Iraqi president urges consensus to form gov’t

BAGHDAD

Iraqi President Barham Salih on Saturday called on the country’s political forces to reach consensus to end the crisis of government formation.

In a statement, Salih said Iraq is going through a “sensitive situation amid political impasse” casting the country into a “dangerous maze.”

Iraq has been unable to form a government since the Oct. 10 parliamentary elections last year amid differences between political parties. The Iraqi Parliament has also failed to elect a new president.

"The continuation of the political crisis may drag the country into a dangerous maze in which everyone will lose, and therefore all political forces today have a historic, national and moral responsibility to maintain national unity," he added.

The Iraqi leader expressed optimism about ending the crisis if the sides engage in a “serious and effective dialogue” to form “a capable and effective national government that protects the interests of the country."

*Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar in Ankara