Middle East News
Germany offers support to new Iraqi government
Nov 12, 2010, 12:37 GMT
Berlin - Germany expressed support on Friday for the new Iraqi government to be formed under President Jalal al-Talabani, and welcomed the progress made after eight months of political deadlock.
Talabani was re-elected by parliament on Thursday, after an inconclusive general election in March.
'The new Iraqi government faces huge challenges. In particular it is crucial to restore internal security and stability,' said a spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel.
This, he added, included the protection of religious minorities, in particular Christians.
'Germany is prepared to support Iraq in surmounting the challenges ahead, and hope to place our cooperation with the Iraqi government on a new, broader foundation,' the spokesman added.
Earlier on Friday, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle stressed that social and economic reconstruction, as well as reconciliation, were 'without alternative.'
'This is the only way that people in Iraq have a real chance at sustainable peace and wellbeing,' he said.
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