国际英语新闻：Clinton hails breakthrough of Iraq's political deadlock

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton on Friday hailed the breakthrough of Iraq's eight-month political deadlock as "milestone," as the war-torn country started the process of forming its new government.

"Today's coalition decision is a milestone in the emergence of the new Iraq and it is a testament to the determination of the Iraqi people to build their own democracy, a goal only they can achieve," Clinton said in a statement released by the State Department.

She said in the statement that the power-sharing agreement reached by Iraq's major political blocks "ensures meaningful representation for the election winners, encompassing all of Iraq' s ethnic and sectarian communities."

"It also includes critical provisions for power-sharing and other reforms, including revisions to the de-Ba'athification process. In addition, Iraqi leaders have agreed to establish a National Council on Strategic Policies. This important body will serve as a steering group in the areas of defense policy, foreign affairs, economic policy, and other strategic issues," said Clinton

"It is now up to this government to deliver on an inclusive, comprehensive agenda that serves all Iraqis and strengthens the country as a whole," she added.

The eight-month political deadlock in Iraq finally ended late Wednesday after vying blocs nailed a power-sharing deal. On Friday, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani asked incumbent Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to form the next government.

However, the seemingly political breakthrough was marred by the walk-out of members of Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc led by former prime minister Ayad Allawi after a dispute over a power-sharing deal. Experts believed there are still a lot of uncertainties in terms of whether the remaining disputes could be resolved and whether the different political forces could be really brought to a unity.