UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomes formation of new govt in Iraq

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday welcomed the formation of a new government in Iraq, saying that it “is a positive step towards political stability and peace in the country”. [caption id=“attachment_1703697” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the formation of a new government in Iraq. Reuters[/caption] “The secretary-general welcomes today’s announcement of the formation of a new inclusive government in Iraq and congratulates Haider al-Abadi on his confirmation as Iraq’s prime minister,” Xinhua quoted a statement issued here by Ban’s spokesman. “At this challenging moment for Iraq and the region, today’s decision by the Iraqi Council of Representatives is a positive step towards political stability and peace in the country.” Earlier on Monday, the Iraqi parliament approved the new cabinet of Prime Minister al-Abadi and his government program for the next four years, leaving key security portfolios unfilled due to political disputes, namely the defence and interior ministers. Al-Abadi requested an additional week to name them. IANS