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UN chief Ban ki Moon hails new government in Iraq
"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