right direction,” he added.

Tehran wishes al-Kadhimi success in fulfilling his duty to form a new government that would meet the demands of the Iraqi people and religious sources of emulation, and would award the country stability and integrity as well as its deserved standing as a state of importance on the regional and international stages, the spokesman noted.

Al-Kadhimi was tapped as the new premier after predecessor Adnan al-Zurfi announced he was withdrawing his bid.

Zurfi withdraws candidacy for premiership as parties endorse Kadhimi

Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Adnan al-Zurfi has withdrawn his candidacy for the post amid widespread opposition to his appointment.

Iraq has been without a government since last November when former prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi resigned amid protests against corruption and misuse of the country’s resources.

Mousavi said Tehran, as before, declares its readiness to cooperate with Baghdad in its efforts to put standing problems behind it and realize its public and religious authorities’ requests.

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