New York

14 August 2014

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the political situation in Iraq

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 time frame 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.