Iran welcomes election of Allawi as new prime minister of Iraq

Iran has welcomed the appointment of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new prime minister of Iraq after months of political deadlock in the Arab country.

"In line with its policy to support Iraq's independence, national sovereignty and territorial integrity and to promote democracy, and also [in support of] the legitimate demand of the Iraqi government and nation for the withdrawal of US forces from the country, the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the election of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new prime minister," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Sunday.

He wished Allawi success and expressed hope that by forming a new government, he would be able to meet the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people and religious leadership for the establishment of a stable Iraq, which would play an important regional role.

The Iranian spokesman added that Tehran was ready to help the Iraqi government and nation by all means to help them overcome their problems at the current sensitive juncture.

Iraqi President Barham Salih on Saturday appointed Allawi as the new prime minister after political parties in the parliament failed to name a candidate in two months since former Premier Adel Abdul Mahdi stepped down under pressure in the wake of anti-government protests.

Iraqi president appoints Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as new premier

The Iraqi president has appointed Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the Arab country’s new prime minister.

Allawi, 65, an ex-communications minister, said in a Twitter video message that the president had nominated him for the post to form a new government and that he would do so in line with the demands sought by protesters over the past three months.

“After the president appointed me to form a new government a short while ago, I wanted to talk to you first,” he said, addressing the Iraqi nation. “I will ask you to keep up the protests, because if you are not with me, I won't be able to do anything.”

Since early October 2019, Iraq has been the scene of growing protests, pressing the government to bring in reforms that would root out corruption and alleviate economic woes.

The demonstrations, however, soon turned violent, amid reports of foreign interference, with hundreds of people killed, including members of the security forces.

Iraq’s Shia cleric Muqtada Sadr, the most influential in the Iraqi political system, on Saturday endorsed the designation of a technocrat as prime minister, saying it is a good step after months of turmoil.

Iraq’s powerful cleric Sadr endorses new PM designate Allawi

Iraq’s powerful Shia cleric Muqtada Sadr says the appointment of Mohammad Allawi is a good step.

Sadr said in a tweet that President Salih’s appointment of Allawi could draw the support of people who have been demanding change in the governance of the country.

Read more:

• Iraq’s parliament approves prime minister’s resignation
• Iraqi president submits resignation after rejecting nominee for prime minister
• KRG supports Baghdad’s decision on US troop pullout from Iraq

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