BERLIN - German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari Thursday on the formation of the country's first democratically-elected government in half a century.
"I wish you every success possible in your formidable responsibilities improving security in your country, establishing a democratic system and rebuilding Iraq," Schroeder said in a telegram to Jaafari.
"The German government is determined to support you along the way and offers you cooperation rooted in trust."
Schroeder said he was confident that Germany and Iraq could strengthen their already close and friendly ties.
"I would like to be able to welcome you as my guest in Berlin soon," he said.
After months of political infighting, an overwhelming majority of 180 Iraqi deputies out of the 185 present voted Thursday to back the 37-member cabinet submitted by Jaafari during a special session of the national assembly.
04/28/2005 14:34 GMT