Written question asked by Julian Sturdy (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 December 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2010. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Monday, 20 December 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political and security situation in Iraq.

Answer: The political situation in Iraq has been largely uncertain since the March 2010 elections. However, the appointments on 11 November 2010 of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives Usama al Nujaifi, President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki constitute an important step towards stability. President Talabani has formally invited Prime Minister Maliki to form a Government. We have urged the Iraqis to complete this process swiftly and focus its attention on the multiple challenges facing Iraq, including the security situation.The security situation in Iraq remains a concern. But despite continued terrorist attacks, it is important not to lose sight of the progress that Iraq has made. There remain those opposed to progress and intent on stirring up sectarian tension, but the March 2010 elections and the recent progress towards Government formation have demonstrated the determination of the Iraqi people to follow the path of dialogue and democracy over violence and destruction.

Secondary information