The United States and Iran signaled their support of a new Iraqi government led by Haider al-Abadi, who was officially nominated to replace Nuri al-Maliki.
"We are prepared to consider additional political, economic and security options as Iraq's government starts to build a new government," the US Secretary of State John Kerry told a news conference in Australia, Reuters reported.
"The best thing for stability in Iraq is for an inclusive government to bring the disaffected parties to the table and work with them in order to make sure there is the kind of sharing of power and decision-making that people feel confident the government represents all of their interests," he added.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also expressed support of the nomination.
"Iran supports the legal process that has taken its course with respect to choosing Iraq's new prime minister," a representative of the Ayatollah said.
"Iran favours a cohesive, integrated and secure Iraq," the representative added.
Maliki has faced increasing criticism and pressure to step aside from all quarters including the Sunnis, Kurds and from within his own Shi'ite community, as Islamic State fighters advanced across the country in recent weeks.
Maliki's initial refusal and defiant rhetoric at the nomination of Abadi, appeared to deflate on Tuesday, following the loss of support from Washington and Tehren.
Apparently retracting his earlier threat of using military force to retain power, Maliki issued a statement stressing that the army must stay out of politics, the IHT reports.
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also added his endorsement of the new government.
"I welcome the formation towards a new government. Prime Minister designate Haider al-Abadi now has the important task of forming a broad based government, acceptable to all components of Iraqi society. It is imperative that the security forces refrain from intervening on political process," he said during a press conference on Tuesday.
"We are prepared to consider additional political, economic and security options as Iraq's government starts to build a new government," the US Secretary of State John Kerry told a news conference in Australia, Reuters reported.
"The best thing for stability in Iraq is for an inclusive government to bring the disaffected parties to the table and work with them in order to make sure there is the kind of sharing of power and decision-making that people feel confident the government represents all of their interests," he added.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also expressed support of the nomination.
"Iran supports the legal process that has taken its course with respect to choosing Iraq's new prime minister," a representative of the Ayatollah said.
"Iran favours a cohesive, integrated and secure Iraq," the representative added.
Maliki has faced increasing criticism and pressure to step aside from all quarters including the Sunnis, Kurds and from within his own Shi'ite community, as Islamic State fighters advanced across the country in recent weeks.
Maliki's initial refusal and defiant rhetoric at the nomination of Abadi, appeared to deflate on Tuesday, following the loss of support from Washington and Tehren.
Apparently retracting his earlier threat of using military force to retain power, Maliki issued a statement stressing that the army must stay out of politics, the IHT reports.
The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon also added his endorsement of the new government.
"I welcome the formation towards a new government. Prime Minister designate Haider al-Abadi now has the important task of forming a broad based government, acceptable to all components of Iraqi society. It is imperative that the security forces refrain from intervening on political process," he said during a press conference on Tuesday.