U.S. pressures Iraq to form new government soon

U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton on Tuesday pressured Iraq to form a new government soon and end the political vacuum, five months after the country's elections concluded.

"There is a critical need for Iraq's political leaders to continue the hard work necessary to form a proportionate and inclusive government that represents the voices of Iraq's diverse communities and can deliver on the promise of democracy," Clinton said at a joint press conference with visiting Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

Washington has become increasingly impatient over Iraq's political deadlock as President Obama wants the U.S. troops to end combat operations there by Sept. 1 and downsize to 50,000.

"The United States expresses no preference in the outcome in the government formation but we share a sense of urgency," said Clinton, urging everyone involved to do more.

"The people of Iraq deserve to have a government that is ready to meet their needs and we hope that occurs soon," she added.

Since the March 7 parliamentary election, Iraqi politicians have been bickering about who should have the right to form the next government, since no party has won a majority in the 325- member parliament.

The Iraqi parliament on Monday postponed its session scheduled for Tuesday by two weeks to give more time to the rival political blocs to agree on choosing the top posts.

Source: Xinhua