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NATO urges Iraq to form government 'swiftly'

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen applauded the appointment of Iraq's new prime minister and urged Haidar al-Abadi to quickly form an inclusive government in order to defeat the Islamic State and stabilize the country.

By JC Finley
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks during a news conference in Kiev on August 7, 2014. (UPI/Ivan Vakolenko)
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen speaks during a news conference in Kiev on August 7, 2014. (UPI/Ivan Vakolenko) | License Photo

BRUSSELS, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen urged Iraq on Tuesday "to work towards the swift formation of an inclusive government that represents the legitimate interests and aspirations of all Iraqis."

Rasmussen congratulated Haidar al-Abadi on his nomination as Iraq's new prime minister.

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"This represents an important step in the constitutional process towards the formation of a new government."

According to the Iraqi constitution, Abadi has 30 days from his appointment to form a unity government.

The NATO secretary general echoed a message conveyed by the U.S., that "inclusive government is essential in defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and the Lebant, which represents a threat to the security and stability of the region as a whole."

Abadi was officially nominated to the position of premier by Iraqi President Fouad Massoum on Monday.

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