Al-Khazali, foreign minister Fuad Hussein discuss government formation

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Monday in Baghdad with Qais Al-Khazali, Secretary-General of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, to discuss recent political developments following Iraq’s parliamentary elections.

According to a statement from al-Khazali’s office, Hussein offered congratulations on “the successful conduct” of the elections and “the smooth execution of the democratic process.”

The election was held on Nov. 11.

Al-Khazali said the meeting focused on accelerating the steps to form a government and select the country’s top officials “in line with the will of the people and to preserve political stability.”

He emphasized the importance of “adhering to constitutional timelines and expediting the resolution of the three presidencies,” adding that the current phase requires “a high level of national responsibility and broad political unity.”

The vote determined the full membership (329 seats) of Council of Representatives of Iraq. Final official turnout was 56.11%, with over 12 million ballots cast.