Seal the deal, world tells Iraq

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- A power-sharing arrangement for a new Iraqi government is a political breakthrough, though Baghdad needs to see it through, world leaders said.

Iraq late Wednesday agreed to a power-sharing deal that divides power among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds. Shiite Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki secured a second term through a nomination process in the Iraqi Parliament during a Thursday session after lawmakers nominated Osama al-Nujaifi, a Sunni member of the Iraqiya slate as the speaker. Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, retains his position as president of Iraq.

U.S. Security of State Hillary Clinton hailed the measure as a breakthrough after more than eight months of political wrangling.

"This agreement ensures meaningful representation for the election winners, encompassing all of Iraq's ethnic and sectarian communities," she said in a statement.

Thursday's session started with Maliki seated next to rival and former interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, who led his Iraqiya slate to an inconclusive victory in March. Allawi later led members of his party in a walkout after lawmakers were divided in part over issues related to the power of a newly formed National Council on Strategic Policies.

Lawmakers have about a month to officially form a new government and entice Allawi back to the political process. Allawi was rumored to be a favorite to head the new national council, which could check some of the powers of the prime minister.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague hailed the announcement in Iraq but said Baghdad had more work to do.

"This is a significant step forward and I now urge Iraq quickly to complete the process of forming a government that represents all Iraqis," he said in a statement.