Statement by High Representative Ashton on the Formation of a New Government of Iraq

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Delegation of the European Union to the United States

Dec 21, 2010, 03:30 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, made today the following statement:

"I warmly welcome the new Government in Iraq. I wish to congratulate Prime Minister Al-Maliki and all political entities for having reached this agreement, which marks another important chapter in the democratic development of the country. I commend everyone involved for the spirit of consensus that they have shown, to help take this process forward.

"I hope and trust that the new Government will do everything it can to ensure that Iraq continues on its path to lasting stability, advancing on issues of national reconciliation, proceeding with economic reconstruction and fostering constructive relations with its international partners and countries throughout the region.

"The EU will continue to support Iraq in its efforts to reconstruct the country and to build and consolidate its democratic political system. I very much look forward to working with the new Government and wish to use this opportunity to once again underline our strong commitment to a long term partnership with Iraq."

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SOURCE Delegation of the European Union to the United States