Iraq to review strategic agreement with US: Iraqi PM

- Mustafa al-Kadhimi says partial Cabinet established crisis desk of foreign affairs experts

Newly elected Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said Saturday that a strategic agreement with the US on the basis of protecting the unity and sovereignty of Iraq will be reviewed.

Following his first Cabinet meeting, al-Kadhimi told reporters the group established a crisis desk consisting foreign affairs experts.

Iraq and the US signed the Strategic Framework Agreement in 2008 based on a relationship of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Parliament gave a vote of confidence Thursday to al-Kadhimi and his partial Cabinet to succeed the resigned government of Adel Abdul-Mahdi.

Al-Kadhimi managed to form a new government after two former prime ministers-designate, Mohammad Allawi and Adnan Al-Zurfi, failed to garner support.

Iraq has been roiled by mass protests since early October because of poor living conditions and corruption, forcing Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi to resign.

At least 496 Iraqis have been killed and 17,000 injured since demonstrations began Oct. 1, according to Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights.

Reporting by Haydar Karaalp in Baghdad

Writing by Gozde Bayar

Anadolu Agency

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