The Iraqi parliament voted Rashid as the country’s new president on Thursday, finally setting in motion the country’s government formation process, after a year of political stalemate since early elections were held last October.
Rashid arrived in Baghdad’s presidential Salam Palace on Monday morning to commence his duties as Iraq’s president in a ceremony attended by several political and government officials.
“We set our sights on what the Iraqi people expect from the new government, which we hope forms quickly, and is powerful, competent, and united,” said Rashid during his speech, adding that he will do everything within his power to bring the political powers closer to each other to resolve outstanding issues, including those between Erbil and Baghdad.
Following his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, Rashid named Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani as Iraqi prime minister, tasking him with forming the council of ministers. The PM-designate will have 30 days to name all ministers of his cabinet, or risk losing the position if he fails to do so.
Resolving the existing problems between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has also been highlighted by Sudani, who vowed that the upcoming Iraqi government will be committed to work “according to the constitution” towards strengthening the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad.
Rashid also stated that he will seek to establish “solid and balanced relations” with Iraq’s neighboring countries and the rest of the international community to achieve “the shared interests.”
Attacks on Iraq from neighboring countries, especially Turkey and Iran, have been widely criticized by the local and international communities, calling on the countries to respect Iraq’s sovereignty.
