US President Barack Obama on Friday praised a “milestone” in Iraq after rival parties reached a power-sharing deal following months of negotiations and deadlock. Obama, speaking at the G20 summit in South Korea, said there were still challenges to come in Iraqi politics. But, according to AFP, he described the deal as “inclusive” and said it reflected the will of the people following the Iraqi election in March.
“There are still some challenges to come but all indications are the government will be representative, inclusive and reflect the will of the Iraqi people,” Obama said. “This agreement marks another milestone in the history of modern Iraq,” Obama said.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also welcomed the news. The agreement was “a testament to the determination of the Iraqi people to build their own democracy, a goal only they can achieve,” Clinton said.
