Talabani says he shall officially assign Maliki to form new govt.

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraq‘s President Jalal Talabani has announced that he will officially assign the candidate of the largest parliamentary group, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, to form the new government on Thursday, according to an official Presidential statement. “President Talabani has received the UN Representative in Iraq, Ad Melkart, in Baghdad’s al-Salam Palace on Wednesday and discussed with him the necesssary steps that would be taken to complete the formation of the new government,” the statement stressed. The statement quoted President Talabani as having told Melkart: “I shall assign Nouri al-Maliki with the formation of the new government in an official celebration (Thursday).” Melkart reiterated “the United Nation’s intention to cooperate with the new Iraqi government that shall be formed soon,” expressing hope that “progress and stability would reign over Iraq, and that its people would enjoy security and prosperity.” SKH/SR 1