UN urges Iraqi political leaders to respect President’s constitutional responsibilities

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, expresses his grave concern over the latest political developments in Iraq and calls on political leaders to respect the constitutional responsibilities of the President.

“The President of Iraq, Dr. Fuad Masoum, is undertaking his duties in line with the Constitution and the democratic political process”, Mr. Mladenov said.

“I trust that, in line with his constitutional obligation, he will ask the largest bloc to nominate a candidate for Prime Minister who can establish a broad-based and inclusive government that is acceptable to all components of Iraqi society. It is up to the Members of Parliament to decide who that bloc is”, the SRSG added.

He also called on all Iraqis to exercise restraint at this dangerous time and noted that the Security Forces should refrain from actions that may be seen as interference in matters related to the democratic transfer of political authority.