World leaders have been paying broad tribute to the formation of the first full-term government since the 2003 invasion.
Iraq's parliament gives its approval to the new government
The unity government comprises members of the main Shia, Kurd and Sunni parties who have ended months of wrangling since elections in December.
GEORGE W BUSH, US PRESIDENT
Iraqis now have a fully constitutional government, marking the end of a democratic transitional process in Iraq that has been both difficult and inspiring. Iraq's new leaders know the period ahead will be filled with great challenge. But they also know that they - and their great country - will not face them alone. The United States and freedom-loving nations around the world will stand with Iraq.
TONY BLAIR, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER
This is not a Shia government with appointees from different parties. It's actually a genuine coalition government... and that's got to be a hopeful sign.
SPOKESMAN FOR KOFI ANNAN, UN SECRETARY GENERAL
The secretary-general... hopes that the process of forming a broad-based and inclusive government will be completed as soon as possible, so that it will be able to quickly address the crucial issues of national reconciliation, security, the rule of
law, respect for human rights, reconstruction and development.
ROMANO PRODI, ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER
The choice [to include] all the most representative components of your country is an important step on the difficult road towards the reconstruction of a democratic Iraq.
FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER
Our first step will be to invite the Iraqi prime minister or foreign minister to a meeting [of EU foreign ministers]. The EU troika (Germany, Britain and France) will travel to Baghdad when the security situation permits.
ZALMAY KHALILZAD, US AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ
The future of Iraq will set the course of the future of the
greater Middle East. The future of this region will determine
the future of the world over the next century.
JALAL TALABANI, IRAQI PRESIDENT
Working with our people and our allies, this national unity government will purge Iraq of its evil forces, allowing it to once again become independent and
NOURI MALIKI, IRAQI PRIME MINISTER
The first challenge we face is security and how to deal with the terrorist killers who are destroying the country and shedding the blood of the Iraqi people. Those people should know that this government is designed in a way to effectively face this challenge.
SALEH AL-MUTLAQ, SUNNI LAWMAKER
This is not democracy and this is not freedom. It is wrong that somebody is asked to pay a big price and to give up my principles and dignity in order to get a ministry.