Jeddah, Muharram 16, 1432, Dec 22, 2010, SPA -- The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has welcomed the formation and subsequent approval of the new Iraqi government Tuesday by the Parliament and congratulated Prime Minister Maliki and the members of his Cabinet. In a press statement, he expressed hope that the new government, which reflects the broad-based consensus among the Iraqi political groups, would further help strengthen national unity, stability, development and prosperity of the country. While pledging the continued solidarity and support of the OIC to the government and people of Iraq, the Secretary General appealed to all Iraqis to close ranks and seize the new momentum to face challenges to the restoration of lasting security and stability in Iraq. --SPA 11:19 LOCAL TIME 08:19 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/848251