Russia commends Iraq's efforts to hold early parliamentary elections and hopes for the early formation of a new inclusive government in Baghdad, the Russian MFA said in a statement on Monday.
"We commend the Iraqi government's efforts to prepare and conduct elections throughout the state. Moscow considers the successful organization of the will of Iraqi citizens in the difficult socio-economic situation and persistent terrorist threats as an important event on the way to further improvement of the situation in the country, ensuring internal political stability and security there. We respect the sovereign choice of the Iraqi people. We express our hope for the rapid formation of a new inclusive and capable government in Iraq, through the participation in which the representatives of the main political forces and ethnic and religious groups of the country will demonstrate readiness to act in harmony to achieve national goals," the document stated.
The Russian diplomatic mission recalled that the elections were recognized by the Iraqi Higher independent electoral commission and the UN Assistance mission for Iraq. "For our part, we are ready to continue providing friendly Iraq with effective support in overcoming the negative consequences of the socio-economic crisis and countering international terrorism, primarily through the development of multifaceted mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation," Smolensk Square noted.
The election was held after massive anti-government protests in the fall of 2019, which led to the resignation of the government. The parliament, busy at the time drafting a new election law, delayed its resignation and setting a date for early elections for months. The vote was originally set for June. More than 3,200 candidates, including 951 women, ran for 329 seats. A total of 109 parties and 21 political coalitions, mostly formed along religious and ethnic lines, competed for representation in the legislature.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS