UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres congratulated Adel Abdul Mahdi on his confirmation as Iraq's prime minister, said his spokesperson Friday.
He also welcomed the announcement of the formation of a new Iraqi government and the adoption of a new ministerial programme within the country's constitutional timeframe, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, said in a statement.
Guterres encourages the Council of Representatives, the Iraqi parliament, to consider suitable women for the ministerial positions yet to be filled, the statement said.
"The secretary-general expresses his hope that the new government will be able to accelerate inclusive efforts to rebuild the country after years of conflict, promote national reconciliation and foster lasting peace and security in Iraq," it said.
He reiterated that the UN will continue to support the government and people of Iraq during this crucial period, it added.
Mahdi on Wednesday was sworn in as new prime minister of Iraq after the parliament passed 14 out of his 22 cabinet members.
The ritual took place after a long parliament session that continued until after midnight, as it passed the government program submitted by Mahdi as well as his 14 cabinet members after heated debate.
