UN Security Council supports new government in Baghdad

NEW YORK (AA) - Members of the UN Security Council hailedthe decision of Iraqi president Fuad Masum to nominate a new Prime Minister-designate, a written press statement said on Wednesday. The nomination of Haider al-Abadi is "an important step" toward the formation of an inclusive Iraqi government that represents "all segments of the Iraqi population," the statement said. The new government is expected to contribute to finding a "viable and sustainable solution" to the current security challenges, it added.
The council also reaffirmed its support for Iraq's democratic process. It urged "all political parties and their supporters" to respect the political process governed by the Iraqi constitution and to "remain calm."
Security Council also reiterated its support for the Iraqis in their fight against terrorism, and in particular against self-proclaimed Islamic State militants.
The violence in Iraq escalated in early June after a coalition of armed groups linked to the Islamic State took control of large swathes of the country's predominantly Sunni provinces.