Iraq's new Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi speaks to Iraqi lawmakers before submitting his government in Baghdad September 8, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)
The European Union (EU) congratulated on Tuesday Iraq's Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi over the formation of a new government.
"We welcome the spirit of compromise and inclusiveness through which personal interests are put to one side for the sake of the future of the country and the preservation of unity," the press statement asserted.
Recognising the "huge challenges" that the new cabinet faces, the EU hoped that an agreement will be reached "shortly" concerning the completion of the cabinet seats.
Iraqi MPs approved a new cabinet on Monday under Al-Abadi's premiership, though both interior and defence portfolios remained empty. Al-Abadi, a Shia Muslim, vowed to reach an agreement over the names of the ministers within a week.
In a bid to reduce the severity of sectarian tensions in the country, Iraq's parliament had also approved three new vice presidents, including two Shias- Al-Maliki and former premier Iyad Allawi - and parliament speaker Osama Al-Nujaifi, a Sunni.
The inclusive cabinet encompasses Shia ministers, along with others from both Kurdish and Sunni minorities. Nuri Al-Maliki's former government faced criticism for pushing against Sunni political representation.
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