*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2010 *

**Statement on the Formation of Iraq's Government **

*December 21, 2010 *

Today's vote in the Council of Representatives is a significant moment in Iraq's history and a major step forward in advancing national unity. I congratulate Iraq's political leaders, the Members of the Council of Representatives, and the Iraqi people on the formation of a new Government of national partnership.

Yet again, the Iraqi people and their elected representatives have demonstrated their commitment to working through a democratic process to resolve their differences and shape Iraq's future. Their decision to form an inclusive partnership Government is a clear rejection of the efforts by extremists to spur sectarian division.

Iraq faces important challenges, but the Iraqi people can also seize a future of opportunity. The United States will continue to strengthen our long-term partnership with Iraq's people and leaders as they build a prosperous and peaceful nation that is fully integrated into the region and international community.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Iraq, government formation.

*Subjects:* Iraq : Democracy efforts; Iraq : Insurgency and terrorist attacks; Iraq : Reconciliation efforts; Iraq : Relations with U.S.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201001086.