Tawfiq Allawi appointed as Iraq’s new prime minister

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s President Barham Salih has appointed Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as the country’s new prime minister, ending more than two months of uncertainty and political deadlock.

The announcement comes as Iraqis continue anti-government protests two months after former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned under pressure. The 65-year-old Allawi must form a new government within a month and run the country until new elections are held.

In a video posted on Twitter, Allawi said Salih had named him and that he would form a new government in line with protesters’ demands.

“I decided the first to do was to speak to you (Iraqis) directly, before I address anyone else because my authority comes from you,” he said.

“This is your country, this is your right … all we have to do is execute your demands. We have to protect you instead of repressing you,” he added.

Allawi also pledged to restore the country’s battered economy and fight corruption. His selection was the product of months of private talks between rival parties.

In the pre-recorded video, Allawi called on protesters to continue with their uprising against corruption and said he would quit names of ministers in his government were imposed.

“If it wasn’t for your sacrifices and courage there wouldn’t have been any change in the country,” he said addressing anti-government protesters. “I have faith in you and ask you to continue with the protests.”

Allawi was born in Baghdad and served as communications minister first in 2006 and again between 2010-2012. He resigned from the post the second time after a dispute with former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Parliament is expected to put his candidacy to a vote in its next session. He would have thirty days to formulate a government programme and select a cabinet of ministers.

Allawi’s nomination has divided protesters, with some rallying in support, and others rejecting him as prime minister. The demonstrators have been calling for new faces and new names to lead the country.