US congratulates Iraqis on electing new president

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The United States on Thursday threw its weight behind the newly elected president of Iraq, Fuad Masum, and urged him to form a “cohesive government” to help fight Islamic militants.

Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson, Marie Harf, said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com “The United States congratulates the Iraqi people on the election of their new president, Fuad Masum. By taking this crucial step, the Council of Representatives has demonstrated its commitment to uniting the country according to the constitution and advancing the legitimate rights and aspirations of all Iraq’s communities.”

She added “Iraq’s leaders now must take the next step in their democratic process by choosing a prime minister and forming a government,” stressing that “Only with an inclusive, cohesive government that represents all Iraqis can Iraq most effectively and successfully confront the urgent security and humanitarian challenges it faces in the fight against ISIL.” /End/