On hearing the news of the announcement the Foreign Secretary said:

I welcome the announcement today by Iraq’s President, Dr Fouad Massoum, that Dr Haider Al-Abadi has been nominated as Prime Minister Designate. I commend the efforts of President Massoum in carrying out his constitutional duties. It is now vital that a new and fully inclusive government be formed quickly in order to respond to the crisis in Iraq.

We will continue to support the people of Iraq, and the UK is working with international partners to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need across Iraq.

The UK is clear that efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and urgently alleviate the humanitarian situation must ultimately be led by Iraq’s leaders. I therefore call on Iraq’s political leaders to work with the Prime Minister Designate to swiftly form a new Council of Ministers that is representative of all the peoples of Iraq and that can promote national unity and deliver security.

Further information

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+