WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday unreservedly backed Iraq’s new prime minister Haider al-Abadi, calling the change the best hope for bringing peace to the war-ravaged country.

The statement, issued by his office, completely ignored Iraq’s outgoing leader, Nuri al-Maliki, who claims that he is still the prime minister.

Later, Mr Obama also called other world leaders, urging them to support the new political compensation in Iraq.

In a call to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the US president stressed “the need for Iraqi political leaders from all factions to put aside their differences and to form an inclusive government capable of pulling the country together,” the White House said.

Know more: Obama prepares nation for long-term Iraq engagement

Mr Obama lauded Iraqi President Fouad Massoum for naming the new prime minister and said this would make it easier for him to mobilise international support to combat terrorism in the region.

“The United States stands ready to support a government that addresses the needs and grievances of all Iraqi people,” he said.

Mr Obama said Mr Abadi could reach out to Iraq’s Sunni and Kurd minorities in a way Mr Maliki had repeatedly failed to do.

“The only lasting solution is for Iraqis to come together and form an inclusive government,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2014