Iran's Foreign Ministry welcomed on Sunday the new Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, expressing its full support for the Iraqi government’s demand for US forces to pull out of the country.
“In continuing support for the independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and strengthening the foundations of democracy in Iraq along with the legitimate request by the government and people of Iraq for the exit of US forces from the soil of that country, Iran welcomes the selection of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the new prime minister of this country,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.
Iraqi President Barham Salih appointed on Saturday Allawi as the new prime minister, however protesters have already rejected him.
In Baghdad and southern cities demonstrators chanted “we reject Allawi” and held posters of his face with a red cross through it, Reuters reported.
Allawi has one month to form a government and will lead it until early elections are held. No date is set yet.
For his part, Allawi said: “I pledge to protect peaceful protesters and release innocent prisoners ... told hold early elections ... and protect Iraq from all foreign interference.”
He also called on protesters to continue demonstrating until their demands are met.
