WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) today introduced legislation calling for the Iraqi parliament to create a government that is just, representative, and accountable to the people of Iraq.
Six months after elections in Iraq, the 325 members of the Iraqi parliament have failed to select a prime minister and president for their country as their constitution requires.
“Iraq currently remains without a Prime Minster or President, and negotiations between the elected political parties seem to have reached a stalemate,” Co-Chairman Hastings said. “This is not good for Iraq or for the region. The vacuum created in the absence of a new government has encouraged violent attacks against government officials and Iraqi civilians by terrorist thugs who are intent on destabilizing the country.”
The resolution calls on the leaders of Iraq to form, as quickly as possible, a capable and representative government that is accountable to the people, to address the needs of its displaced citizens and to effectively, fairly and transparently develop its oil and gas resources to meet pressing development needs.
