Secretary-General, Calling for All Stakeholders to Respect Political

Process, Welcomes New Iraqi Prime Minister-Designate

 

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the forward movement towards Government formation in Iraq.  He also commends Iraqi President Fuad Massoum for having charged Dr. Haider al-Abbadi, in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution, with the formation of a new Government.  He encourages Dr. al-Abbadi, Prime Minister-designate, to form a broad-based Government acceptable to all components of Iraqi society, in accordance with the constitutional timeframe.

The Secretary-General is concerned that heightened political tensions coupled with the current security threat of “Islamic State” could lead the country into even deeper crisis.  He strongly urges all political parties and their supporters to remain calm and respect the political process governed by the Constitution.  The people of Iraq deserve to live in a safe, prosperous and stable country — one that all groups in Iraq, including religious and ethnic minorities, can meaningfully contribute to and feel as their own.

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For information media • not an official record