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The United States has welcomed the decision of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to step down in favour of his successor Haider al-Abadi and described it as "another major step forward in uniting" a country which threatens to be torn apart by a jihadist offensive and political infighting.
"Today, Iraqis took another major step forward in uniting their country. We commend Prime Minister Maliki for his decision to support Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi in his efforts to form a new government in line with the Iraqi constitution," the National Security Advisor Susan Rice said.
"We have heard from a wide range of leaders across the Iraqi political spectrum who have expressed their commitment to work with Abadi to form a broad, inclusive government with an agenda that can address the needs and legitimate aspirations of the Iraqi people".
"In the last few days, we have also welcomed statements of support from all over the world for the new Prime Minister-designate," she said.
"These are encouraging developments that we hope can set Iraq on a new path and unite its people against the threat presented by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The United States remains committed to a strong partnership with Iraq and the Iraqi people," Rice said.
US Secretary of State John Kerry also commended the decision by Maliki to support Prime Minister-designate Haider Al-Abadi in his efforts to form a new government and develop a national program in line with Iraq's constitutional timeline.
"This milestone decision sets the stage for a historic and peaceful transition of power in Iraq," Kerry said.
"We urge Abadi and all Iraqi leaders to move expeditiously to complete this process, which is essential to pulling the country together and consolidating the efforts of Iraq's many diverse communities against the common threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant," Kerry added.
