Obama calls Iraq government 'significant moment'

[December 22, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is hailing the formation of Iraq's new government as a "significant moment" in the country's history.

In a written statement Tuesday, Obama said it's both a "major step forward" and a "clear rejection" of sectarian extremism.

The government, headed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, was approved unanimously in Baghdad on Tuesday, ending nine months of political gridlock that had Washington fearing fresh political turmoil as U.S. forces continue their Iraq drawdown.

[Associated Press]

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