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Iraqi Prime Minister Says New Government Delayed

   VOA News 12 December 2010
   Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (file photo)

Photo: AP

   Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (file photo)

   Iraqi  Prime  Minister  Nouri al-Maliki has indicated the formation of
   the  country's  new  government  will  be  closer  to  the December 25
   deadline than first thought.
   Maliki  had  vowed  to announce the formation of the new government by
   December  15,  but  said Saturday he is still seeking nominations from
   top politicians.
   Prime  Minister  Maliki, a Shi'ite Muslim, is forming a new government
   at  the  request  of  President  Jalal  Talabani,  a  Kurd,  after the
   parliamentary elections in March failed to produce an outright winner.
   The  new  government aims to end an eight-month political stalemate by
   uniting Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds, and ending the rival tensions.
   The challenges facing an Iraqi government include the stagnant economy
   and neutralizing terrorist activity after U.S. troops leave next year.
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References

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