US envoy says Washington ready to work with Zaidi government to build stable Iraq

BAGHDAD — U.S. envoy Tom Barrack expressed optimism Thursday about Iraq’s new leadership following parliament’s confidence vote, saying Washington is prepared to work closely with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government.

Barrack said President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “stand ready to work closely with the new government to build a sovereign and stable Iraq living peacefully with its neighbors,” with the partnership focused on “achieving prosperity for the Iraqi people and eliminating terrorism that hinders the progress of nations.”

The remarks follow Barrack’s first direct contact with Zaidi on April 30, when he congratulated him by phone and discussed strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Parliament approved 14 ministers Thursday during a session attended by 266 lawmakers before Zaidi and the cabinet took the constitutional oath. Several ministries remain unresolved, with confidence withheld from nominees for planning, higher education, interior, construction and housing and culture. Voting on defense, labor, migration and youth and sports was postponed pending further political agreements.