Iran welcomes election of Allawi as new prime minister of Iraq

Iran has welcomed the appointment of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new Prime Minister of Iraq after months of political deadlock in the West Asian country.

"In line with its policy to support Iraq's independence, national sovereignty and territorial integrity and to promote democracy, and also [in support of] the legitimate demand of the Iraqi government and nation for the withdrawal of US forces from the country, the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the election of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new prime minister," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Sunday, Press TV reported.

He wished Allawi success and expressed hope that by forming a new government, he would be able to meet the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people and religious leadership for the establishment of a stable Iraq, which would play an important regional role.

The FM’s spokesman added that Tehran was ready to help the Iraqi government and nation by all means to help them overcome their problems at the current sensitive juncture.

Iraqi President Barham Salih on Saturday appointed Allawi as the new prime minister after political parties in the parliament failed to name a candidate in two months since former Premier Adel Abdul Mahdi stepped down under pressure in the wake of anti-government protests.

Allawi, 65, an ex-communications minister, said in a Twitter video message that the president had nominated him for the post to form a new government and that he would do so in line with the demands sought by protesters over the past three months.

Iraq’s religious scholar Muqtada Sadr, the most influential in the Iraqi political system, on Saturday endorsed the designation of a technocrat as prime minister, saying it is a good step after months of turmoil.

Sadr said in a tweet that President Salih’s appointment of Allawi could draw the support of people who have been demanding change in the governance of the country.

SS