UK ambassador in Iraq meets Iranian counterpart, discuss new government
The Iraqi flag.
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The British ambassador to Iraq has met his Iranian counterpart to discuss the awaited new government of the country, he said on twitter on Thursday as the Iraqi parliament awaits to determine the largest bloc that will select the new cabinet.
“Called on HE Iranian Ambassador for frank discussion about latest developments in Iraq. Agreed next Iraqi government had to improve its delivery of services and jobs to the people,” UK ambassador Jon Wilks tweeted.
Iran and the U.K restored diplomatic relations in 2014 after ties had been severed since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979.
Shia Iran maintains considerable influence in policy-making among Iraq’s majority Shias.
Iraq’s parliament elections, the first since the defeat of Islamic State militants, were held last May amid judicial challenges that prompted a recount of votes. Each of the winning political alliances had claimed securing the majority required to form the next cabinet.
Efforts to form the new government were coupled with violent protests in Basra province which decried poor public services and water contamination.