US withdrawal marks new moment in Iraq history: UN chief

[1]

Iraq will have a new opportunity to prove that it can put past troubles behind it with the full withdrawal of US forces from the country, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.

"The completion of the withdrawal of the US military forces marks a new moment in Iraq's recent history," Xinhua quoted a statement from the UN chief as saying.

"This important development is an opportunity for Iraqi leaders to demonstrate to their people and to the world that they are fully capable of steering the country towards a better future," it said.

The US signed a document Dec 18 officially ending the Iraq war, after the last American combat forces left the country. The US began fighting in Iraq in 2003 and has had a presence on the ground since.

According to the statement, Ban said he was closely following the current political situation in Iraq.

Ban urged Iraqi political leaders 'to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to resolve their differences and build on the achievements that have been made so far in laying the ground for a democratic state'.

"Iraqi leaders owe it to the people of Iraq who elected them to work together in spirit of partnership and national unity to address the pressing challenges facing the country," the statement said.

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) was 'still strongly committed' to helping the government and people of the country, he said.