Iraqi President names new PM-designate
Al-Zurfi is an Iraqi Shia politician, who was born in the city of Kufa in Najaf province in 1966.
Al-Zurfi is an Iraqi Shia politician, who was born in the city of Kufa in Najaf province in 1966.
The protesters demanded comprehensive reform, fight against corruption, better public services and more job opportunities.
As in the rest of the Arab world in 2011, Iraqis are protesting against the country’s faltering political system, largely established by the US and its allies after the 2003 invasion which toppled Saddam Hussein.
Abel Abdel Mahdi resigned last month as Prime Minister after pressure from protests.
Pence affirmed his country's support for "the stability of Iraq and the aspirations of Iraqis for reform and peace, as well as the renunciation of violence," the statement further said.
Mass rallies calling for an overhaul of the ruling system have rocked the capital Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south since October 1, but political forces closed ranks this week to defend the government.
