AFP,  Washington, June 1, 2010  – The United States welcomed the Iraqi supreme court’s ratification of election results on Tuesday, urging political leaders to move ’without delay’ to form a new government.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs hailed what he called ’an important step forward as Iraqis continue to take control of their own future.’
The supreme court ruling confirms initial election results released in late March that put former premier IyadAllawi’sIraqiya bloc in the lead, followed closely by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s State of Law alliance.
However, the court reaffirmed a previous ruling that deals a blow to Allawi’s claim to have the right to be awarded the first opportunity to form a government.
’It is now time for Iraq’s political leaders to accelerate their negotiations on the formation of an inclusive and representative government that is responsive to the needs of the Iraqi people,’ Gibbs said in a statement.
’The United States will continue to work with our Iraqi partners to advance a political process that brings Iraqis together, and that allows Iraq to ease old conflicts and build a future of greater peace and prosperity for all of its people.’
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised the strong nationwide voter turnout for the March 7 general election, adding the country’s electoral commission and security forces managed to stage what she called ’a credible and competitive election.’
The whole electoral ’experience demonstrates that Iraqis want to use the political process to choose their leaders and settle differences,’ the chief US diplomat added.
’With the election results officially certified, we call on Iraq’s political leaders to move forward without delay to form an inclusive and representative government that will work on behalf of the Iraqi people.’
She pledged continued US support for Iraq’s fledgling democracy.
The impasse over the formation of a government comes as the US military pulls its troops out of Iraq, in line with the terms of a bilateral security agreement between Baghdad and Washington.
All American combat troops are set to leave Iraq by the end of August, leaving about 50,000 to advise and train their Iraqi counterparts. A complete withdrawal is due by the end of 2011.
’We congratulate the newly elected members of the Council of Representatives and look forward to working with them in pursuit of our shared goals of expanding peace and security in Iraq and in the region,’ Gibbs said.