After Iraqi newly elected president and two vice presidents were sworn in on Thursday, various countries and international organizations extended welcome to the settlement, some voicing support for rebuilding the war-ravaged country.

Jalal Talabani, a veteran Kurdish rebel leader against Saddam Hussein's regime, became the first non-Arab president in the mainly Arab country.

Adel Abdul Mahdi, a Shiite politician, and Ghazi al-Yawar, a Sunni leader from a prominent Arabian tribe, were also sworn in as vice presidents.

The three formed the so-called presidential council, which has designated Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shiite Islamist, as prime minister. The position will only be validated after Jaafari forms a cabinet approved by a majority of the National Assembly (parliament).

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said at a news briefing that his country sees the event as "a really important development" and "a historic development."

"We look forward to working ourselves with the new Iraqi government, and we certainly think that all the neighbors should respect and support this government," Boucher said.

The spokesman insisted that it was the Iraqis who chose their own leaders.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed the Iraqi parliament's appointment as a positive step in Iraq's political process.

"The fact that the National Assembly has agreed on the presidential candidates is quite positive," Lavrov told reporters.

Lavrov called for the continuation of the UN-backed political process in Iraq but voiced concern that time limits for the process have been exceeded.

Difficulties in the coordination of the candidates show that Iraq's internal political dialogue should be promoted among all political forces, Lavrov said.

Jordanian King Abdullah II reiterated his support for Iraq and its people to improve the current situation.

In a message to Iraqi President Talabani, the king said Jordan will exert all efforts to help Iraqis achieve their aspirations and rebuild institutions.

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Thursday congratulated Talabani on his election, but he also stressed the Iraqis are now facing a sensitive and decisive juncture.

"The Iraqi nation, with their magnificent electoral show, indicated that they want to determine the fate of their country through the choice of elected representatives without outside interference," Khatami said.

"We hope to see the establishment of a secure, free and independent Iraq through the vigilance and unity of the entire Iraqi nation and under the prudence of Your Excellency and other esteemed Iraqi officials," said Khatami.

Khatami further announced Iran's readiness for "any cooperation and necessary assistance to the Iraqi government and nation."

In response to the sworn-in, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press conference on Thursday that China is glad to note the recent progress achieved in Iraq's transitional process.

Qin said China is willing to further promote friendly cooperation with the Iraqi transitional government and will continue to support the reconstruction of Iraq.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday congratulated Talabani on his appointment, and reiterated continued EU support for Iraq's economic and political reconstruction.

"I wish to confirm to you our intention to continue supporting the Iraqi reconstruction as well as the political and constitutional processes that lie ahead and which should translate into a better and prosperous life to the entire Iraqi population, "Barroso said in a message to Talabani.

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, also welcomed the new leadership and hoped "Iraq will soon see the constitution of the whole government."

Also on Thursday, Secretary General of the Arab League (AL) AmrMoussa welcomed the election of Talabani.

"Choosing a prominent political figure like Talabani to lead Iraq at the current juncture is of significant connotation," said Moussa.

"It will help form a new Iraq that brings together all Iraqi sects in support of a stable and prosperous country," the AL chief added.

The pan-Arab organization is keen to follow up the latest developments in the Iraqi arena, Moussa said.

He further voiced his belief that the process of drafting a permanent Iraqi constitution will involve the whole spectrum of the Iraqi society.

Source: Xinhua