UN lauds Maliki for relinquishing power

The United Nations (UN) has lauded Nouri al-Maliki’s decision to step down as Iraq’s prime minister as indicative of his commitment to democracy.

According to Press TV, the world body’s special representative for Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a statement, “The decision of Mr. Maliki to allow the formation of a new government to proceed without further delay demonstrates statesmanship and a commitment to the democratic process and the constitution.”

Maliki stepped down as premier on Thursday to make way for Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, voicing support for his successor.

Earlier in the month, Iraq’s new President Fouad Massoum appointed the deputy parliament speaker Abadi to form a new government.

US National Security Advisor Susan Rice has also said Maliki’s backing down from power is a major step toward unity in Iraq.

Referring to the move, the UN official said, “It will allow for another historic milestone – the peaceful transition of authority in a country that has been through too much bloodshed and violence.”

Iraq has been fighting ISIL Takfiri terrorists since they took control of Mosul on June 10. The ISIL terrorists have been committing heinous crimes in the captured areas, including the mass execution of civilians and Iraqi security forces.