TEHRAN – Iran welcomes the recent developments in Iraq, including the election of new leaders, which is the starting point for the establishment of a permanent Iraqi government, Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki said on Sunday.

Jawad al-Maliki, a Shia, was nominated Friday to replace interim Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Al-Maliki was asked to form an administration by Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, who was reelected president by the parliament.

“Despite the domestic and foreign pressure, Iraqi elected representatives and political parties have advanced along the path of political development with unity and vigilance,” Mottaki told reporters. “Regrettably, some elements inside and outside Iraq were trying to undermine the political processes and cause a delay in the formation of the new government by creating insecurity and using political pressure,” the minister remarked. “However, all these conspiracies were thwarted through the wise decisions of Iraq’s leaders.”

He also expressed hope that the new Iraqi leaders, with the backing of the Iraqi nation and religious leaders, would return the country to the path of economic development and security so that the country can regain its rightful place in the region and pave the way for the quick withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.

Iran is totally prepared to help the Iraqi government and nation in all areas and calls upon the international community, especially Islamic countries and Iraq’s neighbors, to be more active in helping Iraq, he said.

Ahmadinejad congratulates Talabani on formation of Iraqi govt.

In a telephone conversation with Talabani on Saturday night, Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad congratulated him on his reelection as the president of Iraq.

Ahmadinejad also sent his congratulations to the Iraqi nation on the formation of the new government and expressed hope that with the establishment of a permanent government, development, peace, and security would soon prevail throughout the country.

Pointing to the deep-rooted historical, religious, and cultural ties between the two neighboring countries, Ahmadinejad stated that there is great potential to enhance ties between Tehran and Baghdad.

For his part, the Iraqi president thanked the Iranian nation and government for their sincere support of the Iraqi people.

As two great countries, Iran and Iraq can play a key role in promoting peace and security in the region, the Iraqi president added.

He also expressed hope that with the formation of a permanent government in Iraq, peace and security would be established in his country in the near future.