Washington, D.C. – Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) released the following statement today welcoming the formation of Iraq’s new government:
“I applaud the news that an Iraqi government has finally been formed. While negotiations seemed at times interminable and distracted from Iraq’s many vexing challenges, it is also worth considering what did not happen in the nine long months since the election. The commitment of Iraq’s leaders to political process over violence did not waver, and hard-fought security gains did not unravel. Given its turbulent past, today’s announcement bodes well for Iraq’s future.
“The coming year will mark a historic transition. But even as our soldiers are scheduled to depart, America’s commitment to Iraq’s success remains. Among the many important tasks facing the new Iraqi government is ensuring a solid foundation for a continued bilateral partnership in the years to come.”
###