Iraqi president urges consensus to form gov’t

By Ali Jawad

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi President Barham Salih on Saturday called on the country’s political forces to reach consensus to end the crisis of government formation.

In a statement, Salih said Iraq is going through a “sensitive situation amid political impasse” casting the country into a “dangerous maze.”

Iraq has been unable to form a government since the Oct. 10 parliamentary elections last year amid differences between political parties. The Iraqi Parliament has also failed to elect a new president.

"The continuation of the political crisis may drag the country into a dangerous maze in which everyone will lose, and therefore all political forces today have a historic, national and moral responsibility to maintain national unity," he added.

The Iraqi leader expressed optimism about ending the crisis if the sides engage in a “serious and effective dialogue” to form “a capable and effective national government that protects the interests of the country."

*Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar in Ankara