Iranian Official Lauds Political Convergence in Iraq

“Undoubtedly, wise Iraqi leaders via managing great political, economic, human, and religious capacities will counter security threats caused by foreign plots and will restore security, stability and welfare to Iraq,” said Ali Shamkhani in a statement in which he congratulated the election of Foad Masoum as the new Iraqi president.

In his message, the Iranian official also praised the constructive role played by former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to form the new Iraq.

“Just like before, the Islamic Republic of Iran will stand by the Iraqi government and nation and use all its capacities to support counter-terrorism process, establish sustainable security, and help develop the (Arab) country,” added Shamkhani.

Earlier this month, during his two-day trip to Iraq to meet religious clerics as well as political, religious, and ethnic leaders, Shamkhani had announced that the country would soon witness positive developments towards formation of a new governing mechanism.

The selection of Foad Masoum as the new president was the latest step in the formation of a new government in Iraq. Last week, Iraq's parliament elected Salim al-Jabouri as the speaker.

Iraqi Politicians have been deadlocked over forming a new government since an election in April, in which Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's bloc won the most seats.